Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
Tough call in this one as both teams have made their bones to this point by eeking out a variety of wins. The difference between the two is that the Seahawks have done it against quality opponents, while the Ravens have squeaked by less-talented squads. Russell Wilson & Co. are at home and going against a Baltimore team that has struggled against the more talented quarterbacks it has faced. Is anyone hotter than Wilson right now? This may be high-scoring, and in that case, I trust Seattle down the stretch to cover the three.
I think we're getting great value here, as these teams have been excellent on offense to date but a little suspect on the other side of the ball. The Ravens are first in points per drive, while the Seahawks are sixth. Both defenses are below average in the same statistic. Both offenses are also top 10 in red zone scoring percentage. The Seahawks have scored 27 or more in five straight games, while the Ravens have scored 23 or more in every game. This is setting up for a high-scoring game, and a little rainy weather won't scare me off it.
This matchup should result in the most points of any Week 7 game. Seattle QB Russell Wilson deservedly has moved to the head of the line for MVP candidates, but he lacks the sidekicks that have blessed vastly improved counterpart Lamar Jackson. Props to the Seahawks for their 5-1 straight-up record, but four wins have come by between one and four points. They have not encountered a team as effective as the Ravens.
The Ravens might look great on the surface, but they're 0-5 ATS since blowing out the Dolphins (though you may have gotten a good enough number vs. KC or PIT). The Seahawks offense doesn't make mistakes with MVP front-runner Russell Wilson leading the charge, and Marcus Peters isn't going to come in and make a huge difference, especially since he's been prone to giving up big plays in his career to gamble for picks, which he won't get against an elite QB who protects the ball. Neither of these teams is probably as good as it's shown, but I trust Seattle more right now.
It was only a couple of years ago that both of these teams had top-5 defenses and didn’t allow many points, but as the total suggests, these are vastly different teams. And the offenses are scoring in bunches because of great running games that move the chains and get them into scoring position often. The Ravens' average score has been 30-23, weighted by the Dolphins game, and Seattle's average has been 27-24. The Ravens' No. 1 rushing game, averaging 205 yards per game, will force Seattle to keep up. Over is the play.