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Seahawks versus Bengals: Our staff predicts a close game

By Lee Vowell

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 11: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks drops back and throws a pass during the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 11: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks drops back and throws a pass during the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Seahawks and Bengals play in the first week of the 2019? Who wins? Who knows? But this is what our staff thinks will happen.

The Seahawks open up the 2019 season on Sunday versus the Cincinnati Bengals at CenturyLink Field. Last year Seattle started 0-2 but still made the playoffs. This week Seattle looks to be the clear favorite as Las Vegas favors Seattle by 9.5 points. Will Seattle win? This is how our staff sees the game taking shape.

Jon Helmkamp, contributor

I think Seattle pounds the ball all day long. The run defense for the Bengals was terrible last year and they didn’t do anything to improve it over the offseason. Chris Carson is poised for a monster game. On the other side of the ball, I’m chomping at the bit to see the new pass rush in Ziggy Ansah and Jadeveon Clowney. With no A.J. Green, the Bengals will be more one-dimensional. The Seahawks will look to stop the run early, and the ‘Hawks should be able to win this one handily at home in front of the 12s.

Score prediction: Seahawks 24 Bengals 10

Colby Patnode, contributor and host of the 12th Man Rising podcast

While many consider this game a likely cakewalk, I do not. Cincinnati has good talent on defense and a strong RB group headlined by Joe Mixon.

They have the skills to keep this game close. However, there are a few things working in the favor of Seattle. Cincy will be without wideout A.J. Green, making life a little easier on the secondary. It also appears Cincy will be without their two starting tackles, providing a nice soft landing for Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah.

Seattle’s run game will control the tempo of the game and although the game will never feel in jeopardy, Cincinnati will keep it close. But I’m always going to take the home team with a better QB, coach, and roster.

Score prediction: Seahawks 27 Bengals 20

Blake Waldron, contributor

Chris Carson finds the end zone twice and eclipses 120 yards on day. Russell Wilson throws for just over 250 yards and throws his only touchdown of the game to Jaron Brown from right outside the red zone as the first half winds down. The defense puts on a dominant debut getting to Andy Dalton for 5 sacks. Seattle’s defense will also create two turnovers, one being a fumble and the other being Tre Flowers first career interception. Seattle will grab the lead early and ride it to the finish.

Score prediction: Seahawks 27 Bengals 13

Next. Five questions about the Bengals as they face the Seahawks. dark

Lee Vowell, co-expert

When I pick the Seahawks to win, they usually lose. Are they the better team on paper? Yes, of course. But the beginnings of seasons can be weird because a lot of the starters haven’t played a bunch of preseason games so week one is almost like a glorified preseason game. Except it really matters. I think Wilson actually struggles a bit as he acclimates to his new receiving group. But Carson has a nice day and the front seven of Seattle keep the Bengals from scoring a lot. Seattle wins in a low-scoring affair.

Score prediction: Seahawks 17 Bengals 13

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