Seahawks versus Buccaneers Week 10: Staff predictions are mostly giddy

The NFL’s first game ever in Germany will feature two first-place teams: The Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One of those teams, though, has a losing record. And it isn’t Seattle.

Still, the 6-3 Seahawks shouldn’t feel too great playing the 4-5 Buccaneers as Tom Brady always seems to keep a team in a position to win. But here’s the great thing, 12s. Many of Seattle’s excellent group of young players have never faced Brady and the young guys are still eager to prove themselves against anybody they play. I don’t think Tariq Woolen is going to go up to Brady post-game in Richard Sherman style and ask if Brady is mad his team lost, but it may not be out of the realm of possibility.

Tampa Bay is struggling offensively, though. The Bucs are 25th in points-per-game in 2022 (18.0) – Seattle is 4th at (26.8) – and last in rushing yards per game (60.7). Brady is still fifth in the league in passing yards per game, however (271.1).

Staff predictions for the Seahawks versus the Buccaneers in Week 10

On the other hand, the Buccaneers are good defensively. They are fifth in points allowed per game at 18.2. The Seahawks are still 22nd at 24.4 though they have improved a great deal recently. Tampa Bay is 13th in QBR-allowed (88.2). But this game might be one that Ken Walker III needs to win for Seattle. Tampa Bay is 21st allowing 4.6 yards per carry.

Seattle is third in the NFL in yards-per-carry with 5.2. But we know that Seattle will mix up its game plan as offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has been a master of this all year. And Geno Smith has been running Waldron’s offense to perfection. Here is who our staff thinks wins.

Todd Vandenberg: Seattle 34 Buccaneers 16

Jake Luppino: Seattle 24 Buccaneers 17

Andrew Bailie: Seattle 20 Buccaneers 17

Karley Sibert: Seattle 27 Buccaneers 13

Matt Holm: Seattle 24 Buccaneers 13

Max Downard: Buccaneers 17 Seattle 14

Lee Vowell: Seattle 24 Buccaneers 18