The Seahawks got their season back on the right path with a pair of home wins and now take flight to face the undefeated Bengals on Sunday. The Legion of Boom is back, allowing just a field goal in 20 opponent possessions in those wins. The Bengals are one of six unbeatens remaining and can silence the rest of the critics by improving to 5-0 for the first time since 1988, the year of their last Super Bowl appearance.
ODDS
Cincinnati opened as a 3-point favorite with the total at 44. The Bengals have been a bettors dream this season, covering in each of their four games. With a scoring average of better than 30 points, it’s also no surprise the over is 3-1.
KEY INJURIES
Marshawn Lynch – Returned to practice in a limited role Thursday, ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Bengals. Lynch was inactive for the first time in his six seasons in Seattle for last week’s game due to a hamstring injury. Reserve running back Fred Jackson is recovering from a high ankle sprain, leaving last week’s starter Thomas Rawls as the only healthy running back on the roster. Lynch will likely be a game time decision while Jackson is doubtful to play.
Adam Jones – Was held out of practice this week as he deals with a groin injury. He hurt himself in the win over Kansas City last week. Darqueze Dennard filled in and played 49 percent of the snaps on defense. Jones is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
KEY MISMATCH
We’re all familiar with how well Seattle’s defense has played since Kam Chancellor ended his holdout. And Cincinnati’s offensive line has been so good, Andy Dalton has rarely been touched. But the other side of the ball for each team creates an interesting subplot: one of the worst pass protections in the NFL against one of its best pass rushes. It’s no secret Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson’s ability to extend plays with his feet is a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s averaging 5.2 yards per rush this season. But he’s been running more out of necessity. Wilson has been sacked 18 times already this season, putting him on pace to challenge the NFL’s single-season mark. In last week’s win over Kansas City, the Bengals sacked Alex Smith five times and hurried him 10 others. Their experienced defense is led by tackle Geno Atkins and end Carlos Dunlap, who have combined for 6.5 sacks.
KEY STAT
90.0 – Percent of times Seattle’s defense has forced an opponent to punt in the last two games. In 20 opponent possessions the Seahawks have forced 18 punts, one fumble and allowed one field goal.
BETTING ANGLE
Back in 2011 after Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman made his first NFL start, which came against the Bengals, he told a local radio program that Cincinnati receiver A.J. Green was overrated. Apparently he’s changed his opinion over the past four years. “I would say he’s probably one of the most overrated receivers out there,” Sherman said at the time. He remembers those words and says now he has a ton of respect for the Bengals top receiver. In that game four years ago, Green was held to four catches for 63 yards. This year, Green is fourth in the NFL with 417 receiving yards and is averaging 16.7 per reception. He’s likely to lineup across Sherman for a number of plays and would like nothing better than to show just how overrated he is.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Seahawks got a pair of wins at home against inferior opponents and will face a much stiffer challenge, much like their Week 2 matchup at Green Bay when they fell 27-17. The difference being Chancellor is back after ending his holdout. With their defensive leader anchoring the secondary, Seattle has allowed just one field goal in the past two games. Of course Chicago and Detroit aren’t as talented on offense as the Bengals are, so there will be different challenges. Cincinnati is more balanced on offense and Andy Dalton has been spectacular. The offensive efficiency is unmatched and the O-line will neutralize Seattle defenders. The Seahawks will be unable to keep up on offense given their problems keeping Wilson upright.
Cincinnati 23, Seattle 16
BookMaker opened the spread for this Sunday matchup at -3 in favor of the Bengals. The NFL odds total surfaced at 44. Now you can wager in-game while the action unfolds with BookMaker's live betting option.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals will take place Sunday, October 11, 2015, at 1 p.m. ET at Paul Brown Stadium. The contest will be broadcast regionally on FOX.
