The Seattle Seahawks (11-3) are tied for the best record in the NFC, and currently occupy first place in the NFC West. Oddsmakers recently adjusted the Seahawks to 8/1 odds to win the 2020 Super Bowl, which puts them as the sixth-best favorite on the futures board, according to William Hill.
If the playoffs were to begin today, the Seahawks would earn the #1 seed in the NFC, and secure an opening-round bye in the playoffs.
The San Francisco 49ers (11-3), currently in second place in the NFC West, are sitting as the #5 seed and the NFC’s top wild-card team. The Niners saw their 2020 Super Bowl odds drop down to 6/1 after a shocking loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
The New Orleans Saints are currently the #3 seed, which would not give them a bye. Instead they would host a Wild Card team. The Saints are the second-favorite at 11/2 odds.
The Baltimore Ravens (12-2) have the best record in the NFL. They’re the top seed in the AFC, and their Super Bowl odds continue to improve. Lamar Jackson and company are now 9/4 odds to win the championship.
2020 Super Bowl Odds (as of 12/17/19)
Baltimore Ravens 9/4
New Orleans Saints 11/2
New England Patriots 6/1
San Francisco 49ers 6/1
Kansas City Chiefs 7/1
Seattle Seahawks 8/1
Green Bay Packers 12/1
Three weeks ago, the Seahawks were 12/1 odds to win the 2020 Super Bowl. Since then, they jumped to 8/1 odds, but were bumped back to 10/1 after a surprise loss to the Los Angeles Rams. After the Seahawks bounced back with a win in Week 15, oddsmakers bumped Seattle back to 8/1 odds to win the 2020 Super Bowl.
The Green Bay Packers (11-3) are currently in the #2 seed in the NFC, yet they’re seventh on the board with 12/1 odds to win Super Bowl LIV.
Not-So 420 Friendly
The Seahawks assembled one of the best teams in the NFC, despite thin ranks at wide receiver. The NFL recently suspended WR Josh Gordon indefinitely for violating its substance abuse policy.
Gordon is one of the best talents of his generation, yet his potential Hall of Fame career got derailed by his staggering addiction to marijuana. And this isn’t some sort of antiquated, reefer madness fear-mongering. Gordon can’t lay off the Mary Jane long enough during the season before he relapses and gets flagged. He left the Patriots last year after he toked up on a bye week.
For now, Tyler Lockett is Russell Wilson’s primary target. Lockett is closing in on 1,000 receiving yards. He leads the Seahawks with 75 receptions and seven touchdowns.
“You can see how Russ maneuvers and makes stuff happen because he and Tyler were just phenomenal together,” said Pete Carroll. “And it’s really been a while. Tyler’s been working his way back and you could see it. He came through in great fashion, so it’s great to have him back because we are going to need him to finish up.”
DK Metcalf, a rookie out of Ole Miss, caught 52 balls for 819 yards and six touchdowns. The Seahawks took a flier on Metcalf late in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s jumped up the depth chart, and is now the #2 receiver behind Lockett.
Although Lamar Jackson is running away with the MVP award, Wilson is a distant second. This season, Wilson has completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 28 touchdowns against five interceptions. He also rushed for three scores.
“Russell is a guy who creates magic,” said Seattle RB Chris Carson.
Ground and Pound
In this pass-happy era of the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks and Pete Carroll are throwbacks with an affinity for running the ball.
The Baltimore Ravens lead the NFL with 202.1 rushing yards per game. The Seahawks boast the third-best rushing attack with 141.7 yards per game.
Chris Carson passed 1K yards already this season. He’s currently racked up 1,190 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 270 attempts for an average of 4.4 yard per carry. He also tallied 36 receptions and two touchdown receptions.
Backup running back Rashaad Penny has missed several games this season, but he’s still averaging 5.7 yards per carry with three touchdowns.
On Deck: Niners
The Seahawks conclude their season with a pair of home games. They host the Arizona Cardinals (4-9-1) in the penultimate game of the season. In Week 17, the Seahawks close out their season with a much-anticipated division battle against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Niners are seeking revenge after losing 27-24 at home in Week 12, but may find redemption difficult on the road against the Seahawks and their deafening crowd. Seattle’s “12th Man” will certainly come into play during the season finale, and the game’s outcome should determine the top seed in the NFC, and which team wins the NFC West.
“It’s championship football time,” said Wilson. “You have to capitalize on your moments.”
The Seahawks are 8-6 ATS this season. They went 7-1 on the road, but only 4-2 at home in Seattle.