NFL Week 6 sees Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks (3-1) taking on Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The game will provide a plethora of betting plays, and several key areas will bring value in the quest to make money.
Let’s examine some odds, predictions, best bets, and prop bets for this terrific matchup, concluding with advice for a same-game parlay.
Seahawks vs Bengals Odds
NFL odds used for this Seattle vs Cincinnati preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Tuesday, October 10, at 6:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Bengals (-162) • Seahawks (+136)
- Spread: Bengals -2.5 (-115) • Seahawks +2.5 (-105)
- Total Points: Over 46.5 (-108) • Under 46.5 (-112)
- Implied Score: Bengals 24.5, Seahawks 22
Seahawks vs Bengals Predictions
Score Pick: Seahawks 26, Bengals 21
The total for this game is set at 46.5, signifying professional oddsmakers and sportsbooks are anticipating a relatively high-scoring game between the Seahawks and Bengals on Sunday afternoon.
Seattle enters this game as a two-and-a-half-point underdog, which is surprising given a strong start to the 2023 campaign that has featured three-consecutive victories.
Seattle ranks sixth in football in average points scored (27.8), while the Bengals defense continues to struggle, ranking 21st in total yards conceded (350.2), 20th in average points allowed (22.8), and 31st in average rushing yards conceded (154.0).
After picking up a knee injury in Week 4 against the New York Giants, Smith is good to go for Seattle, which is good news for Pete Carroll’s offense.
Fresh off their bye week, look for the Seahawks to not only cover the spread, but to also escape from Cincinnati with a hard-earned road victory.
Seahawks vs Bengals Best Bets & Props
Seahawks (+136)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Our first best bet will target the Seahawks to win outright at plus money (+136).
After being completely stymied by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, Seattle has responded in style, reeling off three-consecutive wins and accumulating 98 total points in the process.
Leading the charge for the Seahawks from a personnel perspective has been running back Kenneth Walker III, who continues to establish himself as one of the most dominant backs in football.
Through four games, Walker ranks joint-sixth in the NFL in touchdowns (five) and 12th in rushing yards over expected (39), per NFL Next Gen Stats.
With Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf posing a deep threat downfield, it could be a long afternoon for a Cincinnati defense that ranks among the worst in football in defending the run.
Lock in the Seahawks on the moneyline as my NFL bet of the day.
Over 46.5 (-108)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Our second best bet has us leaning towards the Over of 46.5 combined points.
From a statistical standpoint, both Seattle and Cincinnati have struggled defensively on third down, ranking 31st and 21st, respectively, in opponents’ third-down completion percentage, per NFL Team Rankings.
In addition, Burrow seems to have returned to his usual, dominant self after a slow start to the 2023 campaign.
Last week’s 34-20 drubbing of the Arizona Cardinals saw the former LSU gunslinger complete 36 of 46 passes (78.3% completion) for 317 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Seattle’s defense has also had its fair share of struggles, specifically through the air, ranking 30th in average passing yards conceded per game (280.0).
There’s no real evidence to suggest this game fails to exceed 46.5 points when you factor in the strong quarterback play from both teams, the offensive weapons on either sideline, and the defensive struggles of each.
I have no issue whatsoever laying a single-unit wager on the Over at a reasonable price point.
Bengals Under 23.5 (+100)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit(s)
For our third and final prop bet, we’ll target the Under on Cincinnati’s team total of 23.5 points.
Although Burrow and Co. had a much better showing in Week 5, that result came against the 1-3 Cardinals, one of the NFL’s weakest teams – that has to be taken into consideration.
Heading into Week 6, the Bengals ranked 24th in football in completion percentage (62.12%), 29th in red-zone scoring attempts per game (2.2), and 27th in first downs per game (17.0), per NFL Team Rankings, further signifying their inability to sustain drives and put points on the board with consistency.
Seattle also ranks first in football with the fewest giveaways per game (0.3), which will heavily limit the Bengals’ offense in terms of time of possession and keeping the likes of Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase off the field.
Take the Under on Cincy’s team total at (+100).
Seahawks vs Bengals Same-Game Parlay
Seahawks vs Bengals SGP (+146)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Seahawks Over 21.5 (-112)
- Seahawks +2.5 (-105)
For our same-game parlay, we’ll combine Seattle’s team total of 21.5 points with the spread of 2.5 points. Let’s start with the team total.
The past few weeks have seen a massive offensive surge from Carroll’s team, and the advanced statistics suggest this will continue on Sunday.
As a team, Seattle ranks third in the NFL in red-zone scoring attempts per game (4.3) and ninth in team pump attempts per game (3.3). These metrics are significant because they speak to Seattle’s ability to sustain drives, maintain possession, and ultimately put points on the board.
Look for the Seahawks to surpass their team total prop of 21.5 points at a fair price (-112).
Rounding out our parlay is the Seahawks against the spread (+2.5).
Although the 2023 NFL campaign is still in its early stages, the Seahawks have delivered for prospective bettors, reeling off an impressive 3-1 overall record ATS and a 2-0 record away from Lumen Field.
The Seahawks have also fared well in inter-conference competition, having won six of their last eight contests against AFC opponents.
Seattle’s ability to keep it close on the road, combined with the extra rest resulting from its Week 5 bye week, makes this an intriguing wager.
Combine the two plays at an enticing price point (+146).
