NFL Analysis: Seattle has to keep eye on rising Cardinals

NFL Analysis:  The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a bye week that followed a 26-20 overtime home win and payout in their Super Bowl rematch with the Denver Broncos as they blew a 17-3 fourth quarter lead before regaining their balance to escape with the cash.  There is no doubt that Seattle is a top-shelf Super Bowl contender but no team has repeated as Lombardi Trophy winners since the 2004 New England Patriots and the Seahawks do not look quite as sharp as their 2013 edition.

The question for handicappers is if Seattle can maintain good betting value as their metrics slip and as one of the most public teams on the NFL board.  The upstart Arizona Cardinals are leading the NFC West and looking like a team that might not be going away.

Seattle was a +360 choice at BetDSI to win the Super Bowl and was a +166 choice to win the NFC championship.

Looking Good but not Great

Seattle is 2-1 straight up and against the spread with a 2-1 mark over the total but there seems to be a little bit of rust on their armor as their offense ranked 14^th overall in the NFL and the defense ranked 15^th for points allowed and 20^th against the pass.  The Seahawks 30-21 loss at San Diego in their second game of the season was alarming as they were dominated by San Diego, who had a 377 to 288 advantage on total yards as the Chargers had a 42:15 time of possession advantage while compiling a 26-14 first down edge.

Assets Remain

Seattle QB Russell Wilson is looking solid with a 108.9 QB rating and 6-1 TD-INT ratio while also ranking second on the team in rushing with 4.8 yards per carry.  Mainstay RB Marshawn Lynch remains the top ball carrier and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry.  Kicker Steven Hauschka remains one of the best in the NFL and a lethal weapon in close games.

Coming Up and our Assessment

Seattle returns to action with a road game at the Washington Redskins on October 6 followed by a home game against the Dallas Cowboys on October 12.  Washington is an improved team and could spring a trap for Seattle if they do not tighten up their game.