Seattle Seahawks vs. Cincinnati Bengals Best Bet

Matchup: Seattle Seahawks (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3 SU, 1-3-1 ATS)

Date/Time: Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 1 PM EDT

Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

TV: CBS

Point Spread: Sea +2.5/Cin -2.5 (Bovada – The best bookie on the web for TONS of reasons!)

Money Line: Hawks +130, Bungles -150

Over/Under Total: 46.5

The Seattle Seahawks are heading to Ohio for a Week 6 showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The Seahawks, with a 3-1 record both straight up and against the spread, are coming off an impressive 24-3 victory over the Giants in their last game before their bye week. On the other side, the Bengals, with a 2-3 record straight up and a 1-3-1 record against the spread, showed promise by defeating the Cardinals 34-20 on the road last week. Now back at home, they aim to reach a .500 record and solidify their position as contenders in the AFC. Who will come out on top in Cincinnati this week?

Both Teams Heading in the Right Direction?

While it’s too early to make definitive judgments about the season, the Bengals seem to be improving after a slow start. Their recent win against the Cardinals, where Joe Burrow threw for over 300 yards and connected with Ja’Marr Chase for 192 yards and three touchdowns, is a positive sign. The Seahawks, initially thought to be in for a tough season after a loss to the Rams in Week 1, have bounced back with three consecutive wins. Quarterback Geno Smith has been impressive, and their offense is clicking. Tight end Noah Fant is also making strides, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba could become a significant weapon.

Overlooked Aspects of This Game

Both teams have faced criticism this season. Seattle’s offensive line has shown improvement in certain areas, and their defense, while not elite, has been impactful with multiple sacks and two defensive touchdowns. Cincinnati, however, has struggled with their offensive line. The gap between the two teams in this regard might not be as vast as it seems. The Bengals, driven by the urgency to reach a 3-3 record, will look to capitalize on their home advantage. The Seahawks, aware of the challenges posed by the Bengals’ offense, will aim to put up points.

The perception of these teams can be misleading. Despite their recent success, many still doubt Seattle’s playoff potential, while the Bengals are viewed as a team with ground to make up. However, the Bengals have the potential to return to peak form, and Seattle may face difficulties down the road. This matchup could go either way, but it’s an opportunity for the Bengals to prove themselves.

Lay the Number

Despite the seemingly tricky 2.5-point spread, the Bengals, coming off a strong performance against the Cardinals, have the potential to cover it. Playing at home in a critical game gives them some margin for error. If Tee Higgins returns, it could further boost their aerial attack. In this pivotal matchup, I’m taking the Bengals with a -2.5 point spread.

Loot’s Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: I’m betting on the Cincinnati Bengals with a -2.5 point spread.