Seattle Seahawks Finally Comfortable Favorites Over Buccaneers

NFL News - December 14th, 2009 - Written by John

After a miserable Week 14, it would be hard to imagine the Seattle Seahawks would be a seven-point favorite against anyone the rest of the season. But against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it's hard to imagine that they wouldn't be.

Both teams are coming off double-digit losses, but it's the Seahawks get the nod, according to BetUS. They are favored by a touchdown, with an even -110 payout, and an over/under of 39 1/2 in the NFL Week 15 Betting Odds.

The low total points can be attributed to the fact that neither scored more than seven points last week. Seattle was limited to that one touchdown in a 34-7 loss to the Houston Texans. Julius Jones was held to only 39 yards, and as a unit, the Seahawks only rushed for 62 yards. Houston had 15 tackles for loss, including three sacks of Matt Hasselbeck. He threw for 247 yards and had a cheap touchdown late, but the problems still remain for an offense that ranks 23rd overall.

T. J. Houshmandzadeh hasn't been bashful in his analysis of his new team, asserting weeks ago that he likely would have signed with the Minnesota Vikings if he knew Brett Favre would be at quarterback. Instead, he only has 712 yards, second on the team behind Nate Burleson's 812, and has only found the end zone thrice.

Things haven't been much better for the Bucs, who have only won once this year, and are coming off a 29-3 loss to the New York Jets. Josh Freeman was picked off three times, rolling his grand total to eight over the last two games after playing so well in his first four starts. Tampa Bay hasn't had a 100-yard rusher all season, something Seattle's done twice, and have only two receivers with more than 300 yard receiving.

Only four coaches have run the ball fewer times than Raheem Morris, and that fact isn't helped by issuing a rookie quarterback.

Seattle has had it's own troubles running the ball, however. They rank 26th overall and have 10 fumbles, which is tied with New York (N) and Carolina for fourth most.

Julius Jones leads the team with 498 rushing yards, but Justin Forsett's 420 aren't far behind. Forsett's 5.2 average is also far-and-away a team best.