Lions vs Seahawks: Betting Preview, MNF Odds and Prediction

After facing each other each of the last three seasons, the Detroit Lions (2-1) host the Seattle Seahawks (3-0) on Monday Night Football to conclude the NFL’s Week 4 schedule.

The Lions lead all Michigan betting sites by 3.5 points after covering two of their first three games as favorites – including a 20-13 win last week over the Arizona Cardinals.

The Seahawks are off to a perfect start under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, who is looking to become the second-youngest coach ever to go 4-0.

Here’s our Lions vs. Seahawks betting preview, odds and predictions for Monday’s contest, which begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC at Ford Field.

Can the Lions prevail against the Seahawks?

It has been 12 years since the Lions last defeated the Seahawks, who are 3-0 since Dan Campbell took over in 2021.

This year’s group could be the toughest yet under Macdonald, whose defense ranks third in success rate and leads the league in EPA/plays allowed and pressure rate through the first three weeks.

The Lions’ offense is still top-notch on paper, but it hasn’t played like it so far, especially through the air. And injuries could make that even more difficult in Week 4.

Sam LaPorta sprained his ankle last week but will return to action Monday night, although Detroit will be without All-Pro center Frank Ragnow (PEC) – a crucial blow to the team’s pass protection against Macdonald’s exotic plans.

The Seahawks will also be missing several players up front, which should prompt offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to rely even more heavily on a running game that ranks third in efficiency per game.

Lions vs Seahawks odds

The Lions initially entered the game as 4.5-point favorites, but point spread betting has now pushed the limit to a consensus of -3.5 before kickoff on Monday.

In last year’s game at Ford Field, where Seattle won 37-31 in an overtime thriller, Detroit led by 4.5 points.

The Lions were also 3.5-point favorites before a 48-45 home loss in 2022 and caught a touchdown before a 51-29 loss at Seattle the year before.

Oddsmakers aren’t expecting a draw this time, as the total price is at 46.5 or less at the top sportsbooks in Michigan.

If you’re expecting fireworks on Monday, you can bet on Over 46 at odds of -110 at Fanatics Sportsbook, which would turn a $10 bet into a profit of $9.09.

This is also your best moneyline betting shop if you like the underdog Seahawks, whose odds of +160 on a $10 bet and a fourth straight win would net you $60 in profit.

Will Seattle survive Detroit’s pass rush?

Although new Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb performed well in his NFL debut, he was hamstrung by one of the worst offensive lines in the league.

Even though left tackle Charles Cross has the highest PFF grade at his position, the unit as a whole ranks 29th in PFF’s pass-blocking rating and 31st in ESPN’s pass-block win rate.

That’s a big problem with a Lions pass rush that’s considered an elite unit in both aspects – especially with Aidan Hutchinson playing as the best edge rusher in football.

The former Michigan star leads the NFL in sacks (seven) and total pressures (25) per PFF, which has helped bolster a developing but inconsistent secondary.

The Seahawks love throwing the ball downfield, but they need time for those routes to develop. That will be hard to come by on Monday night.

Lions vs Seahawks betting

Given the Seahawks’ struggles at the top, I would expect Grubb to utilize the quick passing game to stay at the top.

That should continue to mean high volume for quarterback Geno Smith, who ranks third in passing yards per game (262.3) and seventh in total attempts (103).

His lowest pass attempt rating is 33.5 at BetMGM Sportsbook, which is a touch below consensus and offers the best odds of -110 for the over.

I also really like Hutchinson’s chances to wreak havoc on this Seattle O-line.

While defensive players are limited to a few stores, you can bet on Hutchinson to score two sacks at +190 odds through Caesars Sportsbook.

You can also aim for a more modest value of over 1.25 sacks at +165 via DraftKings Sportsbook, which would still pay a profit of $16.50 on a $10 bet.

Lions vs Seahawks prediction

I’m surprised that this total is 46.5 – a number that neither team has reached through the first three weeks of the NFL season.

I expect the Seahawks to find holes in this Lions secondary, but they won’t have many opportunities to do so if they can’t contain Detroit’s elite pass rush.

That’s why I’m targeting Under 46.5 at FanDuel Sportsbook as my best bet for Game 2 of this Monday Night Football doubleheader.