We could simply say the five reasons the Seahawks will win are Uchenna Nwosu, Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, Julian Love and Jerome Baker and call it a day. That feels like cheating, though, and it may or may not be fully accurate. Here are the full five reasons the Seahawks (3-1) will beat the visiting Giants (1-3) on Sunday (1:25 p.m., KIRO TV).
1. Players returning from injury
The Seahawks release little more info than what the NFL requires when it comes to injuries. However, the most recent injury report appeared encouraging. Only Byron Murphy II and Cameron Young were listed as out for Sunday’s game. Murphy II, the Seahawks first-round pick at defensive tackle, injured a hamstring against the Dolpins on Sept. 22. Young, who is on the Physically Unable to Perform List, was designated to return to practice but is not ready to play yet.
Former Giant Julian Love, listed as questionable, said he planned to play against New York. Mafe is also questionable. Nwosu, Williams and Baker were not listed on the injury report. There’s a good chance they’ll play, but it’s no certainty. With the 49ers game next Thursday, it’s possible the team may take a conservative approach with some players on Sunday.
2. Daniel Jones is not good
Seattle has ruined days of bad quarterbacks this season (Bo Nix, Jacoby Brissett, Skyler Thompson) and struggled against a good one (Jared Goff) while missing half its defense. Danny Dimes can be planted firmly in the first category. Jones’ quarterback rating of 80.8 puts him at 24th in the NFL. The Seahawks must respect his running ability, but Jones and his offense won’t pose a giant threat, especially since…
3. Giants’ Nabors is out, and Singletary is doubtful
Malik Nabors, the electric rookie who was the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft, will miss the game with concussion symptoms. Devin Singletary is unlikely to play with a groin injury, meaning New York will play at Lumen Field without its leading receiver and rusher. The two account for 57% of New York’s total yards and five of its six touchdowns this season.
4. Geno Smith is good
It’s easy to point to Smith’s past, and say he was bad. It’s also easy to point to an uncertain future with the Seahawks and not get too attached. But the now is pretty stinking good. Smith leads the NFL in passing yards, but it’s not just that stat. Watching the games, he’s looked very poised. He’s eluding pressure from an offensive line that has been rickety at times, making good decisions and delivering accurate throws. Smith has finally found himself in a situation with a competent play caller and is taking advantage. That is likely to continue against a mediocre Giants defense. Smith would also enjoy sticking it to one of his former teams.
5. The team is angry
Not only will Seattle likely see the return of several key defenders with week, but the Seahawks are aching to prove that the 42 points allowed to Detroit was a fluke. Expect Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald to bring pressure against Jones, who has fumbled 47 times and thrown 43 interceptions in 64 career games. Love, Williams, and Smith will all serve as captains for this game and will want to remind their former team what they’re missing. Expect a couple of Giants turnovers and a Seahawks defensive TD in this one.
Betting line (as of Friday): Seattle -3.5, Over/under 43
Seattle Sports Now pick: Seahawks 27, Giants 13
Categorized:Seahawks
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