How much will the Seattle Seahawks miss Shaun Alexander in their backfield? Oddsmakers have made the Seahawks a 25/1 long shot to win the 2009 Super Bowl.
The Seahawks brought back one of their most important defensive pieces when they franchised corner Marcus Trufant. The team was also able to bring back guard Sean Locklear and Leonard Weaver from the playoff team of a year ago. Mike Wahle (Panthers), Julius Jones (Cowboys) and T.J. Duckett (Lions) were all signed as free agents.
There seems to be a little hesitation over the Seahawks this year, largely because their running game is a bit in flux. Shaun Alexander clearly lost too much to injuries over the years, but can Jones and Duckett carry the load? Seattle is still considered the favorite in the NFC West, but will head coach Mike Holmgren’s decision to retire affect the team in 2009?
Seattle is a small long shot at all of the major online sports books. Current prices on the Seahawks’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 25/1 at Sportsbook.com and Bodog, while 35/1 at SBG Global.
Oddsmakers have also set the Seahawks’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 8.5, but clearly think Seattle will lose more than 8.5 games considering the over pays out at –155 compared to +125 for the under.
Even without the threat of a great running game, the Seahawks are still the best team in the NFC West. And with that, another playoff spot should be on the horizon. No quarterback knows Holmgren’s offense more than Matt Hasselbeck, so the Seahawks should be ready to go again in 2009. The defense is also solid and has brought back all of their key starters. At 25/1, the Seahawks are a potential big value bet and should be considered a small Super Bowl sleeper to emerge out of the NFC.
Seattle Seahawks Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 35-1
Bodog 25-1
Sportsbook.com 25-1
Seattle Seahawks 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Seattle Seahawks Over 8.5 Wins (-155)
Seattle Seahawks Under 8.5 Wins (+125)