Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears NFL Boxing Day preview & picks

Seahawks @ Bears best bets

Seahawks @ Bears game preview

The Seattle Seahawks will be looking to keep their playoff hopes alive this Thursday night as they head to Chicago to face the Bears in Week 17 of the NFL season.

Two weeks ago, the Seahawks were a game clear at the top of the NFC West, but after consecutive losses to the Packers and Vikings, Seattle are now on the verge of elimination. To make the playoffs they will have to win both their remaining games, while they still need other results to go their way.

While are no major concerns in the Seahawks’ last two losses, their record of 2-4 against teams with a winning record is a concern if they are going to make the playoffs.

Seattle quarterback Geno Smith has the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL, but they clearly need to improve their run game, which has struggled throughout the year. Unfortunately starting running back Kenneth Walker suffered an ankle injury against the Vikings last Sunday and is in doubt.

For the Bears, it has been a horror run across the last couple of months as they are currently on a nine-game losing streak. As rookie quarterback Caleb Williams adjusts to the NFL, Chicago have been on the wrong end of some close finishes, while they are also in the toughest division in the NFL.

Injuries are also piling up in the Bears offensive line, with centre Doug Kramer (shoulder), guard Teven Jenkins (calf) and tackle Braxton Jones (ankle) all unlikely to play again this season.

As a result, it is no surprise to see top NFL sportsbooks rating the Seahawks as favorites for this clash at -181.82, while the Bears +160. The line is set at 3.5 points.

Seahawks @ Bears betting strategy

Given the Bears’ form in the back half of the season, it is hard to see this game going any other way than a Seahawks victory. Seattle have much more on the line and despite their last two weeks, they have a record of 6-2 against teams with losing records. Despite playing on the road, back the Seahawks to cover the line of -3.5 points at -111.11 with top online casinos.

Conceding over 30 points in four of their last five weeks, the Chicago defense is a major concern right now. With the Seahawks favoring a passing game, expect the high scoring trend to continue. Three of the last four Seattle games have gone over the total points line, so expect this game to clear the low line of just 43.5 points at -111.11 with Bovada.

Despite having a down year by his own lofty standards, Seattle wide receiver D.K. Metcalf has still found moments of brilliance throughout the season, including a touchdown last Sunday against the Vikings. As one of the best athletes in the NFL, his mixture of size, strength and speed make him a tough matchup. With the Bears’ pass defense ranked as one of the worst in the NFL, back Metcalf to find the endzone once again at +225 with Bovada.

Sports betting picks