New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks
Time: 7:20 PM (EST)
Spread: SEA -4
Total: 44.5
Odds c/o 5dimes
The New England Patriots won Week 1 over the Miami Dolphins 21-11. This week it returns home to host the Seattle Seahawks at 7:20 PM (EST) on NBC. The Seahawks enter as 4-point favorites over the Patriots, with the over/under set at 44.5 points according to the latest odds from oddsmaker 5dimes.
NEW ENGLAND NEWS AND NOTES:
Cam Newton looked fine in the New England Patriots’ opener, odd however as it was seeing anyone other than Tom Brady taking the snaps for New England. Newton found Brady’s system suitable, hoisting 15 of 19 for 155 yards, though he did not throw a TD. Newton also rushed 15 times at a rate of 5 per, amounting to 75 yards and two touchdowns. Sony Michel struggled a little in gaining just 37 yards on his 10 carries but did finish with a touchdown as well. Julian Edelman and Nkeal Harry each caught five passes for a combined 96 yards. The Patriots had just one play greater than 20-yards, a 25-yard reception by Ryan Izzo, who caught no other passes.
The Patriots did intercept Ryan Fitzpatrick three times, however, which proved to be a decisive difference-maker. Additionally, the Dolphins gained just 87 total yards despite 27 attempts in the game. Fitzpatrick was stifled well with just 18 yards on his five attempts. The Patriots will have a headier task with Seattle’s offensive firepower in Week 2 and will need to employ the same pressure that it did with defensive blitzes in Week 1.
Thus far, there is a simple plan ignited by the defense to be more pressure-driven, and so far it has worked. Nothing should change there. If New England can manage to keep Russell Wilson on his toes and perhaps even commit a miscue, the momentum could easily swing in the favor of the visiting Patriots. Early momentum will probably prove to be a key in dealing with Seattle on its home field.
SEATTLE NEWS AND NOTES:
The Seattle Seahawks won its home opener over the Atlanta Falcons 38-25, and this week it takes to the road to face the New England Patriots. Seattle enters as favorites, but this should be a fairly down to the wire game, and the 4-point spread is indicative enough for the same confidence oddsmakers have in this Seattle. The Seahawks so far have received 31 of 35 passing from Russell Wilson, to the tune of 322 yards, four touchdowns, and an 85.3 Quarterback rating.
Wilson was sacked three times for 23 yards lost, but he also rushed three times for a collective gain of 29 yards, though a 28-yard play was to credit for that. Carlos Hyde struggled in rushing seven times for only 23 yards, but he scored the lone Seahawks rushing TD.
DJ Metcalf caught four passes for 95 yards and a TD, and Chris Carson caught two touchdown passes, while Greg Olsen contributed one more TD. The Seahawks targeted 35 passers and connected on 31, moving the chains and the football with relative ease. Problematic from that victory was that Matt Ryan did amass 450 passing yards against the defense, but the Falcons were fairly ineffective via the rush against Seattle. The Seahawks defense limited it to 21 carries for 72 yards, while Todd Gurley was held in check to just 56 yards on 14 carries, though he did rush for a TD in the game.
Seattle will have to use the same focus as the primary rusher being a QB in this game. The Seahawks should have the power to keep Newton limited, but if he takes to the air with the same deadly accuracy again and the Patriots get rolling as they can, this could be no different than the Tom Brady era. That is not to say the oddsmakers are underestimating New England, as the Seahawks are legitimately worthy of the favoritism in the odds shown by all outlets.
