The upstart Giants will be looking to stay perfect on the road this season when they head to Seattle to play the Seahawks on Sunday afternoon at Lumen Field (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX). New York has been one of this season’s biggest surprises, going 6-1 under first-year head coach Brian Daboll. Meanwhile, Geno Smith and the Seahawks sit atop the NFC West with a 4-3 record.
After suffering one loss in September, the Giants have been one of the best teams in the league this month and look like a legit contender in the NFC East. Over the past four weeks, New York has ripped off impressive back-to-back wins over Aaron Rodgers and the Packers and Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Last week, the Giants defeated the Jaguars 23-17 on the road thanks to their defense and the play of Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Jones had 309 yards of total offense and two total touchdowns, while Barkley recorded 135 total yards.
As for the Seahawks, they have won two-straight games after defeating the Chargers 37-23 last week on the road. Rookie running back Kenneth Walker III had another great rushing performance (168 yards, two TDs) and has looked like one of the best rookies in this year’s draft class. The Seahawks will need Walker to bring his A-game because they might not have DK Metcalf (knee). Seattle head coach Pete Carroll did not shut down the idea of Metcalf playing Sunday, but it would be a shock to see him lining up on offense after being carted off last week.
WEEK 8 NFL PICKS: ATS | Straight up
Below, we’ll give you all the information you need before placing a wager on Giants-Seahawks, including the updated odds from Sports Interaction, tips, and our prediction for this Week 8 contest.
Betting odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
- Spread: Seahawks -3
- Over/Under: 45
- Moneyline: Giants +131, Seattle -157
Even though the Giants have won four-straight games, the oddsmakers still have the Seahawks listed as the favorite at home for Sunday. However, that does not worry the Giants, who have thrived in the underdog role this season. New York is 5-0 against the spread as an underdog through seven weeks and could cover this spread with their defense and running game. Finally, the total is set at 45 points, which actually seems a little high, as New York is giving up 17.7 points per game in their past four games.
Giants vs. Seahawks all-time series
The Giants lead the all-time series over the Seahawks with a record of 10-9. Seattle has won four out of the past five matchups, which includes three-straight wins at home. New York finally got into the win column vs. Seattle in Week 13 of the 2020 season, winning 17-12 at Lumen Field. Joe Judge was the head coach, and Colt McCoy was the Giants’ starting quarterback.
Three trends to know
— The Giants are 2-5 ATS in their past seven road games against the Seahawks.
— The Giants are 5-0 straight up as an underdog this season, according to BetQL.
— The total has gone OVER in four of Seattle’s past six home games, and the total has gone OVER four times in Seahawks games this season, per BetQL’s Bryan Zarpentine.
Take advantage of BetQL’s 3-day free trial and see all of our best bets across all sports, including college football, NFL, and MLB!
Three things to watch for
Who steps up in the Seahawks’ passing game without Metcalf?
With Metcalf dealing with a knee injury that could sideline him for Sunday afternoon, the Seahawks will need another wide receiver to step up in the passing game. We know veteran Tyler Lockett will be one of Smith’s top targets after he produced seven receptions (eight targets) for 45 yards last week against the Chargers. However, we also know the Giants will do everything in their power to make sure the veteran wide receiver does not beat them over the top. Therefore, keep an eye out for Marquise Goodwin, who had his best game of the season with four receptions (five targets) for 67 yards and two scores against the Chargers. In addition to Goodwin, tight ends Will Dissly, Noah Fant, and Colby Parkinson will be huge factors in the red zone. It will take multiple receivers to replace the production of Metcalf.
The battle of the RBs: Saquon Barkley vs. Kenneth Walker III
Sunday’s game features two running backs who have taken the league by storm this season. Barkley has looked like the running back we saw in his rookie season, ripping off big plays in both the running and receiving games. He leads the league in carries (143), is second in rushing yards (726), and first in yards from scrimmage (906). This week, he gets a favorable matchup against a Seattle defense allowing 149.7 rushing yards per game. On the other sideline, Walker III has become the talk of the NFL world after rushing for 168 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Chargers. The rookie running back has scored a rushing touchdown in three-straight games and should do well against a Giants’ defense that has given up 144.4 rushing yards per game.
Can the Seahawks’ offensive line protect Smith?
For the Seahawks to win on Sunday afternoon, their offensive line will have to give Smith time in the pocket against an aggressive Wink Martindale defense. Smith has been sacked 16 times this season and was just sacked twice last week against the Chargers. The Giants’ defense has not been shy about applying pressure, dialing up 100 blitzes (second in the league) through seven games. However, it’s only led to 13 sacks. If New York can find a way to translate its pressure into QB takedowns, it will be in great shape, but that won’t be easy this week.
Stat that matters
23.5%. This is the Seahawks’ red-zone percentage on offense this season. Even though Seattle has a record of 4-3 and averages 26.1 points per game, it has struggled inside the 20. Out of all 32 teams, the Seahawks have scored the fewest amount of red-zone touchdowns this season (4). Conversely, the Giants have one of the better red-zone defenses in the NFL, allowing 50 percent of RZ conversions. Seattle will need to convert when it gets close, but it won’t be easy.
Giants vs. Seahawks prediction
Sunday’s game could end up being one of the best in Week 8, as both teams are exceeding expectations. As the line indicates, this will be a close game where both running backs could go over 100 rushing yards. However, the Giants’ defense is on fire and can keep this Seahawks’ offense out of the end zone. This is a prime moneyline opportunity.
PREDICTION: Giants 24, Seahawks 20. The Giants will cover (+3), and the total will barely go UNDER (45).
Hits: 0
