Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks at Patriots: Preview, Predictions and More

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots

In a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, one of the best Super Bowls of all-time, the New England Patriots welcome the Seattle Seahawks to Gillette Stadium in NFL Week 10. This Sunday Night Football matchup features one of the best teams from each conference.

Since that meeting in the Super Bowl, though, a lot has changed. For example, the undrafted rookie who won the game for the Patriots is now one of the AFC’s best corners, Malcolm Butler. And that running back the Seahawks should’ve handed off to at the 1-yard line, Marshawn Lynch, is now retired.

Last year, the Seahawks lulled everyone to sleep after eight weeks. After eight games, they sat at 4-4 and people legitimately expected Seattle to miss the playoffs. What happened next? They only lost two games the remainder of the year and made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

In regard to New England, you know the story so far. This is a super team with a super quarterback. Ever since Tom Brady’s return, New England’s been absolutely unstoppable. New England’s out-scored opponents 136-71 with Brady under center. Even without Jamie Collins, this team is still well-rounded and primed for another deep playoff run.

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With that being said, this will be New England’s toughest game to date.

Keys to Victory

Despite Russell Wilson’s less-than-stellar season, he had a great game against the Buffalo Bills. Wilson finished the game completing 76.9 percent of his passes and with a passer rating of 137.0. A big reason for that was Wilson’s insistence on feeding tight end Jimmy Graham. That should once again be the game plan, as Graham looks like he’s back to being his old, defense-dominating self.

It’s going to be tough-sledding for the Seahawks. This is still an incredibly dangerous and dynamic Patriots team. Wilson is going to have to play a near-flawless game for the Seahawks to upset the Patriots.

Odds

Point spread: New England -7.5
Moneyline: New England -350, Seattle +290
Over/under: 49

Predictions

I’d love to pick the Seahawks here. However, this is the New England Patriots we’re talking about. And to make matters worse for Pete Carroll’s bunch, this game’s being played in Foxboro. I just haven’t seen a defense yet that can contend with New England’s offense, and I don’t think the Seahawks will be able to contain Brady and company. Because of that, the New England Patriots should win the Super Bowl 49 rematch. I don’t think this will be the week Belichick’s bunch loses for the second time.

Pick: Seattle Seahawks: 16, New England Patriots: 31

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