Philadelphia Eagles (10-3) vs. Seattle Seahawks (6-7)
As the NFL season heads into Week 15, the Philadelphia Eagles, with a strong 10-3 record, are set to face the Seattle Seahawks, who stand at a challenging 6-7, on Monday, December 18, 2023. This prime-time showdown at Lumen Field, airing on ABC, is a key game for expert NFL picks, highlighting the Eagles’ quest to solidify their playoff positioning against the Seahawks, who are eager to disrupt the narrative.
The Philadelphia Eagles enter behind a top-five scoring offense thanks to the efficiency of QB Jalen Hurts and breakout seasons from RB D’Andre Swift and WR A.J. Brown. Swift is averaging 4.6 yards per carry while Brown is putting up 96.8 receiving yards per contest. Seattle has struggled against the run and pass this year but will hope playing at home gives them a boost on defense.
The Seattle Seahawks offense runs behind the resurgent season of veteran QB Geno Smith, who has delivered career-best numbers across the board. RB Kenneth Walker III has stepped up, averaging 4 yards per carry. Top receiver DK Metcalf is posting 72 yards per game and 16.9 yards per catch as Smith’s primary big-play target. The Eagles defense has been stingy, allowing the second-fewest yards per game.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks Game Info
When: | Monday, December 18, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET |
Where: | Lumen Field |
TV: | ABC |
Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Jalen Hurts QB vs. Geno Smith QB
Jalen Hurts has elevated his game to rival the top dual-threat QBs. He ranks seventh with 3,192 passing yards and fifth with 13 passing touchdowns while drastically improving his accuracy. Hurts is in the MVP conversation by posting a sterling 66.5% completion rate and 7.4 yards per attempt, both personal bests. He also boasts a 93.5 passer rating, more than 10 points higher than last season. Hurts dominates as a rusher too, tallying 747 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He gashed the stout Giants defense for 90 yards and a score last week. The ever-dangerous Hurts should feast on a poor Seahawks defense allowing the fourth-most points.
Geno Smith, reviving his career in leading Seattle to the playoff mix. Once considered a draft bust, he currently ranks top 10 in completion rate, yards, and passer rating. Smith has developed a strong rapport with Metcalf, consistently beating defenses deep with 16.9 yards per reception. He has also protected the football with just nine interceptions, five fewer than last year in six fewer games. While Smith doesn’t run often, he can deliver timely scrambles and averages over 5 yards per carry. However, Philly fields a nasty pass defense allowing just 179 yards per game, second-stingiest in the NFL. This formidable test may lead to Smith’s numbers coming back down to earth after his scorching three-game stretch.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Philadelphia Eagles -210, Total Odds: 47.5
The Eagles are favored in this matchup, but the Seahawks’ capability to upset, especially at home, should not be underestimated. The spread of -5.5 for the Eagles reflects their strong season performance, yet Seattle’s history against Philadelphia, particularly at Lumen Field, adds an intriguing layer to the betting landscape.
Philadelphia Eagles Betting Trends
The Eagles are 10-3 overall and 7-6 against the spread, covering in three of their last four. The total has gone over in four of Philadelphia’s previous six matchups. Dating back further, they are just 1-6 straight up and against the spread over their last seven games with Seattle, including seven straight unders. Road games have also trended under for Philly, going 5-2 to the under in their previous seven.
Seattle Seahawks Betting Trends
Despite sitting two games below .500, Seattle is an even 6-6 against the spread this year. However, the total has gone under in six straight versus Philly. The Seahawks are 15-5 straight up in their last 20 contests against the NFC East but just 1-4 straight up over their previous five games overall. Home games have exceeded the total in four of the last five in Seattle, though.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks 12/18/23 Betting Picks
This game presents a complex scenario for bettors. The Eagles’ overall strength this season makes them a safe bet, but the Seahawks’ historical edge in this matchup, particularly at home, cannot be ignored. Considering the total, with both teams having potent offenses, the over on 47.5 could be a viable option.
For those looking at best betting websites, this game offers a mix of traditional betting and potential for prop bets, particularly focusing on individual player performances. Jalen Hurts and DK Metcalf are two players to watch for any prop bets.