The Seattle Seahawks finish their preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers. What should we expect from this game? Which team is the right NFL pick?
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Saturday, August 28, 2021 – 10:00 PM EDT at Lumen Field
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks had a historic offense and historic defense through 8 games last season. Unfortunately, the offense was historically good while the defense was historically bad! As both outliers regressed to the mean, the Seahawks limped into the final part of the season. After a 1st round playoff season exit, the Seahawks are looking to improve on last year’s disappointment.
The Seahawks embraced the future by going pass-heavy on most downs and for the 1st 8 weeks, Quarterback Back Russell Wilson was cooking. Unfortunately, the quick strikes and quick scores led the defensive vulnerabilities to become too apparent and the Seahawks reverted to their run-heavy approach as the season ensued. The defense improved with less time on the field, but the offense could not continue its torrid pace. Seattle will most likely start with their traditional run-heavy approach to start the year.
The beneficiary of this new approach, and the stand-out of the Seahawks preseason so far, has been Running Back DeeJay Dallas. Dallas has been an impressive dual threat so far racking up 5 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Dallas has rushed 5 times for 24 yds, a 4.8 yard per carry average. Dallas could provide a proper compliment to starting RB Chris Carson once the season starts.
Wide Receivers make an impression during training camp and 2 of the Seattle standouts are Cade Johnson and Aaron Fuller. Johnson leads all receivers with 12 targets, 7 receptions, and 59 receiving yards. Fuller has caught 3 passes for 42 yards so far this preseason. Russell Wilson’s backups have not played well so far this training camp but QB Geno Smith has been cleared to return to practice and should be playing in this game. This could be a major upgrade for the Seahawks. They could finish their preseason with the win if Smith is able to play to his capabilities.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are excited about their new coaching staff. Their new Coach Brandon Staley does not put much stock in the preseason, however, and most starters and key contributors will not play. In a 15-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, QB Chase Daniels went 14-21 for 85 yds and an interception. QB Easton Stick went 10-14 for 85 yds and a Touchdown. I don’t expect to see starting Quarterback Justin Herbert playing this game either, so be prepared for another double dose of Daniels and Stick.
Chase Daniels has the veteran experience but Easton Stick has looked a little more game-ready. If the Chargers decide to go with 2 quarterbacks, which one they choose will be interesting. Will they go for Stick who could probably play better if forced into service? Or will they choose Daniels? He would be able to better mentor second year QB Justin Herbert with his experience as an NFL quarterback. This race is razor-close right now and this game could decide the Chargers official number 2 quarterback.
The Chargers won’t play many starters but there are still some fringe players making an impact in these preseason games. Linebacker Kyzir White is making an impression and needs a solid 3rd game in order to make the team. Edge Rusher Kyler Fackrell is another young player that is working his way into the regular-season rotation. Fackrell will definitely try and get some sacks to cement his role on the final 53.
Key Matchup
The Seattle Seahawks had problems on the offensive line last year and the Chargers backups are still a fairly good defensive line. Watch to see if the Seahawks continue to open up holes for running back DeeJay Dallas and use the opportunity to recreate their smashmouth personality from seasons past. Running the ball means you gotta block upfront, so keep an eye on Seattle’s offensive line play to determine who will win this game.
Best Bet
With the Chargers approach to preseason, it makes them a very tough team to back. I like Seattle to get a lead here and with the return of Geno Smith, the quarterback play should be improved enough to cover the spread. Take the Seahawks do your best bet on your NFL odds.
NFL Pick: Seattle Seahawks -5.5 (-108) at BookMaker (visit our BookMaker Review)
*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.
