Vegas thinks Seahawks get first win of 2018 vs. Cowboys

Las Vegas oddsmakers don’t like being wrong. That loses them money. Let’s hope they are right about the Seahawks on Sunday.

The Seahawks opened as a 3-point favorite for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Oddsshark says a lot of Seattle being favored has something to do with the Seahawks winning 13 in a row at CenturyLink in September.

But being favored by 3 doesn’t really show a lot of confidence in Seattle. Most teams get 3 points just by playing at home. Home field advantage, of course, is a real thing. But being favored by only this much means Vegas thinks the game is a toss up.

And the game truly is. The Cowboys have one point of strength that goes directly against a Seahawks point of weakness. That is, Dallas can get to the opposing quarterback. The Cowboys have 9 sacks in 2018 so far. That is second in the NFL.

Seattle, as 12s all know, are good at getting Russell Wilson taken down for loss. Wilson has been sacked 12 times already this year. The 12 sacks are the most given up by any team. Wilson doesn’t help his line much by holding on to the ball too long.

But Cowboys pass rushers don’t care if they beat a Seattle lineman directly or if they get to Wilson simply because he didn’t throw the ball away when he had a chance. Dallas wants sacks. Seattle hasn’t yet shown any team that they are capable of stopping oncoming rushers.

But if the Seahawks are able to protect Wilson on Sunday (and Wilson gets rid of the ball), then Seattle could do as the oddsmakers predict and win. And if they are able to do that, 12s will finally get some comfortable sleep.