Indianapolis Colts (1-2 SU, 2-1 ATS) vs. Seattle Seahawks (1-2 SU, 0-3 ATS)
Week 4 NFL
Date/Time: Sunday Night Football, October 1, 2017 at 8:30PM EST
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
TV: NBC
By Loot, NFL Football Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Point Spread: IND +13/SEA -13
Over/Under Total: 41.5
The Indianapolis Colts come to CenturyLink Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. Each team enters this week four matchup at 1-2. Seattle fell on the road to Tennessee on Sunday, 33-27, and look to even their record at 2-2 at home against the Colts. Indy managed to increase their stock without Andrew Luck, beating the Browns on Sunday, 31-28, to score their first win of the season. After nearly beating the Cardinals the previous week, they might not be the laughingstock they first appeared to be when losing in week one to the Rams, 46-9. Who can get the win and cover this week?
Seattle has a lot of problems. There are things to like about them, but those things haven't all clicked this season at the same time. On Sunday, they saw the aerial offense finally pick up, but the defense wasn't near their best. In the first two games of the season, it was their defense that shined, as the offense languished, scoring just a total of 21 points in weeks one and two. They had 27 on Sunday, but in a losing cause. It was 14-9 in the third quarter, as the Seahawks had the lead, but Tennessee answered with three TD drives in the third quarter to take over the game. And they were able to repel a late Seattle comeback. At 1-2, it's still early, but the Seahawks are already in a pivotal part of the season where they need to start getting some wins.
The Seattle offense was looking good aerially on Sunday, despite losing touch with the game in the third quarter. Russell Wilson threw for 373 yards and four touchdowns. The line wasn't horrible, at least in keeping Wilson out of trouble, though his legs also play a role. The line hasn't been able to help spring a big run-game this season. With backs like Thomas Rawls, free-agent signing Eddie Lacy, along with up-and-comers like CJ Prosise and Chris Carson, you'd think they could get something going. Chris Carson has 166 yards and Wilson is still useful with his legs, but no one else has gotten anything and it's a bit odd how they're working the rotation of backs this season so far. On Sunday, the playmakers on offense that Wilson put to good use included Doug Baldwin, who had 10 catches and 105 yards with a TD. Jimmy Graham had 7 catches for 72 yards, while CJ Prosise had 65 yards. Tight end Luke Willson had a touchdown, as did receiver Paul Richardson. Tyler Lockett made some plays and is due for something big in the return game.
The Seattle defense didn't look that good on Sunday. Granted, they don't get out to Nashville for a lot of games and the Titans have a pretty diverse offense that can be quite good when it's on. Still, we saw an uncharacteristic amount of big plays against this defense with a lot of missed tackles. For a lot of the game, the Seattle D-line was pushed back by the Tennessee offensive line. And they never got to QB Marcus Mariota. In the middle, Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright were again big on the day, but they look for a more-complete performance this week at home after allowing 420 yards on Sunday and registering no big plays.
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The events of the last few weeks have maybe forced us to slightly re-evaluate the Colts. Granted, they are a shadow of what they could be with Andrew Luck, but maybe not the lost cause everyone envisioned after a ghastly week one. In their second game, they took the Cardinals to overtime and could have easily won that game. And a win over the Browns might not be anything to rave about, but there were positive developments. They look to have a decent fill-in until Luck gets back, which should be soon. And it's not just Luck, as both sides of the ball are handicapped by personnel losses. Last week at least painted a less-gloomy outlook.
Colts' QB Jacoby Brissett was pretty good on Sunday and has gotten off to fast starts in both of his games this season. He was added just before the season and looks to be coming around in this offense. He ran for two touchdowns on Sunday, while throwing a TD, as well. Veteran Frank Gore added a TD on the ground. He made a nice connection with TY Hilton, who had 153 yards and a touchdown. It was the first time this season that we've seen anyone behind center able to bring out the talents of those around him. The offense did die out some, scoring only 3 second-half points after building a lead and letting the game get closer than it should be. But after the way they looked the first two weeks, one should just be happy with the win and the cover.
The Colts defense looked truly awful in week one, giving up 46 to the Rams. But after giving up 16 to the Cardinals and doing enough to get the win against Cleveland, they haven't been bad. Until very late in the third quarter, they had held the Browns to just 7 points. They had nice contributions in the secondary with CB Rashaan Melvin picking off two passes, with promising rookie safety Malik Hooker getting another. The secondary could be in store for some good news with CB Vontae Davis likely returning this week. In the middle, John Simon, Jon Bostic, and Antonio Morrison were very active on Sunday. Up-front, Jonathan Hankins and Al Woods have been solid as run-stoppers. We'll see how well they can make it translate in an arena in which they are out of their element against a Seattle offense that hit some high notes last week.
Seattle has hardly been bankable this season. If looking to time a good performance, however, this week would seem to be a good candidate. They don't want to flirt with going 1-3 and should be able to thrive at home against what certainly seems to be a manageable opponent. It's just that Indy is showing some pluck and there's nothing about Seattle that makes one feel inclined to lay almost two touchdowns on them. Granted, this could get ugly, but Indy seems to have some value this week. I'm taking the leap-of-faith on the Colts this season.
Loot's Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: I'm betting on the Indianapolis Colts plus 13 points. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today and bet on Sunday Night Football from home by signing up at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 50% sign-up bonus!
