Two teams who are favorites to lead their division meet up on Sunday Night Football in week two. The New England Patriots head out to Seattle to face Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. Cam Newton made quite the first impression as the Patriots starting QB after Tom Brady took his talents to Tampa Bay.
The Seahawks first game of the season was against the Falcons and a huge game from Wilson led Seattle to a 38-25 win. Wilson threw for 4 TDs to start the 2020 campaign.
The Seahawks come into Sunday night as 4-point favorites at home but the newfound energy of the Patriots has bettors looking for value on New England. .
Newton Faces Test Against Seahawks Defense
Before we’re ready to say that the Patriots are back to championship level, we need to see how they play against a quality opponent. In Week 1, New England faced the Dolphins and escaped with a narrow 21-11 victory. Seattle has a better defense than Miami, not to mention a much more efficient offense. Newton led the New England offense in rushing against Miami with 75 yards but only threw for 155.
The lack of offensive firepower in week one makes you wonder if the Patriots will be adjusting their game plan versus the Seahawks. Seattle will score points, even against the solid New England defense. Can the Patriots reciprocate?
Seattle’s Offense Is Rolling With Wilson
The Seahawks offense was on fire last week as Wilson threw for 322 yards and four touchdowns. D.K. Metcalf hauled in one of those, a 38 yard pass on fourth down. It’s clear the Seahawks are going to take more risks this season and give Wilson more control of the offense.
The variable in this game is how the Seahawks defense will deal with a mobile quarterback like Newton. In history, when teams faced the Patriots they rarely had to worry about Tom Brady extending plays with his legs but that’s changed now with Newton at the helm.
Who To Take In This AFC versus NFC Battle
This game isn’t as cut and dry as it might look on the surface. Sure, the Patriots offense wasn’t much to talk about last week against the Dolphins but that might be exactly what they want. Playing a more conservative game and controlling the pace has always been the Patriots strategy and if championships are any indication, it’s safe to say it works pretty well.
That being said, the Seahawks seem to be running the opposite of that strategy, allowing Wilson to take more shots down the field. Look for the Seahawks to overwhelm the Patriots with long bombs down the field, win the game, and cover the 4-point spread.
