NFL Odds: Surprising Seahawks Falling Back On Proven Formula
Geno Smith isn't writing back anytime soon
Tune in to the "Ultimate Betting Show" on NESN on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET for daily training camp previews: Next up: the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks shocked a lot of people in 2022, with Geno Smith stepping in for Russell Wilson and famously writing off those who doubted he could be a starting quarterback again.
The 32-year-old completed nearly 70% of his pass attempts for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns to lead Seattle back to the postseason. The only question is: Can the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year deliver again?
It sure looks like the Seahawks have set him up with the roster to do so, as rookie wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba was added to an offensive stable that already included DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Kenneth Walker III. The defense might even be better, as Riq Woolen will be joined by first-round cornerback Devon Witherspoon and free-agent signing Julian Love in the secondary, with Bobby Wagner returning to run the show at linebacker.
There was a clear window for the Seahawks to improve their roster, and they did just that in the offseason. Will it translate to on-field success? That remains to be seen.
2022 in review
9-8, second in NFC West (lost in wild-card round)
7-11 against the spread
9-9 over/under
Key offseason additions
LB Bobby Wagner
DL Jarran Reed
DL Dre'Mont Jones
S Julian Love
CB Devon Witherspoon (first-round pick)
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (first-round pick)
Key offseason losses
DL Poona Ford
LB Cody Barton
Look ahead to 2023 (via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Super Bowl: +3500
Conference: +1300
Division: +200
Win total: over/under 8.5 (Over -142)
To make playoffs: Yes -122| No +100
2023 award contenders
MVP: Geno Smith +3000
Offensive POY: DK Metcalf +8000
Coach of the Year: Pete Carroll +2000
Offensive ROY: Jaxon Smith-Njigba +2100
Defensive ROY: Devon Witherspoon +1100
2023 outlook
The NFC seems wide open for teams vying for playoff positioning. The South and North likely will only put one team in the postseason, while Seattle looks like a real contender in the West.
This team isn't going to win the Super Bowl, but it is going to win you a lot of bets throughout the season. Seattle will stay competitive, despite facing off against the NFC West, NFC East and AFC North this season. If things get going early, the Seahawks would be a great bet to win the division at 2 to 1, while rookies JSN and Witherspoon might just be the best value bets on the board for ROTY.
The expectations are lower in Seattle than one would anticipate, but there are a number of good-looking bets on the board.
