I’m Andrew Erickson, and I’m here to guide you through each game on the NFL slate, offering insights and recommendations on sides, totals, and player props that you can quickly turn into a big single-game parlay. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just dipping your toes into the world of NFL wagering this primer is designed to provide you with valuable perspectives and picks for the upcoming NFL week of action. Here are my top picks for Seahawks vs. Ravens.
NFL Betting Primer: Seahawks vs. Ravens
Baltimore Ravens (-5.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are currently in first place in the NFC West, and they have already made moves to bolster their standing as a legitimate NFC contender. They traded for Giants defensive lineman, Leonard Williams, a day before Tuesday's trade deadline. Williams is a big boost to the surging Seattle defense. He's also a big loss to the interior of the Giants’ defensive line.
Baltimore has covered their last five of six games against a team with a winning record. I pointed out last week that the Ravens are a team that plays to the level of their competition. Against good/winning teams, they bring out their best. Versus bad teams - like what we saw last week versus the Cardinals - they tend to play with less urgency and composure.
Two weeks ago, the Ravens were 5-1 toward the under. But in back-to-back weeks they have miraculously hit the overs. Last week it came in garbage time for Arizona which vaulted the game over the total after it looked like the game would fly under the projected total. I swear I am not upset.
But this game is interesting because one could argue that Seattle's offense is one of the top units Baltimore has played this season. Again, outside the dominant performance versus Jared Goff at home, the Ravens have faced two rookie QBs making their first starts, an injured Joe Burrow, another backup QB in Gardner Minshew, Kenny Pickett, Ryan Tannehill/Malik Willis and Josh Dobbs.
Simply put, when they don't fear an opposing QB, the Ravens tend to go under the game total.
Eight of the Ravens' last 10 games as favorites have gone UNDER the total points line. Nine of the last 10 Ravens' home games have gone under the total.
Seattle's pass defense has improved dramatically since the start of the year, with their cornerbacks healthy on the outside. After allowing 300-plus passing yards in three straight games to open the year...
They have allowed fewer than 250 passing yards in four straight games.
3-1 toward the under. Albeit against some pretty bad QBs. And the fact that the Seahawks defense gave up so much production to the Browns led by PJ Walker - 385 total yards - has me concerned they might not hold up versus the Ravens on the road.
My Picks:
- Ravens -5.5
- Under 43
What is Betting Against the Spread?
Betting "against the spread" refers to the act of choosing the winning team based on a numeric handicap placed on the team that oddsmakers believe is superior, rather than picking the outright winner. For example, if the Rams face the Bengals, and oddsmakers set the spread at Rams -3.5, you would need Los Angeles to win by 4 or more points in order to cash your Rams bet.
What is an Over/Under Bet?
Over/Under is a wager based on how many points you think will be scored in a specific game. Oddsmakers set the total, and bettors decide whether the final score will be higher or lower than that number. If an Over/Under is set at 44.5 points and you bet Over, you will need the combined score of both teams to be 45 points or higher to win your bet.
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet involves choosing which team you believe will win a specific matchup. The moneyline favorite carries a minus designation, like -130. This means that you need to wager $130 to earn a $100 profit. Conversely, the underdog carries a plus designation, like +110. This means that you win $110 in profit on a $100 bet.
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