This will be the first chance for Raiders fans to see their team in person at Allegiant Stadium, as fans were not allowed last season. The Seahawks and Raiders play each other once every four years in the regular season, and Seattle won in both 2018 and 2014.
Seattle Seahawks
Head coach Pete Carroll has not revealed if superstar quarterback Russell Wilson will see the field on Saturday night. Even if he does, it won’t be for more than a series or two before turning things over to backups Geno Smith, Sean Mannion, and Alex McGough. Those three will battle it out over the three preseason games to be Wilson’s backup this season.
All eyes will be on the Seahawks offensive line after Wilson publicly complained in the offseason about his lack of protection. Seattle has position battles for at least two of the five starting offensive line positions and possibly a third. The unit will have its hands full early on Saturday against the Raiders front four of Gerald McCoy, Yannick Ngakoue, Clelin Ferrell, and Maxx Crosby.
Defensively expect most of Seattle’s veterans to rest on Saturday. Safety Jamal Adams is looking for a new contract while lineman was released Aldon Smith this week after more off-field issues. The Seahawks know exactly what they have in Carlos Dunlap, Poona Ford, Bobby Wagner, and Quandre Diggs, so there is little need to risk them in the opener.
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback Derek Carr, like Wilson, may see action for a series or two at most. Carr has played one series in the last three preseasons combined. Backup Marcus Mariota is questionable with a leg injury. That could lead to quite a bit of action for Nathan Peterman and fourth-stringer Case Cookus.
The Raiders have young wideouts in Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards, and Hunter Renfroe. Keelan Doss was a preseason star when the Raiders were on HBO’s Hard Knocks two years ago and will compete with veterans Willie Snead, John Brown, and Zay Jones for playing time.
The Raiders’ new-look defensive line could use some action together, same with the secondary. Casey Hayward Jr. came over from the Chargers and will battle former first-rounder Damon Arnette for a starting spot opposite Trayvon Mullen Jr. Rookie safety Tre’von Moehrig should fit in nicely next to 2019 first-rounder Jonathan Abram, while free agent Karl Joseph is also a new addition.
Betting Analysis
- Seattle +2.5 (-105). Moneyline +135.
- Las Vegas -2.5 (-115). Moneyline -155
- Total: 36.5 points. Over -110. Under -110.
Seattle has the better talent and the better starters, but the Raiders have more position battles. This gives the Raiders more to play for in the first preseason game of the year. Add in the boost they will get from a loud Raider Nation crowd, and the home team is the pick for Saturday’s action.
FREE PICK: Raiders -2.5 (-115)