Bengals vs. Seahawks Week 1 Prediction
The rebuilding Bengals head West for Week 1, where they will visiting the Seahawks at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday. Listed as nearly a double-digit favorite, will the Seahawks cover or leave bettors out to dry?
Game Snapshot
471 Cincinnati Bengals (+9.5) at 472 Seattle Seahawks (-9.5); O/U 44.5
4:05 p.m. ET, September 8, 2019
CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Public Betting
According to our NFL Public Betting Chart page, the Seahawks are receiving 56% of the betting tickets as a 9.5-point favorite over the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals Fantasy Spin
The Bengals ruled out LT Cordy Glenn (concussion) Week 1 against the Seahawks. Andre Smith will be thrown into the starting lineup. It’s bad news for a Bengals’ offense that was already only projected to score 17 points this week. The Seahawks re-vamped their defensive line this offseason and should put a lot of pressure on Andy Dalton Week 1.
Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Spin
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said LG Mike Iupati (questionable, foot/calf) will be a gametime decision. Iupati practiced on a limited basis the last two days. That gives him a chance to play, but the Seahawks will make him go through pre-game warmups before making the decision. Having Iupati in the lineup would be a boost to Chris Carson’s matchup.
Cincinnati Betting Trends
The Bengals are a perfect 4-0 against the spread in their last four road games and are 4-0 against the number in their last four games overall.
Seattle Betting Trends
The Seahawks are 3-1-1 against the spread in their last five home games and are 9-3-1 against the number in their last 13 games overall.
Prediction
The Bengals are going to struggle to win games in 2019 and could challenge the Dolphins for the No. 1 overall pick next April. That said, this Seahawks team is run-heavy and they’re not as loaded defensively as they a few years ago. Granted, some of the offseason additions that they made on that side of the ball will make them stronger, but they might not be at full strength right out of the gates. I’m taking the points.
NFL Week 1 Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals +9.5