Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks Picks and Predictions October 20th 2024

Aiming for 4th straight win, Falcons welcome Seahawks

The Seahawks and Falcons will face off on Sunday, October 20th at 1:00 ET on FOX. The Falcons are the favorite with a money line of -156, and the point spread is -3 in favor of the Falcons. The over/under line is set at 50.5 points. Both teams need to add their current season records to this one, as it is a week seven matchup. The game is being played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Seattle vs. Atlanta Key Information

• Teams: Seahawks at Falcons
• Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta
• Date: Sunday, October 20th
• Betting Odds ATL -156 | SEA +131 O/U 50.5

The Seahawks Can Win If…

After starting the season 3-0, the Seahawks have now dropped three straight games, including a 36-24 home loss to the 49ers in week 6. Seattle was unable to cover the 3.5-point spread as underdogs, and the combined 60 points easily surpassed the 49-point line. The over has hit in three consecutive Seahawks games, and their O/U record stands at 5-1 this season.

Heading into week 7, Seattle ranks 22nd in our NFL power rankings and has a 17.1% chance of making the playoffs. They are 1-4-1 against the spread, with an average scoring margin of -0.7 points per game.

Seattle’s offense has been pass-heavy this season, leading the NFL in passing attempts per game (41.8) and passing yards per game (276.7). Geno Smith threw for 312 yards in week 6, completing 30 of 52 passes, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Before that, he had 284 yards in week 5 and 395 yards in week 4. The Seahawks rank 19th in our offensive power rankings and are 11th in the league in points per game, averaging 24.3.

On the ground, Seattle ranks 30th in rushing attempts and 29th in rushing yards per game, averaging 96.5 yards. Kenneth Walker III had 32 yards on 14 carries in week 6, following a 72-yard performance in week 5 and an 80-yard, 3-touchdown game in week 4. The Seahawks are 18th in the NFL in 3rd-down conversions, with a rate of 38.7%.

In their 36-24 loss to the 49ers, the Seahawks gave up 228 rushing yards on just 33 attempts, including a 76-yard touchdown run by Elijah Mitchell. Seattle’s inability to stop the run contributed to the 49ers’ 483 total yards. The Seahawks’ run defense allowed 6.9 yards per attempt in the game.

Despite struggling to stop the run, Seattle’s defense did not manage to record a sack in the game. The 49ers were able to hit on several big plays, finishing with 9.1 yards per attempt through the air and three passing touchdowns. Additionally, the Seahawks allowed the 49ers to convert on 41.7% of their third down attempts.

• Seattle has put together a record of 0-3 in their last three games (regular season). This includes going 0-3 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 3-0.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Seattle has a record of 6-4. In these contests, the team went just 2-6-2 against the spread, while going 6-4 on the over-under.

The Falcons Can Win If…

With three straight wins, the Falcons sit atop the NFC South at 4-2, including a 3-0 division record. After a week 3 loss to the Chiefs, Atlanta bounced back with wins over the Saints, Bucs, and Panthers. In week 6, they beat Carolina 38-20, covering the 6-point spread. The combined 58 points in that game marked the third straight over for Atlanta.

Heading into week 7, the Falcons have a 70.1% chance of making the playoffs and a 50.5% chance of winning the division. They rank 15th in our power rankings and have a +2.3 scoring margin. Against the spread, Atlanta is 3-3, with two consecutive ATS wins.

Heading into week 7, the Falcons are 9th in the NFL in points per game, averaging 24.8. They are 8th in passing attempts per game (34.7) and 6th in passing yards, with 254.7 per game. On the ground, they rank 22nd in rushing attempts and 21st in rushing yards, averaging 113.7 per game. Atlanta is 21st in the league in 3rd-down conversion percentage (34.4%) and 18th in red zone conversion percentage, despite being 5th in red zone attempts.

Kirk Cousins threw for 225 yards (19/30) and a touchdown in week 6 against the Panthers, after his 509-yard performance in week 5. Tyler Allgeier rushed for 105 yards on 18 carries, and Drake London had 6 catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Atlanta scored in every quarter, putting up 38 points in the win.

Atlanta’s defense came up with two interceptions in their 38-20 win over the Panthers, despite not registering any sacks. The Falcons allowed 114 rushing yards on 24 attempts and 221 passing yards. Carolina finished with a 68.4% completion percentage and converted 45.5% of their third down attempts.

The Falcons’ defense was able to force turnovers and limit big plays in the passing game, as Carolina managed just 5.8 yards per attempt. Even though they didn’t record any sacks, Atlanta won the tackles for loss battle, with four more tackles for loss than the Panthers.

• The Falcons have posted a 2-1 record in their previous three games. But, they did not perform well vs the spread in these games, going 1-2. Their over-under record in these matchups was 2-1.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Falcons have gone 5-5 straight up. This includes going 3-7 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Lean

Our pick against the spread is to take the Seahawks to cover as road underdogs in this week seven matchup between the Seahawks and Falcons. Right now, the point spread lines have the Seahawks at +3, and we have them winning 28-25 over the Falcons.

For this week’s over/under pick, we like the over, with a projected combined score of 53 points. With the O/U line sitting at 50.5 points, there is some nice value in taking the over in this matchup.

NFL Latest Picks & Previews

Two NFC teams heading in opposite directions will meet this Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons host the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons are riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive wins, while the Seahawks are desperate to snap a three-game losing streak.

Falcons on the Rise

The Atlanta Falcons (4-2) are currently experiencing their longest winning streak since 2019, placing them in a tie at the top of the NFC South. After several seasons of mediocrity, including missing the playoffs since 2017, the Falcons are beginning to look like legitimate postseason contenders. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Raheem Morris, the team is playing some of its best football in years, and they’re on the hunt for their first playoff appearance in seven years.

Atlanta’s recent success can be attributed to its revitalized roster, which is packed with offensive firepower. They’ve won three straight division games, the latest being a commanding 38-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

A Multifaceted Offense

The Falcons’ offense has showcased its versatility in the last two games, putting their opponents on notice. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kirk Cousins, Atlanta’s veteran quarterback, set a new franchise record by passing for 509 yards and four touchdowns in a thrilling 36-30 victory.

Just a week later, the team displayed its ground attack prowess against Carolina, with backup running back Tyler Allgeier rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown. Star rookie Bijan Robinson added 95 rushing yards and two scores, highlighting the Falcons’ ability to dominate on the ground as well.

The offense’s effectiveness has skyrocketed under the direction of first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. The former pass-game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams has transformed Atlanta’s offensive unit, boosting their scoring average to 24.8 points per game, a marked improvement from last year’s 18.9 points. Head coach Raheem Morris has lauded Zac Robinson for his impressive play-calling, especially his chemistry with Cousins and the rest of the offense.

Seattle Stuck in a Rut

While the Falcons are soaring, the Seattle Seahawks (3-3) have been plummeting. After a 3-0 start, Seattle has dropped three straight games, including a 36-24 home loss to division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. First-year head coach Mike Macdonald, the youngest in the league at 37, has voiced concerns about his team’s recent struggles and stressed the urgency to turn things around.

Seattle’s defense has been particularly vulnerable during their skid. The unit was stellar in the first three games, giving up just 14.3 points per game. However, over the last three contests, the Seahawks’ defense has been porous, allowing nearly 36 points per game. If Seattle hopes to stop the bleeding, their defense will need to rediscover its early-season form.

Turnovers and Inconsistencies Plague Seattle

One of the Seahawks’ biggest problems has been their tendency to turn the ball over. In their last three games, they’ve committed six turnovers while only forcing one. Quarterback Geno Smith, despite leading the league in passing yards (1,778), has been inconsistent, throwing six interceptions so far this season. His mistakes, coupled with Seattle’s lack of production in the running game (averaging just 96.5 rushing yards per game, 29th in the NFL), have prevented the Seahawks from finding offensive rhythm.

Seattle’s offensive struggles have come at the worst time, as the defense continues to be overwhelmed by opposing teams. As Macdonald has emphasized, Seattle needs to eliminate these costly mistakes and execute better if they want to salvage their season.

Key Injuries Could Play a Role

Both teams are dealing with key injuries that could impact Sunday’s matchup. For Atlanta, linebackers Troy Andersen (knee) and Lorenzo Carter (concussion) were absent from Wednesday’s practice, while Matthew Judon (rest) and Nate Landman (calf) were limited participants. Safety Justin Simmons also sat out of practice, and running back Bijan Robinson was held to limited action due to rest.

Seattle’s defense suffered a significant blow when defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins was placed on injured reserve. Jenkins, who hasn’t missed a defensive snap this season, had been playing with a cast on his hand in recent weeks. His absence could further weaken a Seattle secondary that has been struggling.

Matchup Preview and Game Dynamics

Heading into Sunday’s game, the Falcons’ well-rounded offense appears poised to exploit Seattle’s defensive vulnerabilities. Whether it’s through the air with Kirk Cousins and his talented receivers or on the ground with the duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta has a balanced attack that will test Seattle’s weakened defense.

On the other hand, the Seahawks need a strong performance from Geno Smith to have any chance of staying competitive. If Smith can avoid turnovers and the running game can step up, Seattle could keep pace with Atlanta’s high-powered offense. However, without defensive improvement, particularly in the secondary, the Seahawks will be in for a tough challenge.

Final Thoughts

The Falcons are clearly trending upward, with a rejuvenated roster and an offense firing on all cylinders. Their ability to win in different ways—whether through a dominant passing game or a ground-and-pound rushing attack—makes them a dangerous team in the NFC. On the other hand, the Seahawks are reeling and need a spark to avoid falling below .500 for the first time this season.

While anything can happen in the NFL, the Falcons appear to have the upper hand in this matchup, and a win on Sunday could further solidify their playoff aspirations.