Alternate Handicap: Seattle -6.5 @ 7/4
Todd Gurley is not a fan of Thursday Night Football, but we don’t agree, especially as the Los Angeles Rams against the Seattle Seahawks has the potential to be a barnstorming, high-scoring, offence heavy game.
Most teams are one quarter through their season. Good or bad, this is when business starts to pick up and Sean McVay will be hoping the short week helps his team get over their shocking 55-40 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jared Goff threw for 513 yards, which, on the one hand, sounds fantastic, but add in the three interceptions and the fact he had no choice but to air the football out, and it’s much less impressive. Often you don’t rack up that many yards unless you are forced to.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Mike Edwards #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
In comparison, Russell Wilson, who has also guided his team to a 3-1 record, is enjoying a quietly good season. He has thrown eight touchdowns compared to Goff’s six and with 40 fewer attempts is averaging more yards whenever he pulls the trigger.
Both QBs picked up new contracts in the off-season and it looks like the Seahawks play-caller is doing more to live up to the new deal. When you consider the weapons McVay and Goff have at their disposal, you can’t help but expect more.
Playing at CenturyLink Field, and with fewer errors to fix in such a short space of time, plus the fact the Rams haven’t won in their last three trips to the Pacific NorthWest (last meeting was 2014 as the St. Louis Rams) there is sense in leaning towards the home side.
The spread sits at only 1.5 points, but if you think Wilson and Co. can finish at least one touchdown ahead, there is value to be had.
Back the Seahawks to win with a 6.5 point handicap at 7/4.
Both teams to score over 25 points @ 11/4
Both teams are in the top 10 with regards to points scored. Seattle are ninth with 25.8 per game, and the Rams up in sixth at 29.3. It’s hard to see that changing on Thursday. Goff and McVay will want to silence critics, but their defence has issues, giving up an average of 26 points over four games.
Defensively, both have done well to stop the opposition running game, giving up an average of 79.5 and 91.8 yards respectively.
It will be interesting to see what Gurley’s role is. With less time to recover and the Rams trying to protect their lead back, he could be limited in the running game, meaning McVay will look to his trio of excellent receivers to carry the load.
Points are all but guaranteed, especially if both sides continue to air the ball. You have two defences better at stopping the run with QBs willing to throw the ball long and often.
Back both teams to score over 25 points at 11/4.
Anytime Touchdown Scorer: Will Dissly @ 13/8
Will Dissly has Seahawks asking ‘Jimmy who?’ The second-year tight end had a promising rookie year until it was cut short due to a patellar tendon injury. Back and healthy, he has picked up where he left off and has become a go-to option for Wilson since Jimmy Graham moved to the Packers.
He has been targeted 22 times this season, catching 19 passes for 181 yards, no one can top his four receiving touchdowns. One more than Mark Andrews at the Ravens, and everyone is raving about his partnership with Lamar Jackson.
Teams continue to sleep on the former Washington Huskie, and with LA already conceding two touchdowns to tight ends in four games, expect Dissly to continue his good run.
Picking him to score first is risky, especially as there is good value with picking him up as an anytime scorer.
Back Will Dissly to score a touchdown anytime at 13/8.
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