Seattle Seahawks vs Oakland Raiders Pick

Seattle Seahawks (2-3 SU, 2-2-1 ATS) vs Oakland Raiders (1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS)
NFL Football Week 6
Date/Time: Sunday, October 14, 1PM EST
Where: Wembley Stadium, London.
TV: FOX
By: Dave Wilson, NFL Football Handicapper, Predictem.com

Point Spread: SEA -3/OAK +3
Over/Under Total: 48

The Seahawks and Raiders take their game overseas this weekend for the first of three scheduled NFL games in London, England this season. Perhaps two or three years ago this matchup would have been a lopsided affair in favor of Seattle but this season—given Seattle’s fall from the days of the Legion of Boom and departed offensive stars, the Raiders might have a chance to keep this contest close. Both squads are struggling a bit early this season and look to get a win in front of an international crowd of fans. Can the Raiders put together a complete game effort and upset the favored Seahawks in London? Former Seahawk and Super Bowl Champion Marshawn Lynch is now carrying the pigskin for his hometown Oakland—Lynch should be extra tough heading into this contest.

Beast Mode Reunion: Technically, both teams are on the road even though the Raiders are considered the “home” team in London. Marshawn Lynch has not been the same back he was in Seattle during their Super Bowl days but you can bet Beast Mode will be ready to bruise up his old teammates and bring his best effort of the season at Wembley Stadium this Sunday. Lynch has just 331 yards this season through the first 5 games on 77 touches, and 3 TDs. He averages 4.3 yds. per carry but he may get more carries this weekend given the Seattle defense is banged up and not nearly as stout as they have been in previous years. It’s matchups like these, where you have former players ramping up their game more than usual to prove they still have what it takes to get the job done. I think Marshawn Lynch puts the Raiders on his back this week and has his best outing of the year.

The Russell Hustle: I apologize for the cheesy sub-title but this has been Russell Wilson’s M.O. all career long—he scrambles and rolls out of the pocket more than anyone at his position and he will need to do this again if the Seahawks want to get their third win this weekend. It is no secret Seattle’s QB, Russel Wilson, is one of the top playmakers in the NFL and with a nearly non-existent Oakland defense this bodes well for the Hawks. The Raiders defense gives up big plays and this will likely hurt them again when they face Seattle. Wilson and the Seahawks hit on big pass plays last weekend in a losing effort but nonetheless the Raider’s D is suspect to giving up the big plays and it doesn’t look to change anytime soon—the Hawks should be able to capitalize on Oakland’s weak secondary and defense overall.

The Key to this Matchup: QB play. Let’s face it, the QB makes or breaks a team, and this game is all about Wilson vs. Carr. Yes, it helps to have a marquee supporting cast surrounding you but a solid QB can bring out the best in even the most average of players—that’s why I believe Russel Wilson wins this matchup and the game—he’s a superior leader and athlete who may not have the cast of stars from the past but he continues to find targets and make big plays. Carr is a question mark behind center and the Raiders as a team are banged up. Carr has a league leading eight interceptions and since his $125 million dollar five-year contract in 2017 his win-loss record is 29-38. Another advantage in this matchup is turnover ratio, the Raiders have 9 turnovers through the first five games to Seattle’s 5 while the Seahawks have 11 take aways to Oakland’s 5. The Raiders also have nearly 100 yards more in penalties than the Seahawks. Oakland gives up 30 points per game to Seattle’s 22.

Wilson’s Pick: We like the Seahawks to cover on the road.  Luck to ya.