Seattle Seahawks vs. Bears odds and prediction for NFL Week 16 game
By Jake Luppino
With nothing but pride on the line, the Seattle Seahawks look to bounce back at home against the Chicago Bears in Week 16. The Week 15 loss against the Rams, which featured many controversial calls, ultimately shut the door on any hopes the Seahawks had of making the playoffs. The loss highlighted Seattle’s biggest problem of the season: lack of execution.
Luckily for Seattle, their Week 16 opponent, Chicago Bears, have experienced many of the same problems throughout the season. The only difference – a major one, I quite add – is that these two teams had different expectations. The Seattle Seahawks were hoping to win the division again in a quest to get back to the Super Bowl while the Chicago Bears were simply just looking to see if Justin Fields is that guy while also having slight hope for the playoffs.
Now, as enter this matchup both of these coaches in Pete Carroll and Matt Naggy have cloudy futures and both of these franchises do not have a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears Odds Week 16
On a short week because of rescheduling due to COVID, the Seattle Seahawks still remain a favorite in Week 16. The WynnBet betting odds currently have the Seahawks as a -6.5 point favorite. Seattle also has -280 moneyline odds while Chicago is at +240. The over/under for total points is set at 43.0 (-110 for the over, -110 for the under).
One quick thing I would mention is to keep your eye on the COVID reserve list for both of these two teams as the week progresses. Depending on what happens could cause a shift in the line. Seattle currently has 11 players on the COVID reserve, while Chicago has 12.
Betting the spread: If one were to bet on the Seahawks (-6.5), in order to win, they’d have to win by 7 or more points.
Betting the moneyline: If one were to bet on the Seahawks (-280), they would have to just flat out win. For every $280 bet, you win $100.
Seahawks vs. Bears Week 16
Typically, I’d feel very confident in saying the Seattle Seahawks are a lock coming off a loss, especially when playing at home. But, as we have seen throughout this season, expect the unexpected from Seattle. Although Chicago is 4-10, they play hard and have an underrated defense. Just last week alone against Minnesota with a depleted secondary, they were able to hold the Vikings to only 17 points. The Seattle Seahawks cannot overlook this young team.
KEY TO THIS GAME: Offensive rhythm
The Seattle Seahawks will once again be going up against one of the better pass rushes in the league as Chicago currently sits at third-most sacks with 40. But, on the same token, they do a very poor job of protecting their own as Justin Fields is one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the NFL.
Expect the Seattle Seahawks to go to the ground game early and often. With Alex Collins being activated off the COVID list, his fresh legs should give this Seattle backfield some stability. Despite WR Tyler Lockett being on the COVID list, I would guess he should good to go on Sunday. That is Wilson’s go-to guy in crisis and he was certainly missed in Week 15.
Russell Wilson is historically one of the best in the league when coming off a defeat. His porous performance in Week 15 has made headlines everywhere and has some even questioned his dedication to finishing this season. While I personally feel that is bogus,
I expect him to have a nice bounce-back game in front of the 12s. I would like to see the Seahawks stick to the short game and incorporate some RPO plays for Everett in the flat or D.K. on a screen. I believe Seattle will establish their rhythm early in a game where I see them scoring 30+ points.
On the flip side of the ball, this defense has done a really nice job of holding opponents to under 20 points. Against a young offensive line, this Seattle front should be able to generate some pressure and force the rookie into some poor decisions. I like the Seattle Seahawks this week to cover the spread and bounce back at home, 31-20 over the Chicago Bears.