Chiefs vs Seahawks NFL Week 16 Lines & Game Preview

After a 9-1 start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs have split their last four games, losing by three to the Rams before beating lowly Oakland by just a touchdown. Then they needed overtime to beat a Baltimore team led by backup quarterback Lamar Jackson — at home. Last week, their luck ran out when the Los Angeles Chargers scored a touchdown with four seconds left and then converted a two-point opportunity to win the game. With these warning signs (and the AFC West title at risk), the Chiefs now head to Seattle to take on a Seahawks team that had been one of the hottest teams in the league — until they lost in overtime to San Francisco (led by third-string quarterback Nick Mullens). Can the Chiefs get back in the win column? Or will Seattle right the ship coming back home, with a playoff berth on the line? Read our NFL betting preview for this Sunday night showdown.

Chiefs vs Seahawks NFL Week 16 Lines & Game Preview

11 TDs 0 INTs 66% completion rate Those are the numbers Patrick Mahomes has put up against defenses similar to the Seahawks. @ChiefsReporter explains ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/W5nKZRRTFu

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 21, 2018

When: Sunday, December 23, 2018, 8:20pm ET Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle TV: NBC Radio: Westwood One Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Week 16 Odds: Seattle +2.5 O/U 53

Why should you bet on the Chiefs?

Patrick Mahomes continues to put up historic numbers running the Kansas City offense. He has completed 67 percent of his passes for 4,543 yards and 45 touchdown passes — and 11 interceptions. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill have led the receiving corps for the Chiefs, combining for over 2,500 yards and 21 touchdowns. Losing Kareem Hunt to indefinite suspension has left Spencer Ware as the featured back. The defense has been the issue, as the Chiefs have not been able to get stops when they need them. In that loss to the Rams, Kansas City became the first team in NFL history to score more than 50 points but still end up losing the game. The Chiefs have covered in 20 of their last 29 road games but have failed to cover in any of their last five games. Kansas City has covered in seven of their last eight games against Seattle, but that is not all that helpful given the infrequency of interconference matchups. If you like the Chiefs, you think that they will be able to score on a Seattle defense that held Minnesota to seven points in their last home game and that the Chiefs will be able to hold off the Seattle offense.

Why should you put your money on the Seahawks?

In the Pete Carroll era, the Seahawks have been known for showing a lack of attention on the road but then delivering emphatic victories at home. They have a three-game winning streak going at CenturyLink Field right now, and Russell Wilson has a stellar 31:6 TD:INT ratio, with at least three scoring passes in five of his last 10 starts. Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett have been his top targets, combining for 13 scores. Chris Carson has emerged as a solid running back, picking up 913 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Seattle’s defense has become more stingy as the season has progressed, now permitting just under 21 points per game. Seattle has been a reliable team for bettors in December, covering in 23 of their last 34 games in the last month of the year. They have also covered in four of their last six at home. If you like Seattle, you have noticed that the Chiefs have started to sputter over the last month or so, giving up 33 points to the Oakland Raiders and failing to finish against the Chargers. Seattle should be motivated to deliver a beating after seeing their playoff odds suffer thanks to that loss to the 49ers and with their return home.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

What do Andy Reid’s teams do, year in and year out? Finish poorly. The Chiefs continue to score in bunches, but they haven’t looked solid in over a month. I like Seattle to come  home and deliver a 37-31 win.