Seattle Seahawks vs Detroit Lions Preview (10/2/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

After a Week 3 loss at home, the Seahawks are back on the road – this time to Detroit to take on the Detroit Lions. This game has the potential to be one of the better matchups of Week 4. Maybe neither team is “elite” or a playoff contender, however they have similarities that could keep this game close and competitive. Both teams are 1-2 coming into this with below average quarterbacks under center and defense that have allowed ample yardage against them. Read on for predictions, odds, picks, injuries, and depth charts.

Seattle Seahawks Vs. Detroit Lions Betting Odds

The Lions are averaging the second-most points on offense in the league at 31.7 points per game but they are also conceding more points than any defense in the league, averaging 31 points against them. Both of these statistics point to the high projected point total.

Considering both defenses rank in the bottom 10 in total yards allowed, this could be an offensive performance for both teams, though it will depend on a few things.

Seattle Seahawks Vs. Detroit Lions Prediction

Both Jared Goff and Geno Smith posted season-highs in passing yards last week and have silenced some doubters in their performances through the first three games. Smith has taken tremendous care of the football, posting the highest completion percentage of all quarterbacks in the NFL right now at 77.5%. In last week’s loss against the Falcons, the Seahawks offense did their job, but the defense didn’t hold up their end of the bargain. The Seahawks run defense forfeited 141 rushing yards to Cordarrelle Patterson and 179 in total. They gave up another 207 in the air.

While Seattle gives up a ton of yards, they have come up big in the red zone, posting the fourth-best opponent red zone scoring percentage in the league at just 38.46%. The Lions are last in the league in this category, allowing 90.91% of opponents who enter the red zone to score a touchdown. In Weeks 1 and 3, they allowed opponents to score in the red zone 100% of the time.

The outcome of this game can largely hang on the shoulders of Lions running back D’Andre Swift, who could terrorize this struggling run defense if healthy. However, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that Swift, who is nursing a shoulder and ankle injury, could possibly benefit by taking the next two weeks off and returning after their Week 6 bye. His status is questionable but he won’t be at his best either way. Jamaal Williams will likely be in the backfield for some of this game regardless of Swift’s status. He rushed for 87 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in Week 3.

Both teams are coming off 4-point losses as a result of poor defensive performances. Players like Lockett, Metcalf, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Rashaad Penny, and Jamaal Williams could all have high-performing games if last week was any indication. Neither defense is good, but Seattle’s is slightly better. They’re lucky that Swift isn’t at 100% because if he was, they’d be in trouble.

I predict that Smith continues to control the game and take care of the ball, helping Metcalf and Lockett get down field and especially into the red zone where the Lions are the most vulnerable.

Seahawks win 32-24, Seahawks cover, over 50 points

Betting Trends

• Seahawks were 5-3 ATS as underdogs last year
• Over is 4-1 in Seahawks last 5 games following a straight up loss.
• Lions were 11-6 ATS last year (never favored)
• Over is 5-0 in Lions last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries

Detroit Lions Injuries: D’Andre Swift (Q)

Seattle Seahawks Injuries: Travis Homer (Q), Shelby Harris (Q)

Key Matchups

Can this Seattle front stop the Detroit rushing offense? How will DK Metcalf fare against this Detroit secondary? Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Seahawks vs Lions below.

Detroit Run Offense vs. Seattle Run Defense

The Detroit running game is the most potent piece to this offense which is a bummer for Seattle which has one of the worst run defenses in the league. Whether it be Swift or Williams, Seattle’s front seven will have their work cut out for them. Jordyn Brooks is a bright spot for this defense, and is tied for first in the league in solo tackles through the first three games with 23.

DK Metcalf vs. Detroit Secondary

Metcalf is due for a breakout game. Of all games to do it, this is the one. He has tallied under 65 receiving yards every game this year despite being one of the fastest and most physical wide receivers in the NFL. The Detroit secondary, which is giving up an average of 265+ passing yards per game, should have a hard time keeping up with Metcalf’s speed and strength.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

QB: Jared Goff
RB1: D’Andre Swift
RB2: Jamaal Williams
LWR: DJ Chark
RWR: Amon-Ra St. Brown
SWR: Josh Reynolds
TE1: T.J. Hockenson

Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart

QB: Geno Smith
RB1: Rashaad Penny
RB2: Kenneth Walker
LWR: DK Metcalf
RWR: Dee Eskridge
SWR: Tyler Lockett
TE1: Will Dissly