Bills vs. Seahawks NFL Week 8 Picks: Seattle Will Not Keep Up With Buffalo

Bills Win in Amari Cooper’s Debut

Amari Cooper quickly adapted to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills’ offense, even when Allen was audibling at the line. Just five days after being traded from Cleveland, Cooper made an immediate impact in his Bills debut, turning his first reception into a go-ahead touchdown during Buffalo’s 34-10 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Despite limited practice, the 10-year veteran showed a solid grasp of Buffalo’s complex playbook. Cooper explained that he understood his role when Allen adjusted the play at the line, running an in-route that led to a 12-yard touchdown, putting Buffalo ahead 14-10 on their first drive of the second half.

Cooper played 18 snaps and caught four passes for 66 yards. His presence also helped free up space for other receivers, who had struggled to find open lanes in previous games. This opened the door for Darrel Coleman, who became Buffalo’s first receiver this season to surpass 100 yards, finishing with 125 yards on four catches.

Allen, celebrating his 100th career start, marked the occasion with his 26th 300-yard game. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns, improving to 68-32 as a starter. This puts him in elite company, tying Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers for the sixth-most wins through a quarterback’s first 100 starts.

Seahawks End Three-Game Losing Streak

Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks’ defense had a point to prove after three disappointing games, and they rose to the challenge against the Atlanta Falcons. Derick Hall returned a fumble 36 yards for a game-sealing touchdown as the Seahawks snapped their three-game losing streak with a 34-14 victory.

Though Geno Smith threw two touchdowns, the win was fueled by a defense that forced three turnovers on consecutive Atlanta drives in the fourth quarter, including Hall’s scoop-and-score. The Seahawks’ defense, which had been allowing nearly 36 points per game during their skid, managed to stifle an Atlanta offense that had been averaging 37 points over the past two weeks.

Smith completed 18 of 28 passes for 207 yards—his second-lowest total of the season—but his connections were timely. He hit DK Metcalf for a 31-yard touchdown just before halftime and found Kenneth Walker for a 17-yard score in the third quarter.

Atlanta’s offense struggled to gain momentum, but Seattle’s win was clouded by Metcalf’s injury. He was carted off with a knee issue after landing awkwardly on a pass attempt in the third quarter. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald expressed optimism that the injury wasn’t serious.

Seattle’s defense received a boost with rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II returning from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for three games, stabilizing a unit that had lost five players to injury in recent weeks.

Key Matchups

Allen is in fine form for the Bills, while Seattle’s defense has finally shown signs of life after a rough stretch, led by a game-changing turnover performance against the Falcons. This matchup will come down to whether Buffalo’s high-powered offense can break through Seattle’s rejuvenated defense, and if Seattle’s own offense can keep pace.

Josh Allen vs. Seahawks Defense

Allen comes into this game having thrown for over 300 yards in his 100th career start, showing poise and control in the pocket. He’ll need to be at his best against a Seattle defense that forced three turnovers in their last outing.

Allen’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make quick adjustments at the line of scrimmage will test a Seahawks defense that has struggled for consistency, especially during their three-game losing streak.

However, with Seattle’s Hall showing the ability to create big plays, Allen must be cautious when scrambling or changing plays under pressure. His chemistry with newly acquired Cooper will also be a key factor, as he’s already proven himself capable of capitalizing on short practice time.

Amari Cooper vs. Seahawks Secondary

Cooper’s presence in Buffalo’s offense adds another layer of complexity for the Seahawks to handle. After scoring a touchdown and racking up 66 yards on just 18 snaps in his Bills debut, Cooper will be a primary target for Allen.

Seattle’s secondary, which has been prone to giving up big plays in recent weeks, must find a way to contain him. If Cooper can find space over the middle, as he did against the Titans, it could open up opportunities for other receivers like Coleman, who is coming off a 125-yard performance.

The Seahawks can’t afford to let Buffalo’s receiving corps break loose, or it could be a long day for their defense.

Geno Smith vs. Bills Pass Rush

While Smith’s numbers were modest against the Falcons, with 207 yards passing, he connected on key plays to Metcalf and Walker. However, against a Buffalo defense that thrives on pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes, Smith will need to be sharp. His ability to move the chains without turning the ball over will be critical in keeping pace with Buffalo’s high-octane offense.

With Metcalf nursing a knee injury, Smith’s options could be limited, and Buffalo will likely try to capitalize on that by bringing extra pressure. Whether Smith can find success through short, quick throws to avoid the pass rush will go a long way in determining Seattle’s chances.

Seahawks Rushing Attack vs. Bills Front Seven

Seattle’s ground game, led by Walker, will be essential to controlling the tempo of the game. If the Seahawks can establish a consistent rushing attack, it will help keep Buffalo’s offense off the field and allow Smith to take calculated shots downfield.

Buffalo’s defense, however, is adept at stopping the run, and Seattle could struggle to move the ball if they become one-dimensional. Murphy’s return to the team’s defense could also bolster their efforts to slow down Allen and the Bills, but Seattle’s ability to run the ball effectively will be key to staying competitive.

Special Teams and Turnovers

Both teams have relied on turnovers to fuel their most recent wins, and that trend could continue here. Seattle’s defense has shown it can force mistakes, but Allen’s experience and efficiency make him difficult to rattle.

On the other side, Smith must avoid giving the ball away, as Buffalo’s opportunistic defense could make life difficult for Seattle if they’re forced to play from behind. Special teams could also play a pivotal role in flipping field position, especially in what is likely to be a closely contested game.

The Pick

This game could start out tight, with both teams feeling each other out early. Seattle’s defense, fresh off a strong showing, will look to disrupt Allen’s rhythm, but Buffalo’s offensive firepower may prove too much over four quarters.

The Seahawks’ offense, especially with Metcalf’s uncertain status, may struggle to match the Bills’ ability to put points on the board consistently. If Cooper continues to mesh with Allen and Buffalo’s defense can force a few key mistakes from Smith, the Bills will have the upper hand.

Seattle’s defense will show some grit, but Buffalo’s balanced attack will wear them down, while Smith struggles to sustain drives against a stout Bills defense.

NFL Pick: Bills -3 (-105) at BetOnline

Bills -3 (-105)

Visit Site

*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.