The Seahawks lost in Week 1 by two points and Week 2 by a single point.
They will get another chance in Week 3 against the undefeated Chargers who, counting this preseason, are only 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The lines opened with the Seahawks 1-point favorites despite traveling south to San Diego for the game. The total currently sits at 42 thanks to the strength of the Seattle defense.
Despite the edge, the Seahawks have yet to win a game this preseason, though they’re 1-1 ATS. On the other side, the Chargers are 2-0 both SU and ATS.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
In Week 2, Russell Wilson went 9-for-15 for 78 yards, but most of that production came on three passes to Jimmy Graham, who has been huge in the early going of the preseason.
Overall, Wilson is 10-for 16 for 90 yards. Behind Wilson, R.J. Archer has gotten most of the snaps and has played relatively well, completing 20-of-34 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side, Phillip Rivers completed both of his pass attempts this preseason, collecting 20-yards.
Behind Rivers, Brad Sorensen has completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards and Kellen Clemens has completed 14 of 25 for 119. The two have been sacked three times and allowed an interception.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Mike McCoy and Pete Carroll have little to prove in the preseason, particularly Carroll who has a Super Bowl championship and back-to-back appearances under his belt at the helm in Seattle.
McCoy, obviously, wants to make a good preseason impression given his team’s failure to make the playoffs in 2014, but won’t let that impact his decision making nor his desire to get his team set up for September.
Even so, the Chargers have failed to find much success at home over their last several games dating back to last year, and you can be sure McCoy and his team are aware of that heading into Saturday.
QUOTE TO NOTE
Mike McCoy has identified one area of focus for the offense: the running game. As such, look for a higher percentage of running plays than normal.
“We’ve got to clean up the running game. That wasn’t efficient enough; too many minus plays. So, that’s something we’ll work a lot on this week moving forward to get back to where we need to run the ball efficiently and give the backs a chance to not have the minus plays because it’s tough as a play caller.”
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
Keep an eye on the Seattle offensive line in this game. They turned over three of their five starters between Week 1 and Week 2 with the results mixed at best. The team is looking for the best protection for Russell Wilson.
INJURIES
Outside linebacker Tourek Williams and offensive lineman Johnnie Troutman both suffered injuries earlier this preseason for the Chargers. Neither are crucial, but both cut into the team’s depth which could impact San Diego later in the game.
The Seahawks are light in defensive backs due to injuries and on Friday suffered a few other key injuries including a cracked rib for defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith and a knee injury to Kona Schwenke, the offensive tackle.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Seattle has proven itself in back-to-back seasons and despite an 0-2 record is one of the favorites once again to go far. Combine that with the Chargers’ recent home struggles and it’s easy to see Seattle taking this one on the road.
Still, I’ve got the Chargers in this one. McCoy has more motivation and needs to see more out of his running game. I expect him to give his starting offensive line a few more reps to help get the running game going. Putting the ball in Rivers’ hands a few more times will also help dramatically.
San Diego 21, Seattle 20
The NFL online odds for this Sunday game were first available at BookMaker sportsbook. The Seahawks were pegged as 1-point chalk while the total opened at 42.
Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
