The Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons launch NFL Sunday in Week 8, with Seattle having a major edge in the rushing department (ranked 9th) over their home team opponent (ranked 29th) which will likely be the difference maker for the visitor. Bettors who put stock in historical data should note that in the 16 regular season meetings that these two franchises have had, Seattle has won 10 (62.5% win percentage). The last time Russel Wilson and Matt Ryan faced off though (November 2017) the Falcons won 34-31. But that Wilson wore a different persona than the one playing this Sunday, and the same can be said of Ryan but in a less flattering way. Going into the game, the sportsbook favors the Seahawks while NFL futures also heavily favor Seattle, pricing them at +1600 to win the Super Bowl, while Atlanta is listed at the bottom with +100,000 odds.
The Seahawks hosted the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7 and lost, marred by a tough second half. Russel Wilson threw 20-41 for 241 yards with one touchdown and one interception to his name. Wilson, who has been stellar all season, simply wasn’t himself and struggled to find open receivers against the Ravens’ physical secondary. The Seahawks were leading 10-6 and driving when Wilson made the error of double-clutching and attempting to throw late into the flat for an interception. But don’t expect this to weigh heavy on Seattle in Week 8. Every expert had been waiting for Wilson to slip up in what’s been a near perfect season for him thus far, and it was overdue, but now that’s out of the way you can expect him to stay the course he’s been on and make an example out of the Falcons. Plus, Seattle was without several key starters, including starting safety Bradley McDougald, defensive end Ziggy Ansah, and left tackle Duane Brown. All have relatively minor injuries and should suit up in Atlanta. Although McDougald replacement rookie Marquise Blair impressed by notching six tackles. If McDougald wants to sit this one out the Seahawks should still be in good hands with the rook.
When playing on the road this season, Seattle is strong against the spread (ATS) with a 3-0 record.
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons (1-6)
The Falcons hosted the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7 and lost 37-10. Contrary to Seattle’s play on Sunday, this result was expected. Matt Ryan threw 16-27 for 159 yards and one interception. More importantly, the 34 year old quarterback exited the game with an ankle injury and dealt the Atlanta Falcons a final blow to what little hope they may have had in bouncing back this season. Ryan is undergoing an MRI (Monday) and is expected to be out for the game against Seattle. His team did little to rally in his fourth quarter (7:36 minute mark) exit, and with just 11 seconds left in the game running back Kenjon Barner fumbled a punt return when hit by Troy Reeder, at which point Darious Williams recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. This game will be what Russel Wilson needs to shake off a rough Week 7 and he will make an example out of the Falcons, even if Matt Ryan hobbles back onto the field.
When playing at the home this season, Atlanta is 1-2 ATS, covering just 33.3% of the time.
Writer’s Prediction
Seattle extends its straight up (SU) record against Atlanta to 11-6, and covers with a final score of 28-12.
