Seahawks vs. Raiders predictions, picks and best bets for NFL preseason Week 1

The Seattle Seahawks open the 2025 NFL preseason on Thursday by hosting the Las Vegas Raiders at Lumen Field. The Seahawks are sporting a new look on offense, and two prominent figures from the team’s recent past will be in the building for the beginning of the next phase of the new era.

Most of Seattle’s starters will sit out the preseason opener, yet new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will still try to begin establishing his attack. On the opposing sidelines will be the greatest head coach in Seahawks history, Pete Carroll, along with the most recent Seattle starting quarterback, Geno Smith.

Carroll and Smith represent the new leadership of the Raiders, while we might get a good look at the future of the Seattle offense. Rookies Jalen Milroe and Tory Horton have been providing a lot of excitement in training camp, and both should see quality playing time against Las Vegas.

Reminders of the past will be everywhere, as the Raiders were once a top rival when both teams were in the AFC, and Carroll should get a very warm welcome. But the Seahawks’ young players may offer positive glimpses of the future.

Seahawks vs. Raiders predictions and best bets

• Seahawks +5: -110 odds at Fanatics Sportsbook
• Over 37.5 points: -105 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook

NOTE: Odds are based on the best value our experts find when writing; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

It is uncertain whether Carroll will play his starters. He told the media that everyone will be ready to go, but did not elaborate further. Seattle is expected to rest most of its starters, although some promising rookies should see ample time.

When evaluating preseason games for wagering, we must focus on the reserves, as they will ultimately decide the final score after playing for much of the night. Many NFL exhibition games frequently hit the Over with late scoring by lower offensive reserves.

The Seahawks should be able to push the game past the Over and cover a spread that is too tilted against them, behind Drew Lock and Milroe. Lock is inconsistent when getting opportunities to play, as he either pilots good drives or forces the ball into danger.

If we get the version of Lock that makes better decisions and challenges the defense downfield, you can lock in Seattle covering the spread. Milroe is seeing his first NFL action, but he has looked dynamic in camp so far and should show off his game management skills in addition to delivering a highlight or two.

Horton has been lighting up camp and might threaten Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s role as the projected third wide receiver. Also, keep a watch on rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo, who presents an impressive blend of size and speed.

On defense, Nick Emmanwori is providing previews of possibly becoming the next hard-hitting safety in franchise lore. Could he eventually be mentioned among franchise greats such as Kenny Easley and Kam Chancellor? It’s too early to foresee that type of career arc, yet Emmanwori is going to be another Seahawks newcomer trying to make his presence felt right away.

Las Vegas also has some interesting rookies that can get this game over the total. How much we will see RB Ashton Jeanty is uncertain, but wide receivers Don’t’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech should help Vegas move the ball effectively. Aidan O’ Connell can be effective against many Seattle reserves.

Ultimately, though, Seattle’s second and third-stringers should provide better offensive production, especially when Milroe might be in a position to decide a win. If this were a regular-season game, Carroll and Smith going against former players and teammates might also give the Seahawks an advantage.

Seahawks vs. Raiders moneyline odds analysis

Why the Raiders could win as the favorite

Best odds: -238 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Seattle is trying to install a new offense without playing most of its starters. Lock is erratic, and Milroe is a project. O’Connell is a respectable backup and will not face the Seahawks’ prime defenders.

Sincere McCormick flashed at RB when pressed into action last season and could be an impact performer later in the game. Phillip Dorsett has also provided some preseason highlights in the past.

It will also be interesting to see how ex-Seahawk Jamal Adams is greeted by the fans. This might be a showcase moment for him to demonstrate that he can still make some plays as a tackler.

Why the Seahawks could win as the underdog

Best odds: +210 at bet365 Sportsbook

Even without running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet not playing, the Seahawks will focus on a balanced offensive look built around the ground game. The coaching staff is dialed in on improving the offensive line, and that unit will be determined to get off to a respectable start. Starters must still be confirmed at center and right guard, so playing error-free will be important for those competing for jobs.

Seattle does feature some offensive depth guys who could provide splash plays with extended action, including WRs Dareke Young and Cody White. George Holani and rookie Damien Martinez can effectively lead the ground game. Holani showed promise during the preseason last year.

There are some scrappy performers among the defensive reserves, including linebacker Jamie Sheriff and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett. I will confidently wager on Seattle’s reserves over those of Las Vegas, while watching for some Milroe action.

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