The Raiders and Seahawks will meet on Thursday, with Las Vegas having moved from underdogs upon opening to become favorites.
The reason behind that line movement was news that the Seahawks won't be playing starters. For the Raiders, it won't be the same, and we should see their main players getting reps.
Let's get into my Raiders vs Seahawks prediction and my NFL predictions for this Week 1 preseason clash.
The game will get underway at Lumen Field in Seattle at 10 p.m. ET, and you can tune in on NFL Network.
Raiders vs Seahawks Odds
| Raiders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 37.5 -110o / -110u | -235 |
| Seahawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 37.5 -110o / -110u | +195 |
- Raiders-Seahawks Point Spread: Raiders -4.5 (-110) · Seahawks +4.5 (-110)
- Raiders-Seahawks Total: Over/Under 37.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Raiders-Seahawks Moneyline: Raiders -235 · Seahawks +195
NFL Picks: Preseason Week 1
As always, preseason games often come down to who is available. In this game, head coaches Mike Macdonald and Pete Carroll are taking two very different strategies.
With both teams set to make their preseason bow, Macdonald has already confirmed that starters won't be playing for the Seahawks, which robs us of a first opportunity to see Sam Darnold in action for his new team.
Still, Seattle has two interesting options at quarterback. Drew Lock is a solid backup and went 1-1 in his two starts in Seattle back in 2023. Meanwhile, Jalen Milroe was drafted in the third round this April and, despite being raw, has an intriguing skillset and could really flash his potential in this game.
Elsewhere, we're likely to see two darlings of camp for the Seahawks with WR Troy Horton having impressed throughout and TE Elijah Arroyo receiving incredible praise so far.
On the other sideline, we've had more positive news around the first stringers playing with Raiders head coach Pete Carroll saying, "Everybody's live, everybody's ready to go."
Given how much Carroll would love to beat his former team, even if it is just preseason, that shouldn't be a surprise. It also means we should get to see another former Seahawks QB, Geno Smith, likely under center at least for a series.
When Smith departs the game, we'll see Aidan O'Connell —with a history of impressive preseason cameos— and sixth-round pick Cam Miller.
We'll also get to see a little bit of new Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, who models his game on former Seahawks (and Raiders) RB Marshawn Lynch.
Raiders vs Seahawks Predictions
Both teams have seen a lot of roster turnover this offseason, but the departures of Smith, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett should give those on the Seahawks roster an even stronger desire to lock in a starting spot.
The Raiders, and their defense in particular, are starting fresh. They may be giving starters reps, but this was a 4-13 team last season that has undergone a lot of changes since.
The team may have a couple of stars in Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers. However, once the starters have been rested, their depth is far inferior to that on the other sideline.
At quarterback, you'd have to trust Lock's experience over O'Connell in the silver and black, and between the rookie quarterbacks, Seattle comes up on top again with Milroe possessing more tools and talent than Miller.
Add in home field advantage, for all that's worth in a preseason game, and we have to take the Seahawks and the points.
Pick: Seahawks +4.5 (-110)
How to Watch Raiders vs Seahawks
| Location: | Lumen Field |
| Date: | Thursday, August 7 |
| Kickoff Time: | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | NFL Network |
Raiders vs Seahawks will be live from Lumen Field in Seattle. The game is live on NFL Network.
