Seahawks Bills Spread

We are expecting a very close game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Buffalo Bills when they square off in Week 1 action in Ralph Wilson Stadium.  These teams have only played six times in the last 13 years, with both the SU and ATS records knotted at 3-3.  Buffalo did win the last matchup back in 2004 38-9 when playing in Seattle.  Our preview below details what we think is going to happen in the game and the Seahawks Bills spread.

Odds:
Seattle Seahawks +1
Buffalo Bills -1
Total is Set at 39

The oddsmakers are seeing this as more of a defensive game with the total set under 40.  We would have to agree as both teams are better than average on that side of the ball.  Seattle is relying on Matt Hasselbeck as their signal caller, and he has proven more than capable over the last couple of years, leading Seattle to the Super Bowl a few years ago, and several straight NFC West titles along the way.  He should have more than 210 yards passing in this game.  He will be able to spread the ball around to four different main targets, starting with Nate Burleson, but there is also Courtney Taylor and John Carlson who we see having an impact on the passing game.  When it comes to running the ball, Shaun Alexander is gone and Julius Jones is in.  Jones comes over from the Cowboys, but we don’t know how effect he will be as the sole carrier after having split duties with Marion Barber the last few seasons.  Don’t expect big numbers out of him here against the Bills.

The man under center for Buffalo will be Trent Edwards.  Edwards isn’t going to put up Brady or Manning like numbers, but he should be efficient in moving the ball for this team.  It will help that he has Lee Evans to throw to.  Evans has the talent to make 2008 a breakout season.  James Hardy and Roscoe Parrish also will factor into how well the Bills can move the ball through the air.  Offsenively though this should be the Marshawn Lynch show.  We fully expect him to get 20+ carries and gain more than 100 yards rushing.  It’ll be on his shoulders all year long, starting here against the Seahawks in week 1.

Some interesting trends to consider:

Buffalo is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games.
The Bills are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 home contests.

Seattle is 7-3 both SU and ATS in their last 10 games.
The Seahawks are only 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games.

The total has gone over the last five times these two teams have played.
The total has gone over in four of Seattle’s last six road games and in five of Buffalo’s last six home games.

Oddsmakers Predicted Score: Buffalo 20, Seattle 19

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