The Seahawks got some pieces back on defense but will go against the Lions on ESPN Monday Night Football without their top running back. Seattle has yet to allow a point with Kam Chancellor back after ending his holdout, but Marshawn Lynch won’t be there to carry the offense. It may not matter with the Lions struggling offensively. The Seahawks are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games at CenturyLink Field and covered last week as a 16-point underdog.
ODDS
Seattle opened as a 9-point favorite with the total at 43. The Seahawks are on an epic run on their own field, winning 27 of their last 29 straight up and going 21-8 against often large spreads. The line moved to -9.5 while the total crept to 43.5.
KEY INJURIES
Joique Bell – Has been ruled out for Monday’s game with an ankle injury. Rookie Ameer Abdullah is expected to get most of the carries for the Lions, with Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner also in the mix.
DeAndre Levy – Did not travel to Seattle and will miss his fourth straight game. He practiced all week as he attempts to overcome a hip injury, but wasn’t ready. Josh Bynes will start in his place once again.
Marshawn Lynch – Won’t play because of a hamstring injury. Undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls will likely be the starter. Rawls had 104 yards on 16 carries in last week’s win over the Bears.
KEY MISMATCH
Seattle receiver Tyler Lockett has been kept in check through three games, but the odds are in his favor for an impactful performance this week. The Lions have allowed 12 pass plays of 20 or more yards, tied for fifth-most. Opposing quarterbacks are completing a staggering 78.2 percent of their passes against Detroit and averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. Lockett has played 55.1 percent of the offensive snaps this season and has six catches for 51 yards. Getting on the field has not been a problem. Last week he ran a couple of smooth deep routes, when he got over top of the defense. The only problem is that Seattle’s protection broke down. If the Seahawks can just give Russell Wilson a little more time, this could be the week Lockett hauls in a few deep balls.
KEY STAT
36.0 – Seattle’s third-down conversion rate. The Seahawks will look to extend drives against a Detroit defense that allows opponents to convert 45.9 percent of third down chances.
BETTING ANGLE
It’s no secret that Lions receiver Golden Tate left Seattle on rocky terms and he will be highly motivated to take it to his previous team. The Lions’ offense has really needed a spark this season and Tate’s motivation may help Detroit get back on track against a Seattle defense that has its swagger back. Detroit actually has a host of former Seahawks on its roster including, defensive ends Jason Jones, Darryl Tapp and cornerback Josh Wilson. Jones has an opportunity to make a big impact for Detroit’s defense going against first-year starter Garry Gilliam at right tackle. But, more concerning to the Lions are claims that opponents know their play calling tendencies in advance.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Without a win through the first three weeks of the season, the Lions are in desperation mode and absolutely need a win to salvage any hope for the season. Unfortunately, this game pits them against the defending NFC champions who are just as desperate and playing at home. The Seahawks have been practically unbeatable at home and the NFC West is wide open again after Arizona’s loss on Sunday. The return of Chancellor brought the boom back to Seattle with a shutout of the Bears last week. Yes, it was against a team playing without its starting quarterback and top receiver, but shutting out any NFL team is no small feat. In the Russell Wilson era, the Seahawks are 5-0 SU and ATS when playing at home on national television, be it a Thursday, Sunday or Monday night. The Lions aren’t in any shape to threaten that record.
Seattle 26, Detroit 13
The NFL spread for this Monday game was first available at BookMaker Sportsbook and the Seahawks were pegged as 9-point chalk. The total opened at 43. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time odds and player props during the game. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The matchup between the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks will take place Monday, October 5, 2015, at 8:30 p.m. ET at CenturyLink Field. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
