Seahawks (4-8) at Texans (2-10)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, NRG Stadium, Houston
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Seahawks by 7 ⁄2
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Seahawks’ keys to victory: Pro football is built around the quarterback, and Seattle still has a maestro in Russell Wilson, who can dictate the tempo of the game. Wilson needs to ensure that every possession ends in a kick and not give Houston’s opportunistic defense any freebies. The passing attack must challenge downfield with WRs DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Seattle will be facing a frustrated offense, and playmakers LB Bobby Wagner and S Jamal Adams will need to make their presence felt.
Texans’ keys to victory: The Houston run game has been nonexistent all season, and it must supplement with passes out of the backfield to RBs Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman. Involving TEs Brevin Jordan and Pharaoh Brown would open up the passing game downfield and allow WR Brandin Cooks to thrive. Defense and special teams can’t allow critical penalties or free yards. DE Jonathan Greenard must find ways to get to the passer and create uncomfortable drop backs.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks’ Metcalf vs. Texans CB Terrance Mitchell. The Seahawks’ big target hasn’t had a game with 90-plus receiving yards since Week 7. Metcalf will need to beat Houston’s best corner and give his quarterback a target for chunk plays.
Who wins? The Seahawks still have a functional offense, while the Texans haven’t had 300 yards of total offense since Week 8. Whether the Texans start Davis Mills or Tyrod Taylor at quarterback won’t make a difference – Wilson is better than either.
Seahawks, 27-9