The Seattle Seahawks fell short of making the Super Bowl in 2015 for the first time in three seasons, but have the type of roster to make another push this year. They will begin the season as the only double-digit favorite of Week 1 of the regular season and will aim to make quick work of the Miami Dolphins.
The Seahawks have more talent on both sides of the ball and are at home, which is the type of combination which makes it tough to see them lose to begin the year.
This matchup in Week 1 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at 4:05 p.m. ET at CenturyLink Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Dolphins +10.5
Seahawks -10.5
Over/Under 44
Odds Analysis
The Seahawks have long been a darling of the oddsmakers, as the presence of star quarterback Russell Wilson and a stingy defense has kept them among the NFL elite. Even with the large spread, the Seahawks are being chosen by 60 percent of bettors to cover the margin.
The “under” is the more popular play as gamblers foresee the Seattle defense stepping up and giving the Dolphins no room to maneuver. More than percent of the money line wagers are going on the Dolphins at +405, but that seems like wishful thinking, even at such a favorable payout.
Injury Report
Ndamukong Suh -- The Dolphins’ best player may be their star defensive tackle, but he suffered an ankle injury late in the preseason. It’s unknown if it will affect his availability for this game, but if Suh is out or limited, it’s a big blow to the Miami defense.
DeVante Parker -- The young wideout is talented and would be an important piece against a great Seattle secondary, but he has been bothered by a hamstring injury for much of the preseason. It seemed to get tweaked last week and his availability is one to watch.
Michael Bennett -- The Seahawks’ Pro Bowl defensive end has missed some practice lately with a toe injury. He dealt with it last offseason so it’s not expected to keep him off the field, but check back to see if that changes.
Jimmy Graham -- The Seahawks tight end had a down year in 2015 as he transitioned to a new team from the Saints, and then suffered a season-ending knee injury. Graham has increased his workload in recent practices and seems on target to play against the Dolphins, but his role could be limited.
Position Group to Watch
Seattle’s offensive line -- This is by far the weakest link in Seattle. The defense should once again be among the league leaders and Wilson will get the ball moving, provided he has enough protection.
The Seahawks’ offensive line struggled a season ago and then guard J.R. Sweezy and left tackle Russell Okung left in free agency. Seattle has not put very many resources into the line and it’s certainly a reason for concern.
Not only will it be looking to protect Wilson, but also pave the way for Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael. The running back duo will attempt to replicate the production of Marshawn Lynch, who was one of the team’s stars for the past several years but retired in the offseason.
Seattle looks to have a wealth of talent once again this year, but if the offensive line struggles badly, it could really derail the lofty expectations.
Free ATS Pick
The Dolphins don’t have an overly intimidating defense, so while the offensive line could be a concern down the road, Wilson should be fine in this one.
Miami is going to need to make some big plays to stay close, and new coach Adam Gase hopes he can put the offense in position to succeed. Ryan Tannehill flashes his potential at times but he will likely be no match for the talented Seahawks secondary.
Seattle should roll in this one to start the season, covering the first week’s largest spread.
NFL Odds: Seahawks 27, Dolphins 13
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