Detroit Lions vs Seattle Seahawks Picks and Predictions September 30th 2024

Lions tired of losing to Seahawks, their opponent on Monday night

ABC will broadcast the week four NFC matchup between the Seahawks and Lions, with the Lions favored at -203 on the money line. The game, played at Ford Field in Detroit, will kick off at 8:15 ET. The Lions are -4 point favorites, and the over/under line is set at 47 points. The Seahawks and Lions both need to add their current season records.

Seattle vs. Detroit Key Information

• Teams: Seahawks at Lions
• Where: Ford Field Detroit
• Date: Monday, September 30th
• Betting Odds DET -203 | SEA +169 O/U 47

The Seahawks Can Win If…

Seattle is now 3-0 after their most recent win, where they defeated the Dolphins 24-3. The Seahawks led 17-3 after the 1st quarter and didn’t look back. The Seahawks were -4 point favorites in the game, and their 21-point win helped them cover the spread. The combined 27 points in the game was lower than the over/under of 41.5 points.

After a 56-yard field goal from Jason Myers, Geno Smith found DK Metcalf for a touchdown to give the Seahawks a 10-0 lead. Zach Charbonnet also added a 4-yard rushing touchdown in the 1st quarter. The Dolphins added a field goal late in the 1st quarter, and Seattle added another touchdown before the end of the quarter to make it 17-3.

The Seahawks’ offense picked up 21 first downs in their 24-3 win over the Dolphins, with Geno Smith throwing for 289 yards on 26/34 passing. Smith’s one touchdown pass led to a 76% completion rate and an 86 passer rating. Seattle struggled on third down, converting just 27.3% of their chances, and Smith was sacked three times.

DK Metcalf caught four passes for 104 yards, including a 71-yard touchdown reception. Seattle didn’t attempt any rushes, as Smith led the team with 270 passing yards. Zach Charbonnet ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt.

Seattle’s defense was dominant in their 24-3 win over the Dolphins, not allowing a single completion in the passing game. They held Miami to 0-10 on third down and just 65 rushing yards on 18 attempts. The Seahawks’ secondary didn’t allow a single completion, and Miami finished with 140 passing yards.

Seattle’s defense also came away with six sacks in the game. The Seahawks held Miami to just 3.6 yards per attempt in the running game and limited them to 205 total yards.

• Over their last three games, the Seahawks have gone 3-0 straight up. Against the spread, they have gone 1-1-1 and logged an over-under record of 2-1 in these games.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Seattle has a record of 6-4. Their record vs the spread sits at 4-4-2 in these matchups, while posting a 5-5 over-under mark.

The Lions Can Win If…

Despite a late push by the Cardinals in the 4th quarter, the Lions held on to win 20-13, improving their record to 2-1. Detroit took an early 7-0 lead, but the Cardinals tied it up in the 1st quarter. The Lions then took control of the game in the 2nd quarter, with Jared Goff connecting with Amon-Ra St. Brown for two touchdowns. Detroit led 20-10 at halftime.

Heading into the game, the Lions were favored by -3, and their win came with a 7-point margin. The final score of 33 points was well below the over/under line of 51.5 points. The Lions’ defense held the Cardinals to just a field goal in the 2nd half.

Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense put together a balanced attack in their 20-13 win over the Cardinals. Detroit rushed for 187 yards on 43 attempts and Goff threw for 199 yards on 18 completions. Goff finished with a passer rating of 113, connecting on 78% of his passes and throwing two touchdowns.

David Montgomery led the ground game with 105 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt and scoring once. Amon-Ra St. Brown was the top receiver with 75 yards and a touchdown. The Lions’ offense recorded 23 first downs and 186 total passing yards.

In their 20-13 win over the Cardinals, the Lions’ defense didn’t allow a single completion. Arizona’s only passing touchdown came on a 4th quarter trick play. The Lions held the Cardinals to 77 yards rushing on 18 attempts and limited them to 277 total yards.Detroit’s defense was tough on 3rd downs, allowing the Cardinals to convert just 11.1% of their chances. They also came away with one interception and held Arizona to a 0% completion percentage on their attempts. The Lions’ defense recorded one sack and had a positive QB hit differential, despite losing the tackles for loss battle.

• Over their last three games, the Lions have gone 2-1 straight up. In addition, their ATS record over this stretch is 2-1 while posting a 1-2 over-under mark.
• Across Detroit’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 8-2. This includes going 6-4 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Lean

Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Lions to cover as home favorites in their week four matchup against the Seahawks. The point spread lines have the Lions at -4, and we have them winning by a score of 26-21.

As for the over/under, with the line sitting at 47 points, we are leaning towards taking the under, with our projections also coming in at 47 combined points.

The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a pivotal Monday night showdown against the undefeated Seattle Seahawks. Despite not playing in the same division, this matchup has turned into a mini-rivalry, with the Lions growing tired of their six-game losing streak against Seattle. Their last win over the Seahawks came back in 2012, and head coach Dan Campbell is determined to change that.

“I would be lying if I told you that I don’t know we’ve lost to them three years in a row.” Campbell acknowledged. “You get tired of that after one loss, much less three.“

This game is about more than just ending a losing streak. Both teams are heading into this matchup with solid records: the Lions at 2-1, and the Seahawks at a perfect 3-0. Detroit’s defense has looked strong in recent weeks, but their offense will need to be more explosive to match Seattle’s high-octane attack.

Detroit’s Recent Success and Challenges

The Lions are coming off two big wins: a thrilling overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams and a gritty 20-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals in their first road test. Quarterback Jared Goff has been efficient, completing 18 of 23 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against the Cardinals. Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 188 yards, showcasing a balanced offense.

But Campbell knows that won’t be enough against a team like Seattle.

“We have to be very efficient, first and second down, and then, honestly, I think we have to win the explosive battle,” Campbell said. “We have to get some explosives on offense, and we have to shut theirs down.“

Detroit’s defense held firm last week, shutting out the Cardinals in the second half, but Campbell is focused on improving the offense. Goff, who threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns in last season’s overtime loss to Seattle, faces a revamped Seahawks defense under new leadership.

“It’s a completely different scheme,” Goff said of Seattle’s defense this season. “I’m sure there are a couple players still there, but schematically, it’s entirely different.“

Seattle’s Firepower and New Look

The Seahawks come into this game undefeated, fresh off a dominant 24-3 win over the Miami Dolphins. Geno Smith, Seattle’s quarterback, passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions last season. Wide receiver DK Metcalf, a key weapon for Smith, is on a hot streak, having posted back-to-back 100-yard games.

Metcalf worked during the offseason to improve his ability to catch contested passes in traffic, making him even more dangerous.

“That definitely was a focus for me this offseason,” Metcalf said. “Contested catches or 50/50 balls, going up and attacking the ball instead of letting it come down to me.“

Running back Zach Charbonnet has stepped up in place of the injured Kenneth Walker, rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns last week. Walker’s availability for Monday remains uncertain due to an oblique injury, but the Seahawks have proven they can still dominate the ground game.

Key Matchups: Goff vs. Seahawks Defense and Hutchinson vs. Smith

One of the key areas to watch in this game is the battle between Jared Goff and Seattle’s defense. Last season, Goff lit up the Seahawks’ defense for 323 yards, but this year’s unit has a different look under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

Detroit’s offensive line will need to protect Goff against Seattle’s pass rush while establishing the run game with Montgomery and Gibbs. Goff will also need to spread the ball around to his weapons, particularly if tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) isn’t at full strength.

On the defensive side, all eyes will be on Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson already has 6.5 sacks this season and will be critical in disrupting Seattle’s passing attack. Geno Smith knows that neutralizing Hutchinson will be key to the Seahawks’ offensive success.

“We’ve got to find 97,” Smith said, referring to Hutchinson. “He’s off to a great start. If we can stalemate him, keep him from making big plays, getting tackles for loss and sacks, we’ll make it hard on their defense.“

If Hutchinson can pressure Smith consistently, it will force Seattle into uncomfortable situations, making it harder for them to execute their deep-passing game with Metcalf.

Injury Concerns for Both Teams

Both teams come into this matchup with significant injury concerns. The Lions will be without starting center Frank Ragnow, who has a partially torn pectoral muscle. This could impact the efficiency of the Lions’ offensive line, especially against a tough Seahawks front. Tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) and linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion) are also question marks.

Seattle has its own injury issues. Kenneth Walker, their star running back, is nursing an oblique injury, and several defensive starters, including Leonard Williams (ribs), Uchenna Nwosu (knee), and Jerome Baker (hamstring), have been limited in practice.

The Lions’ Plan for Victory

For Detroit to come away with a win and end their losing streak against the Seahawks, they’ll need to execute in several key areas:

1. Pressure Geno Smith: Hutchinson and the Lions’ defense must put constant pressure on Smith, forcing him to make quick decisions and limiting his ability to connect with Metcalf on deep throws.
2. Win the Explosive Play Battle: Campbell emphasized the importance of generating big plays on offense while limiting Seattle’s ability to do the same. Goff will need to take advantage of mismatches in the Seahawks’ secondary and get the ball to playmakers like Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
3. Protect the Football: In a game where both teams have potent offenses, turnovers could be the deciding factor. Goff has been efficient so far this season, but protecting the ball against a Seahawks defense that is still finding its identity will be crucial.

Conclusion: A Must-Win for Detroit

This Monday night clash is a high-stakes game for Detroit, not just because of their six-game losing streak to Seattle but also to solidify their strong start to the season. With a bye week on the horizon, the Lions are focused on entering the break on a winning note.

The Lions’ formula for success will be a balanced attack on offense, continued dominance from their defensive line, and finding a way to finally outmatch a Seattle team that has had their number for years. Can Detroit snap the streak, or will Seattle extend their dominance? We’ll find out on Monday night.

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