A New York Post betting preview says the Seahawks’ defence’s league-low yards-per-play mark could limit scoring in a matchup with Fernando Mendoza’s first start for the Raiders.
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Fernando Mendoza is set to make his first start for the Las Vegas Raiders after inheriting an offence described in a New York Post betting preview as ranking 31st in rushing yards per game (71.3) and last in yards per carry (2.89), following the Tuesday NFL trade deadline deal that sent Kirk Cousins to Minnesota. The preview frames Mendoza’s situation as a steep challenge against a Seattle Seahawks unit described as allowing just 4.1 yards per play, the league’s lowest mark by a 0.6-yard margin, and surrendering only 5.5 yards per pass attempt.
The same preview notes the points total has already been trimmed by three from its opening number of 43.5 and says the Raiders are coming off a 38-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in which Las Vegas managed just 240 total yards and 24 rushing yards. It also cites a five-turnover outing against San Francisco, including two in the 49ers’ end zone, with the Raiders possessing the ball for 21:42.
On the Raiders side, the preview highlights Brock Bowers as a factor, pointing to at least 70 receiving yards in seven straight games, while saying Seattle’s personnel should be able to limit his impact. On Seattle’s side, the preview says Sam Darnold remains sidelined with rib and quad injuries, leaving Drew Lock to start despite dealing with elbow and oblique issues.
For Seattle’s offence, the preview points to the Raiders defence as a potential matchup advantage, describing it as allowing an NFL-worst 151.2 yards per game and 5.21 yards per carry. It also argues that a more run-oriented approach could help Seattle control possession and reduce Lock’s time behind an offensive line missing Quenton Nelson.
In its betting recommendation, the New York Post preview by Sean Treppedi backs “THE PLAY: Under 40.5 (-110, FanDuel),” describing the matchup as one that requires too many conditions for points and concluding that there are better reasons to expect a lower-scoring game than a high-output shootout.
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