Cracking match in prospect on Sunday, Oct 15th (18.00 UK-time), as the Cincinnati Bengals entertain the Seattle Seahawks at Paycor Stadium.
Seattle have a little more to be pleased about so far this campaign but for me this is a fiendishly-difficult match to predict. There’s little in it odds-wise, and as I write the main match markets are as follows;
Money Line (outright); Bengals 8/13, Seahawks 13/10.
Spread (handicap); Bengals -2.5 @20/23, Seahawks +2.5 @20/21
Total Points 44.5; both OVER and UNDER trade @10/11
(prices can fluctuate up to game time)
Team news
Four Bengals are listed as ‘questionable’ ahead of Sunday’s clash; CB Chidobe Awuzie (Back), DT Josh Tupou (Toe), WR Tee Higgins (Ribs), and LB Devin Harper (Hamstring).
Seattle have the following players listed in the same category; G Phil Haynes (Calf), and QB Drew Lock (Ankle); while G Damien Lewis (Ankle) is rated ‘Doubtful.’
The ongoing mini-saga this season has been the fitness or otherwise of Bengals’ star QB Joe Burrow, who is mercifully, it seems, getting there after a difficult start.
Over 44.5 total points @ 10/11
Seahawks fans will know their prospects to an extent hinge on cornerbacks Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Mike Jackson keeping tabs on Bengals’ star receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. After a sticky start, Cincinnati are showing some signs of remembering they’re actually a Super Bowl-calibre outfit.
They are as big as 20/1 for the big one in February, while opponents Seattle are twice that at 40s. I mentioned Burrow – his connection with the weapons above when on-song is dynamite, and I’m expecting plenty of joy on that front.
Cincinnati are presently more effective against the pass than their opponents, but Seattle definitely have the edge defending the run. Burrow will exploit IF he’s nearer to his peak condition.
As for Seattle’s attacking threat, as they look for a 4th straight win, they have the brilliant receivers Lockett and Metcalf, while Kenneth Walker is pounding out the hard yards and being rewarded with TDs. He’s Evens to score a TD at anytime, more of which below – yes please. QB Geno Smith is playing his part, and veteran coach Pete Carroll must be absolutely delighted overall.
So – I’m expecting/hoping for a points-fest!
Anytime Touchdown scorer Kenneth Walker @ Evens
As I’ve alluded to above, let’s bank on Walker continuing his rich vein of form. He’ll be looking to add to an impressive total of five TDs so far this campaign, which is Tyreek Hill/Stefon Diggs territory. Rarefied air indeed.
In the main overall Week 6 piece I’ve gone for the Bengals to win this, thinking about home-field, and the fact that they appear, touch wood, to be emerging from their early-season slumbers. It’s a very close call for me which is why I’m going for the markets I am here – a total points punt and an in-form would-be TD scorer.
Sometimes discretion really is the better part of valour, and I’m hoping such a rare flash of common sense and care will be rewarded! Should be an absolute thriller and I’ll be looking to view on the compelling carousel that is RedZone later on Sunday, early evening. FredZone watching RedZone. Can’t beat it.
