Pro Football Picks: Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers

Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers
Friday, 8/23/13, 8:00 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: Seattle -3
Current Betting Line: Seattle -2.5
Opening Total: 42
Current Total: 43
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Seattle Seahawks have looked tremendous through the first two weeks of their preseason schedule

Seattle has won and covered the spread in its first two games of the 2013 NFL preseason, including a 40-10 home victory over the Denver Broncos as five-point home favorites last Saturday, while going OVER the betting total in both contests. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was very impressive against the Broncos, while the squad has compiled a plus-six turnover ratio thus far, which can’t be ignored when making your pro football picks Friday night. Only the Arizona Cardinals have a better mark in that particular category at plus-seven heading into Week 3.

The Seahawks have won their past three preseason road games—something that head coach Pete Carroll has mentioned consistently in practice leading up to this high-profile NFC matchup. “Preseason is very important to us,” commented Carroll. Seattle must cut down on its penalties before its regular-season opener, as it has been flagged 20 times for 172 yards.

Green Bay has split its first two games, as it comes off a 19-7 triumph over the St. Louis Rams as four-point road underdogs, while going UNDER the betting total for a second straight contest. The Packers got a good look at rookie running back Eddie Lacy, as the former Alabama Crimson Tide star led the team with eight carries and amassed a game-high 40 yards. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was also sharp—completing 10 of 12 throws for 134 yards, which is important to consider when looking over the pro football odds page.

The Packers will definitely be challenged on the offensive end in this affair, with the Seahawks coming in with the league’s top scoring defense from a year ago. Green Bay has enjoyed great success at Lambeau Field during the regular season in recent years, as it has won 20 of its last 21 games, which could carry over into this exhibition matchup. The biggest position battle to watch on the field is at right tackle—with Don Barclay and Marshall Newhouse trying to earn the starting spot.