NFL Betting Free Pick: Take 49ers to edge Seahawks on the road in Week 1
By Anthony Rome
NFC West rivals clash in Pete Carroll’s debut in Seattle when the Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon. Let’s breakdown the matchup.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Seahawks 3-point favorites over the 49ers on Sunday, while the over/under total for this game has been set at 36.5.
49ers Win If:
The offensive line plays well. Kind of basic concept I know, but with Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis, the Niners have more than enough weapons to beat the Seahawks on Sunday. But if the offensive line doesn’t open holes for Gore and fails to protect quarterback Alex Smith, then the offense is going to struggle with its consistency like a year ago. San Fran will start two rookies on the O-line in guard Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis. Mistakes are going to happen, but they need to grow up in a hurry.
Seahawks Win If:
Somebody steps up on offense. This team severely lacks playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, so its up to Mike Williams and Deion Branch to make plays in the passing game or else Matt Hasselbeck is going to be swallowed up by the 49ers’ excellent pass rush. Justin Forsett provides a spark out of the backfield, but he can’t get it down on his own. A sleeper to watch is rookie Golden Tate, who is one of the few game-changers that the Hawks employ on offense.
Prediction:
I’m tempted to take Carroll in his home debut, but the 49ers are clearly the better team and then need to thump the Seahawks to display dominance in the division. San Fran’s front seven can take advantage of a weak Seattle O-line and the Niners have better skill players to make plays down the stretch than the Hawks do. This is a very punchless Seattle team and I think they’re going to have trouble scoring all years. I favor the Niners, but the play here is the under.
2010 NFL Week 1 Free Pick: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS –3 & UNDER 36.5