Betting Patriots-Seahawks: Edge to champs in Super Bowl rematch - ESPN

It's a Super Bowl rematch to start the season, and despite Seattle's dominant 29-13 win — which was even more one-sided than the final score implies — the Seahawks are only a 3-point favorite at home against the New England Patriots on Wednesday. The Seahawks' departures in the secondary (Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen) have put their defensive back depth under a microscope, and with a litany of preseason injuries entering the contest (Bud Clark on injured reserve; Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada expected out), it could be an easier day through the air for the Patriots. The arrival of free agent receiver Romeo Doubs and trade acquisition A.J. Brown certainly help there as well.

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It's a new offense in Seattle, as coordinator Klint Kubiak departed to take the Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching job. Brian Fleury replaces him and figures to run much of the same stuff, but he will be without Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker III, who left in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs, meaning the Seahawks will need a new go-to player for this rematch. The Patriots are alarmingly thin on pass rushers; Harold Landry remains on PUP, and second-round rookie Edge Gabe Jacas is still working his way into form after a long offseason absence. Sam Darnold should have time when he needs to drop back.

I'm expecting a heavier dose of dropbacks on both sides of the ball. Seattle's offensive approach will remain full of heavy personnel and run