The controversial “Fail Mary” game notwithstanding, the Seattle Seahawks were one of the feel-good comeback stories of 2011. After four losing years (combined 23-41 SU and 29-34-1 ATS in 4 seasons) and a mediocre 4-4 SU and 5-3 ATS start last year, they romped to 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS records in the final 8 games to make the playoffs as a wildcard team. Their 11-5 win-loss record was only half a game back of NFC West winning and Super Bowl runner-up, San Francisco. They also went 11-5 ATS—tied for the best mark in the NFL for covering the spread.
The battle for NFC supremacy started in the offseason for Seattle and San Francisco. Even as the 49ers tweaked their roster, the Seahawks also made some major moves headlined by their acquisition of Percy Harvin in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. Harvin was the top wide receiver for the Vikings last year with 677 receiving yards despite playing just 9 games. On defense, Seattle snatched defensive ends Cliff Avril (from Detroit) and Michael Bennett (from Tampa Bay) in free agency to try to improve their weak pass rush.
Much of the Seahawks’ performance this season will hinge on the continued development of sophomore quarterback Russell Wilson. His QB rating of 100.3 last year ranked 4th overall—better than the likes of Colin Kaepernick, Tom Brady and Joe Flacco. Can Wilson prove that he belongs with the elite QBs? The Seahawks are priced at +500 to win the NFC and their Super Bowl 2014 odds of winning are priced at +800, so even the betting lines expect that Wilson and the Seahawks’ records were not flukes.
Key Betting matchups of 2013 NFL Season:
Week 8 vs. St. Louis Rams – The Seahawks are 14-2 SU and 11-5 ATS in their last 16 meetings with the Rams.
Seattle Seahawks bettors should pay attention to:
– Harvin, who should be one of the top targets by Wilson this year.
