Raiders vs Seahawks Prediction: NFL Picks 8/7/25
Raiders vs.Seahawks: Week 1 Preseason preview & Prediction
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The NFL preseason kicks off with an intriguing matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks. While preseason results should be taken with a grain of salt, this game offers a first look at both teams’ developing strategies and potential breakout players.Here’s a comprehensive preview, including team performance recaps, key player spotlights, and a final prediction.
Las Vegas Raiders Preview
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024, finishing last in the AFC West – a full 11 games behind the division-winning Kansas City Chiefs. A promising 2-2 start quickly dissolved into a 10-game losing streak, derailing their season. Victories came against the Ravens, Browns, Jaguars, and Saints, but they struggled against divisional rivals and strong contenders like the Chargers (twice), Panthers, Broncos (twice), Steelers, rams, Chiefs (twice), Bengals, Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Falcons.
Offensively, the Raiders averaged just 18.2 points per game, ranking 29th in the NFL. Defensively,they allowed 25.5 points per game, placing them 25th in the league. Betterment in both areas is crucial for a successful 2025 campaign.
Preseason Performance & Key Players
The Raiders went 0-2-1 in the 2024 preseason, finishing third in the AFC West. They suffered narrow defeats against the Minnesota Vikings (24-23) and the Dallas Cowboys (27-12), but managed a 24-24 tie against the San Francisco 49ers.
The quarterback situation is particularly interesting. While Geno Smith may see limited action for a series or two, the bulk of the snaps will likely go to Aidan O’Connell and Cam Miller. O’Connell brings valuable experience to the table, and is expected to perform consistently. Miller, a recent addition from North Dakota State, will be looking to prove himself. The Raiders will be evaluating their depth at receiver and along the offensive line, key areas needing improvement from last season. Defensively, look for rookies to get significant playing time, showcasing their potential to contribute during the regular season.
Seattle Seahawks Betting Preview
The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed a more successful 2024 season, finishing with a 10-7 record and tying for first place in the NFC West, ultimately losing the tiebreaker to the Los Angeles Rams.A strong 3-0 start was followed by a slump,losing five of their next six games,hindering their playoff aspirations.Seattle secured wins against the Broncos, Patriots, Dolphins, Falcons, 49ers, Cardinals (twice), Jets, Bears, and Rams, but faltered against the Lions, Giants, 49ers, Bills, Rams, Packers, and Vikings.
The Seahawks averaged 22.1 points per game (18th in the NFL) while allowing 21.6 points per game (11th in the league). Maintaining defensive consistency will be a priority, while finding ways to boost offensive production is also key.
Preseason Insights & Player Focus
Seattle posted a 2-1 record in the 2024 preseason, tying for first in the NFC West with the Rams.They defeated the los Angeles Chargers 16-3, lost a close contest to the Tennessee Titans 16-15, and finished strong with a 37-33 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
This preseason game is expected to feature limited playing time for seattle’s starters. Jalen Milroe and Drew Lock are anticipated to see the majority of the quarterback reps. Lock offers a more established presence, while Milroe’s athleticism and running ability could present challenges for the Raiders defense. The Seahawks will be using this game to assess their backup quarterback situation and evaluate the performance of younger players vying for roster spots, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary.
Raiders vs Seahawks Prediction
The Las Vegas Raiders enter this game as the betting favorites, largely due to the Seahawks’ stated intention to rest their starters. While Drew lock provides a steady hand for Seattle, the uncertainty surrounding Jalen Milroe’s performance as a pocket passer is a concern.
On the Raiders side, Aidan O’Connell’s experience should translate to a more polished performance, and Cam Miller represents an intriguing developmental prospect. Milroe’s mobility could pose some problems for the Raiders defense, but O’Connell and Miller offer a more reliable quarterback combination for this