Russell Wilson broke his finger in Week 5 and appeared sidelined for an extended period. Miraculously, Wilson received clearance to play this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers face their uncertainty with Aaron Rodgers still on the team’s COVID-19 list.
Russell Wilson’s impending return is affecting the NFL betting lines in Week 10. The Seattle Seahawks are +3.5 underdogs against the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL betting lines from BetMGM. However, depending on Green Bay’s quarterback situation, it is realistic for this line to drop in favor of Seattle later in the week.
Read on to find out more about how Russell Wilson’s status is impacting betting lines.
Seattle Needs Wilson Back
Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks struggled in Russell Wilson’s absence. They lost to the Rams, an average Steelers team, and a mediocre Saints team. The Seattle offense averaged 20.33 points per game during this stretch, a deceiving number considering they played a bottom-dwelling Jacksonville Jaguars team.
To put it another way, the Seahawks need a lot more from their offense to have a shot at making the NFL playoffs. The Seattle defense gives up an average of 401.5 total yards per game. Thus far, they only allow a surprising 21.9 points per game, but that average won’t hold throughout an entire season.
Russell Wilson’s miraculous return changes that dynamic. Seattle knows they must score many points to win games, and having Wilson under center gives their offense a boost.
This Game is a Shootout
The Packers’ defense gives up big plays. Six times they’ve allowed passing plays of 40 or more yards, placing them 22nd in the NFL. Unfortunately, Geno Smith doesn’t have the arm or the accuracy to take advantage.
Russell Wilson does. Seattle will want to exploit an inadequate Green Bay passing defense. Wilson is one of the best long-ball quarterbacks of all time. Since 2012, he’s led all quarterbacks in completion percentage, yards, and touchdowns on passes of 25 or more yards.
His ability to push the ball downfield keeps defenses honest and opens up the running and intermediate passing game. With the pressure off RB Alex Collins, he might be able to rack up more yards on the ground.
Questions Remain in Green Bay
At 3.5 point spread favoring Green Bay, the bookmakers believe Aaron Rodgers will play on Saturday. If Geno Smith were starting, that line would’ve opened around 6.5-7.5. However, Wilson’s undeniable talent keeps this line close, and if Rodgers cannot play, they may flip it in Seattle’s favor.
Keep an eye on this line until later in the week. The market will settle only when the Packers reveal Rodgers’ playing status.
Russell Wilson’s Impact on the Betting Lines
The Seattle Seahawks and head coach Pete Carroll couldn’t be more excited for Russell Wilson’s return. They know having a great quarterback can make any game winnable, and Russell Wilson gives the Seahawks a real chance at an ATS win this Sunday.
If Aaron Rodgers cannot play, expect the line to shift toward Seattle.
Are you excited about Wilson’s return this week? Then, head over to the sports betting odds page on BetMGM. Create an account and receive a risk-free initial bet worth up to $1,000.
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