Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks Betting Preview/Prop Picks
24 September 2022
Time: 4:25 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 132.417; Seattle 124.635
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 38
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 2; 42
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+2); Under
The Atlanta Falcons have a 0-2 record, but they've been very competitive this season. Their first two games were against the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams.
They only narrowly lost to these two tough teams, and this matchup is much better for them. Interestingly enough, they actually come into this game as underdogs, although they're the better team.
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off of a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks proved once again that they're struggling offensively. Although they earned a Week 1 victory, the Seahawks could only score seven points against the 49ers.
The Falcons will likely prove to be a tough opponent for the Seahawks as well. So, who's the best bet in this NFC matchup?
Atlanta Falcons: Will the winless streak end in Week 3?
The Atlanta Falcons are a much better team than they're currently getting credit for. They narrowly lost in Week 2 to the Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams.
On offense, the Falcons average 26.5 points per game, ranking ninth in the NFL. The main problem they have is on defense, where they're allowing 29 points per game. This is what needs to be fixed quickly.
Once they iron out their defensive struggles, the Falcons will be in a much better position. They average 145.5 rushing yards per game, ranking seventh overall.
One thing we think needs to be incorporated is more run/pass options. Marcus Mariota, the starting quarterback, has incredible speed and can easily get first downs. We'd also like to see Mariota pass the ball a lot more.
Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks come in as narrow favorites
With a 1-1 record, many might feel the Seahawks are actually a better team than the Atlanta Falcons. However, if you look at their statistics, you'll quickly see that they aren't.
They average just 12 points per game, one of the worst offenses in the league. In terms of rushing yards, the Seahawks average only 56 yards per game. So, how can they beat the Falcons on Sunday?
Their first step to beating the Falcons is establishing their running game early. This could make it easier for them to pass down the field later in the game.
The Seahawks only average just 178.5 passing yards per game, ranking 28th overall. If they can start hitting DK Metcalf down the field, they'll have a much better offensive game. Still, we don't think they're the best pick.
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks Betting Pick
Each of these teams has struggled in various parts of the game. The Falcons have had trouble on defense, while the Seahawks have struggled on offense.
Between these two, however, the Falcons have proven to be a strong team this season. They could've come into this game with a 2-0 record had it been for better defense. The Falcons are also 2-0 against the spread this year.
The Falcons are two-point underdogs coming into this game, but we think they'll win outright. The Seahawks' offense has looked awful through the first two games, and the 49ers only need to worry about Metcalf.
We're also going to take the under here, mainly because of the Seahawks' offensive struggles.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Atlanta Falcons +2, UNDER
Prop Picks
Seattle (-160) UNDER 2.5 Touchdowns
Seattle averaged 23.2 points per game on offense last season, which ranked No. 16 in the NFL. That average has decreased to 12.0 points per game so far this season. Scores have gone UNDER in 20 of the Seahawks’ last 28 games overall.
With Dunkel predicting an Atlanta win by the score of 23-15, take the Seahawks (-160) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 2.5 touchdowns scored against the Falcons.
Marcus Mariotta (-115) UNDER 206.5 Passing Yards
Atlanta averaged 218.4 passing yards per game last season, which ranked No. 16 in the NFL. That average has decreased to 193.0 passing yards per game so far this season.
With Dunkel predicting the final score staying UNDER the Vegas point total, take Mariotta (-115) to finish UNDER 206.5 passing yards versus the Seahawks.
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