The Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons kick off their 2020 seasons in what is sure to be an exciting Week 1 battle on Sunday.
The Seahawks enter the year fresh off an offseason in which they acquired Jamal Adams from the New York Jets and shored up their offense with Greg Olsen, Carlos Hyde, and some patchwork in the trenches. Seattle also swung a deal with Washington for Quinton Dunbar. The Seahawks will be aggressive this season after a painful ending to their 2019 season that saw them fall to a Wild Card spot and lose in the first round of the playoffs.
Atlanta, meanwhile, underachieved last year after early predictions had them making a playoff run. They finished the year 7-9 and proceeded to take various hits on their roster with the losses of Devonta Freeman, Austin Hooper, and Desmond Trufant. The Falcons did, however, focus on replacing some of the players they lost. They proactively traded for tight end Hayden Hurst from the Baltimore Ravens and also gave a one-year deal to running back Todd Gurley, who was released by the Los Angeles Rams. Atlanta solidified their core via the NFL Draft while touching up positions of need here and there, leaving everyone wondering what their ceiling and floor are this year.
The Seahawks enter as favorites, but they’re certainly no lock to win. This should be a hard-fought battle that isn’t decided until the waning minutes of action.
Seattle’s week of practice ended with five players limited or absent. Offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi (pectoral) was ruled out on Friday afternoon while wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (foot) was labeled as questionable.
Atlanta wrapped up practice this week with eight players limited or absent, but only three of them found themselves still holding onto the injury tag enter the weekend. Defensive back Kendall Sheffield (foot) and defensive end Charles Harris (ankle) have both been ruled out while rookie defensive tackle Marlon Davidson (knee) is listed as questionable.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020
Start time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Atlanta, Ga.
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Seahawks -110 (-2.5)
Moneyline: Seahawks -130, Falcons +115
Over/Under: 49 (-110)
The Seahawks should be able to cover the spread, though it might end up being closer than expected. Further, while these are two flashy offenses, don’t rule out taking the under. After all, the Seahawks have a shutdown defense while Atlanta should see similar success in challenging their opponent’s offense.
Prediction
This is going to be a close game for the first three quarters. Once one team appears to be on a hot streak, the other team will counter and get themselves right back into the game. As long as they can get the running game operating smoothly, Seattle should have enough energy and stamina to pull away late in the fourth quarter before their defense silences Atlanta in its final drive.
Final Score: Seahawks 27, Falcons 21
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