The Seattle Seahawks will be squaring off against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET.
The Lions enter as 3.5-point favorites, and the total points expected for the game are set at 46.5.
Seattle (3-0 SU, 1-1-1 ATS, and 2-1 O/U) secured a decisive 24-3 victory against Miami last weekend. The Seahawks also achieved wins over Denver (26-20) and New England (23-20) in the previous weeks.
Detroit (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS, and 0-3 O/U) managed to outlast Arizona with a score of 20-13 last Sunday. Prior to that, the Lions defeated the LA Rams (26-20) in Week 1 but fell short against Tampa Bay (20-16) in Week 2.
Last season, Seattle edged out Detroit in a thrilling overtime match, winning 37-31. Geno Smith threw for 328 yards and two touchdowns, while Kenneth Walker III contributed two rushing touchdowns. The Seahawks also capitalized on three turnovers by the Lions.
Seattle’s Defense: A Formidable Force
Seattle demonstrated its defensive prowess against Miami, outmatching them by a score of 24-3 and gaining 165 more yards. The Dolphins struggled offensively, averaging just 3.7 yards per play and converting only once on third and fourth downs combined. Notably, the Seahawks have started the season 3-0 while keeping their first three opponents under 150 passing yards, a feat not seen since the 1979 Steelers. Although Seattle scored 17 points in the first quarter, penalties and turnovers hindered their scoring potential in the later stages.
“It’s such a dangerous team. You know the usual suspects,” head coach Mike Macdonald noted. “When they get their hands on the ball, you’ve got to take great angles and set the edge.”
Seattle is averaging 24.3 points (8th) and 344.0 total yards (8th) per game, with a passing game ranking 3rd at 246.7 yards per game. However, the rushing attack is lagging at 97.3 yards (22nd). The Seahawks have allowed eight sacks and committed four turnovers this season.
Quarterback Geno Smith leads the team with a 74.8% completion rate, amassing 787 yards and a 3:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His main targets include DK Metcalf (17 receptions for 262 yards and two touchdowns), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (17 receptions for 175 yards and one touchdown), and Tyler Lockett (13 receptions for 138 yards). Running back Kenneth Walker III, who had a strong start with 103 rushing yards in Week 1, has been sidelined recently due to an oblique injury, allowing Zach Charbonnet to step in with 141 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
The Seahawks’ defense has been impressive, allowing only 14.3 points (4th) and 248.7 total yards (2nd) per game. They rank 1st in passing defense with just 132.3 yards allowed per game. This season, they have 11 sacks, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery.
Injury report: DT Byron Murphy II, LB Jerome Baker, LB Tyrel Dodson, TE Noah Fant, RB Kenneth Walker III, LB Uchenna Nwosu, LB Bofe Maye, TE Pharaoh Brown, DT Jonathan Hankins, and DE Leonard Williams are all listed as questionable.
Detroit: Versatile and Resourceful
Detroit recently secured a win on the road against Arizona, limiting the Cardinals to just three points in the second half. Despite scoring zero points in the second half themselves, the Lions dominated time of possession and outgained Arizona by over 100 yards.
“I feel like we can play different types of games,” commented Lions coach Dan Campbell. “We can do whatever we need to win, whether through special teams, defense, or offense.”
Detroit is averaging 20.7 points (16th) and 399.7 total yards (4th) per game, with a balanced attack that includes 236.7 passing yards (7th) and a solid rushing game with 163.0 yards (4th). The Lions have given up four sacks and committed four turnovers, all of which were interceptions.
Quarterback Jared Goff leads the Lions with 723 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions, completing 66.0% of his passes. His top receiving targets include Jameson Williams (11 receptions for 209 yards and one touchdown) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (21 receptions for 207 yards and one touchdown). In the backfield, David Montgomery (231 rushing yards and three touchdowns) and Jahmyr Gibbs (207 rushing yards and one touchdown) make up a powerful duo.
The Lions’ defense is allowing 17.7 points (9th) and 293.3 total yards (10th) per game, ranking 4th in rushing defense with only 76.7 rushing yards allowed per game. They have recorded eight sacks and three interceptions this season.
Injury report: DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, DB Brian Branch, and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. are questionable, while C Frank Ragnow is out due to a pectoral injury.
Smart Bets for Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions
Despite not reaching their full potential yet, Detroit has shown flashes of a strong team, while Seattle has surprised many with their performance, especially in metrics such as EPA and success rate. With Kenneth Walker III’s injury lingering, the Seahawks may struggle against a Lions defense that has excelled on third downs, holding opponents to a 25% success rate, ranking third in the NFL. After successfully containing Kyler Murray, the Lions’ secondary is likely to perform well against Smith and his receiving corps.
I anticipate the Lions will capitalize on their home advantage, showcasing their strengths against a Seahawks squad dealing with injuries. Detroit is well-positioned to run effectively against Seattle’s vulnerable defense, while Jared Goff has a proven track record indoors, showing a 26-9 ATS record in such conditions. The excitement in Detroit is palpable following the Tigers’ postseason berth, which will further energize the home crowd.
Place your bets on the Lions, who are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games as favorites, to win and cover on Monday Night Football!
