The Seattle Seahawks lost to the Chicago Bears sporting third-string quarterback Nick Foles in Week 16. Conversely, the Detroit Lions got close to winning their third game of the season, but backup quarterback Tim Boyle threw an interception near the very end of the fourth quarter and lost 20-16 to the Falcons.
With starting quarterback Jared Goff expected back in the lineup, how do they stack up against the Seahawks in Seattle?
Let’s explore.
Please note that all NFL gameday odds and lines are current as of 2:00 P.M. EST on Thursday, December 30.
Richard’s Prediction Picks Record: 11-14 (-0.10 units)
Lions vs Seahawks Prediction
Both of these teams are not good. The Seahawks may have Russell Wilson and wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, but the defense is atrocious. Both Lockett and Metcalf have not been nearly as productive this season as the team hoped for. If you play fantasy football, you’ll know first-hand just how inconsistent they are.
The Lions, on the other hand, while a bad team (and this may sound cliche), play very hard for head coach Dan Campbell. The problem with the Lions is that there is just no talent whatsoever.
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The No. 1 wide receiver for the team at the moment appears to be rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown, but the offensive line has been a nice surprise given the circumstances and could be on track for a top unit in the league next year and on.
Offensively, the Seahawks have the two receivers that should provide matchup nightmares for the Lions, but it’s not as automatic as we’d like to see, and they just disappear, as we saw against the Bears. Metcalf had a touchdown but had just two catches, and Lockett finished with three receptions for 30 yards.
At home, the Seahawks should pull out a close win.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Lions 21
Lions vs Seahawks Best Bets
Best Bet: Lions +7 (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
I know they’re at home, but this Seahawks team does not in any way deserve to be more than a touchdown favorite. At seven and the hook, this is a classic Lions cover spot. Both of these defenses are bad, and don’t look now, but there appears to be a Goff against the NFC West narrative building.
Of course, Goff played many years for the Los Angeles Rams, so he knows the teams well, but this season, Goff is completing 68 percent of his passes for 822 yards, seven passing touchdowns, and three interceptions against the Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers.
Going up against the Seahawks, the allure of playing in that stadium is not nearly as intimidating as years past, and Goff has played there many times.
The Seahawks have one of the worst coverage units in the league, as do the Lions, but this will allow Goff and the Lions to keep the game close. Since November 14, when they tied the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Lions have only lost by more than one score once, losing 38-10 to the Denver Broncos, who have a far superior defense.
The running game may consist of a bunch of guys who may conjure an audible “who?" when you say their names, but it has also been effective.
Truth be told, I’m sprinkling some cash on the Lions Moneyline here. Their pass rush should be able to make some things happen against the Seahawks’ offensive line.
Wilson, Metcalf, and Lockett may be the stars, but the variance in them disappearing and the rest of the team being truly terrible will make this close. The Lions will cover here.
Best Bet: Over 42.5 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
I’d actually be surprised if this game doesn’t go over with these two bad coverage units. This has the chance to be somewhat of a shootout as neither team will be able to defend the opposing teams passing attack.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Seahawks and Lions rank as two of the bottom three coverage units in the league.
The Seahawks may rank as one of the better run defensive units in the league, but the Lions offensive line has been playing fairly well as of late, with rookie offensive tackle Penei Sewell playing extremely well.
Expect Goff to continue his run against the NFC West, while Wilson will use this game to pad the stats and put more good tape on for his team next season.
To conclude, considering the coverage units, this total should sail Over.
In Campbell we trust.
Thanks for reading our NFL Week 17 Lions vs. Seahawks Predictions! For more NFL betting tips, check out our NFL pick of the day.
