Cincinnati Bengals vs. Seattle Seahawks, 9/6/19 Week 1 Predictions

Bengals vs. Seahawks Total Prediction

While 2019 is likely a rebuilding year for the Bengals, the Seahawks should at least compete for a wild card berth again in the NFC. When the two teams meet in Seattle this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET, will the Bengals struggle to move the ball offensively?

Game Snapshot

471 Cincinnati Bengals (+9.5) at 472 Seattle Seahawks (-9.5); O/U 44

4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 8, 2019

CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

Public Betting Trends

According to our NFL Football Public Betting Chart page, the Seahawks are receiving 57% of the betting tickets from online sportsbooks.

Cincinnati Bengals Fantasy Spin

Bengals LT Cordy Glenn remains in the league's concussion protocol. Glenn hasn't practiced since being concussed in the second preseason game. There's a real chance Glenn is unable to suit up for the Week 1 opener at the Seahawks. Seattle, of course, just traded for Jadeveon Clowney, who will be making his debut with the team this week. Veteran Andre Smith has been filling in at left tackle since Glenn's injury. The Bengals' league-worst line is as follows: Smith, LG Michael Jordan, C Trey Hopkins, RG John Miller, and RT Bobby Hart.

Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Spin

DK Metcalf (knee scope) has proclaimed himself 100 percent healthy. Metcalf said he will be ready for whatever reps the coaching staff throws at him in Sunday's opener against the Bengals. Coach Pete Carroll always claimed Metcalf's recovery from his mid-August operation would be quick, and he actually turned out to be right this time. The Seahawks have vanishingly-little proven receiver depth behind Tyler Lockett, but Metcalf is still little more than a WR5 dart throw to begin the season.

NFL Betting Trends

Cincinnati

The over is 5-0 in the Bengals’ last five games played in the month of September and is 7-2 in their last nine games played in Week 1.

Seattle

The over is 4-0 in the Seahawks’ last four games overall and is 5-1 in their last six meetings with the Bengals.

Prediction

While I’m concerned that the back end of the Bengals’ defense will allow several big plays, I don’t see how Cincinnati scores enough to help bettors cash the over. Zac Taylor is the new head coach and play-caller for the Bengals and while he’s installing a system similar to the one Sean McVay runs in L.A., that doesn’t mean Cincinnati has the Rams’ talent. The Seahawks, meanwhile, are a run-first team that will keep the ball on the ground and keep the clock moving. I like the under.

NFL Week 1 Prediction: Bengals/Seahawks UNDER 44