The Seattle Seahawks will face off against the New England Patriots this Sunday at Gillette Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
Seattle enters the game as 3.5-point favorites, with an expected total score of 38.5 points.
After a successful start, Seattle (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 O/U) secured a 26-20 victory against Denver in their opening week. The Seahawks ended their previous season with a record of 9-8.
New England (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 0-1 O/U) also began the season on a high note, defeating Cincinnati 16-10 last Saturday. The Patriots struggled last season, finishing with just four wins.
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Seattle Seeks Offensive Improvement in Week Two
Despite narrowly missing the playoffs last season, Seattle possesses a talented roster. However, expectations are tempered as they aim to compete with San Francisco for the division title in 2024-25. In their season opener against Denver, the Seahawks relied heavily on star running back Kenneth Walker III, who recorded 20 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, Walker is now listed as doubtful due to an oblique injury.
“Once the run game opened up, it allowed us to get into some of our tempo stuff and start passing the ball, which really made our offense come alive,” quarterback Geno Smith remarked.
The Seahawks’ defense also played a pivotal role, forcing two interceptions from Denver’s rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Macdonald, the defense showed promise with eight quarterback hits, two sacks, and six tackles for loss. Macdonald has enhanced the defense by adding players like defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and linebackers Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson, along with rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy.
Seattle’s offense, featuring Smith throwing to wide receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, looks poised for explosive plays. Walker’s potential stardom is complemented by Zach Charbonnet, a capable pass-catcher. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who excelled at the University of Washington, could lead to more deep-ball opportunities for Smith, who had a stellar deep ball rating last year.
Key injuries: T George Fant, TE Pharaoh Brown, LB Jerome Baker, CB Riq Woolen, WR Tyler Lockett, LB Tyrel Dodson, DE Dre’Mont Jones, and CB Tre Brown are all questionable. LB Uchenna Nwosu is doubtful.
Patriots Showcase Defensive Resilience
The Bill Belichick era ended after a disappointing four-win season, leading New England to promote Jerod Mayo as head coach. The Patriots also shifted from quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe to veteran Jacoby Brissett, with first-round pick Drake Maye waiting for his chance.
In their season opener against Cincinnati, New England’s defense was the standout feature, limiting the Bengals to just 70 rushing yards and 164 passing yards while forcing them to convert only 4 out of 12 third and fourth downs. Brissett managed to keep the offense moving, completing 15 of 24 passes for 121 yards.
“He was tremendous,” Mayo said, praising Brissett. “He made plays with both his arm and legs. He’s a tough competitor who took hits and kept getting back up.”
New England lacks a standout receiver, presenting a challenge for the offense. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, will be crucial. In week one, the Patriots managed impressive ground game numbers, racking up 170 rushing yards on 39 carries, with Stevenson leading with 120 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots’ defense will be key to their success, as seen in their first game where they sacked Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow three times and forced two fumbles. The return of cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who showed promise before his injury last season, will strengthen the secondary. He, along with Jonathan Jones, provides a solid cornerback duo, while safeties Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger are formidable as well. However, the pass rush may face difficulties without key players like Matthew Judon and Christian Barmore.
Key injuries: OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is out. S Kyle Dugger, S Jabrill Peppers, RB Antonio Gibson, DE Deatrich Wise Jr., LB Anfernee Jennings, LB Joshua Uche, and G Sid Sow are questionable.
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Betting Insights for Seahawks vs. Patriots
Seattle’s performance in week one raised questions, particularly against a Denver team they were favored to beat. Traveling cross-country to face a potentially improved New England squad could pose challenges. This matchup favors the Patriots, as their strong defensive unit may neutralize Seattle’s ground game, especially if Walker is sidelined with injury. The Patriots’ front seven previously allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in their first game.
The Seahawks’ offensive line struggles, compounded by Fant’s knee injury, add to the uncertainty. The Seattle defense is also dealing with injuries, with several key players listed as questionable. If Brissett continues to play smart football and the Patriots’ defense can limit big plays, New England stands a good chance of keeping the game competitive, potentially within a field goal margin.
