Seattle Seahawks Must Prove They’re Not Trending Downward vs Washington Commanders

Dan Favale
By , Updated on: Nov 7, 2023 12:00 AM
Can the Seattle Seahawks recapture offensive magic against the Washington Commanders?

Doubt is springing up around the Seattle Seahawks following their 37-3 Week 9 loss at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. Analysts are wondering whether the offense has flamed out. And whether Seattle is about to crumble in the brutal NFC West division. The Seahawks maintain they are closer to Super Bowl contention than not. If they’re going to turn skeptics into believers, it’ll need to start in Week 10.

The Seahawks are hosting the Washington Commanders this coming Sunday, November 12. The game is slated to start at 4:25 p.m. eastern standard time, on the lines of Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Will the Seahawks be victorious? The latest NFL online betting odds are sure expecting them to leave the gridiron with a victory:

FavoriteBetUSBetUSUnderdog
Seattle Seahawks-280+230Washington Commanders

Please remember to double-check these online NFL betting odds until you actually submit your wager. Our Seahawks vs. Commanders Week 10 betting odds are accurate entering Tuesday, November 7. That allows the best NFL online betting sites to adjust their lines depending on how the markets shake out in advance of opening kick-off on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the decisive odds in favor of the Seahawks, this matchup is teeming with mystery. Chief among the questions we must ask: Are the Commanders actually dangerous? Their 4-5 record implies no. But Washington just dispatched the New England Patriots on their own turf and were able to remain within one touchdown of the Philadelphia Eagles in a Week 8 loss. 

Seattle can ill afford a slip up here. Their odds to make the NFL playoffs tumbled slightly after falling to the Ravens. That says more about the NFC race than the Seahawks. The Wild Card hierarchy is brutal, so their most efficient path to the postseason lies with an NFC West division title. But Seattle will need to hold off the San Francisco 49ers, who are also 5-3, to make it happen. And when framed that way, Week 10 against the Commanders may be a must-win game. 

The Seattle Seahawks Offense is Primed to Rebound Against the Washington Commanders

Recent struggles from Geno Smith have many wondering whether the Seahawks should consider a change at quarterback. He has thrown six interceptions over the past four games and racked up just 157 passing yards with an interception and lost fumble versus the Ravens in Week 9.

To Smith’s credit, Baltimore may have the best darn defense in the NFL. And his offensive line hasn’t been doing him many favors. But he’s now completing just 55 percent of his passes over the past two games. That is at least cause for some concern. 

However, we’re not panicking yet. Smith’s past two matchups against Cleveland and Baltimore haven’t been very favorable. The Commanders’ defense is so far much more opponent-friendly. Washington ranks 28th in net yards allowed per pass attempt as well as 30th in total passing touchdowns surrendered. In recent weeks, the linebacker rotation has also collapsed on some blitz coverages, ultimately forfeiting massive plays down the field. Smith has the arm and surrounding weapons to capitalize on those mistakes.

Of course, the Seahawks will have their work cut out for them on defense. Even after getting thumbed by the Ravens, they rank in the top 10 of both nets yards allowed per pass attempt and passing touchdowns surrendered. But Washington’s offensive line has been on a tear lately, buying both time and space for quarterback Sam Howell. Seattle is also 25th in red zone defense and 30th in third down defense. Paired with their own offensive struggles on third down (30th in conversion rate), the Seahawks may find themselves venturing through upset territory.

In the end, though, we expect them to hold off Washington. The offense is due for a glitzier passing performance, and only one team is allowing opponents to score on a higher percentage of their drives than Washington at the moment.

OSB Prediction: Seattle Seahawks (-280)

Seattle Seahawks To beat the Washington Commanders
BetUS
-280

Should You Fade the Seahawks’ Point Spread in Week 10?

We don’t typically see non-contenders favored by a touchdown after coming off a monster loss. And yet, that’s exactly what the latest NFL point spread betting lines have the Seahawks favored by against the Commanders:

  • Seattle Seahawks, -6 (-116)
  • Washington Commanders, +6 (-104)

This line has already moved from its opening of 5.5. We wouldn’t be shocked to see the public shift it even further. 

Indeed, the Seahawks offense appears to be going through rough times. But the Commanders just traded away a good chunk of their defensive line. And for as improved as the offensive line has been, the Commanders still allow sacks on 11.8 percent of their offensive plays—the second-worst mark in the league, trailing only the New York Giants.

Frankly, if Sam Howell weren’t coming off consecutive games in which he racked up 300-plus passing yards, we’d be inclined to predict that Washington would lose by double digits. That, in turn, makes this an easy decision for us.

OSB Prediction: Seattle Seahawks, -6 (-116)

Seattle Seahawks To cover the point spread against the Washington Commanders
BetUS
-116

Washington vs. Seattle Features a Too-Close-to-Call Point Total

Check out the latest NFL over/under betting lines for Seahawks vs. Commanders below:

  • Over 44.5 (-110)
  • Under 44.5 (-110)

We are a little surprised the “under” isn’t getting more action given the matchup. The Commanders and Seahawks have combined to hit the under in 10 of their 17 games (58.8 percent of the time). That’s not necessarily proof of concept, but it’s something. 

Once you start digging into the details, the “over” gets more seductive. The Seahawks have scored at least 20 points in each of their past three home games, and the Commanders would rank among the top scoring offenses if not for their laid eggs against the Buffalo Bills (three points) and New York Giants (seven points). 

Plus, the circumstances seem primed for a shootout. Washington’s defense is significantly weaker following the trade deadline, and Seattle is struggling to get stops on third down and in the red zone. After much consideration, this seems like a game in which both sides will clear 21 points apiece, setting the stage for an “over” finish. 

OSB Prediction: Over 44.5 (-110)

Seahawks and Commanders To score over 44.5 combined points
BetUS
-110

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can find one that works for all of your 2023 NFL betting:

Meet the author

Dan Favale

Dan first began writing about sports back in 2011. At the time, his expertise lied in the NBA and NFL. More than one decade, that remains the case. But he's also expanded his catalog to include extensive knowledge and analysis on the NHL, MLB, tennis, NASCAR, college ba...

Online Sports Betting may receive compensation if you sign up through our links. Rest assured, we avoid biases and provide honest opinions on sportsbooks. Read our affiliate disclosure here.