San Francisco 49ers (0-0) ATS 0-0, O/U 0-0 at Seattle Seahawks (0-0) ATS 0-0, O/U 0-0, NFL Week 1, September 12, 2010 Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington 4:15 p.m. EST, TV: Fox
By Wilson, Professional NFL Handicapper of Predictem.com
Point Spread: SF -3/Sea
Over/Under: 37.5
First of all it is extremely difficult to be any kind of a Seattle professional sports fan. However, the Emerald City has a fresh season upon it as the storied former USC Trojan’s coach, Pete Carroll, takes over the Hawks. There are a plethora of questions regarding the Seahawks direction this season and perhaps the biggest concern is the health and play of veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck.
Hasselbeck played in 17 games last year and tossed 17 TDs as well as 17 INTs. Considering the amount of passes Hasselbeck attempted while under pressure his numbers were actually pretty good- he threw for over 3000 yards too. However, if you’re looking to see the Hawks gain some Ws they will need to score more than 17 points a game. It appears that the number 17 was a motif during the 2009 season for Seattle. Also, the Seattle offensive line will need to step up and provide more protection for their QB.
The Seahawks are definitely in another rebuilding year but hopefully they will trim some of the fat on both sides of the ball and get back to the playoffs. Plenty of rumors have surfaced regarding a potential trade move that would send WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh and secure receiver Vincent Jackson.
Defensively the Hawks are scrambling to restructure as they edge closer to the real season. Lawyer Milloy has shown a new spark if you will, and he plans to revive his career and the Hawks D!
San Francisco is favored to win the NFC West. The 49ers have a couple of notable prime-time players in Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree. QB Alex Smith returns for the niners, and this offense should have a solid balanced attack that will send a lot of teams to the locker room wondering what happened.
The 49ers defense did not have the night off versus the San Diego Chargers in their latest preseason challenge. The defense shined on more than a few plays as they are led by linebacker Patrick Willis and nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin. Franklin played in his first preseason matchup after penciling himself in as the newest franchise candidate.
We all know the preseason is a time to clean house and audition for a spot, but now the season is closing in and the bets will be flowing, the point spreads will be carefully adjusted, and the gamblers blood pressure rises and falls on every snap. Will you predict’em?
These two teams met in the regular season on December 6 in Seattle last year. The Seahawks won 20-17. The under was 37 and the Hawks covered the spread (1). Seattle’s defense held RB Frank Gore to just 25 yards rushing; however WR Vernon Davis had 6 receptions for 111 yards. Alex Smith threw for 310 yards to Hasselbeck’s 198. Both QBs tossed two TD passes.
The 49ers are getting the early nod from most offshore casinos at -3 but this line may change by game time.
Wilson’s Pick to Beat the Spread: I know the 49ers are probably the “together” team in this one but I like Seattle at home; 12th man and all- Seahawks 30, 49ers 24. Luck to ya.
