The Seattle Seahawks vs. Houston Texans game has no real playoff implications, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t storylines surrounding these two teams. Unfortunately, they’re only partially about the game. The futures of each franchise are in jeopardy. They each need a fresh start. But which one is in better shape to accomplish that?
Seattle Seahawks vs. Houston Texans storylines
I think the writing is on the wall for Seattle. I’m not sure the fate of general manager John Schneider, but I’d be shocked if 71-year-old Pete Carroll is who the Seahawks will task with being the face of their imminent rebuild. Additionally, it seems the Russell Wilson era is over in the Pacific Northwest.
Meanwhile, we know Deshaun Watson will never play another down for the Texans. I’m not a law expert, and I’m not sure whether he’ll ever play in the NFL again. His situation has dragged on longer than I expected, which might hint toward the overall severity. The Texans’ rebuild depends on the legal process.
Can Russell Wilson do the Seahawks a solid before Week 18?
Will we start to see the Wilson we’ve grown accustomed to seeing over the years? It appears as though he returned too early from his injury because last week we saw a much-improved QB. If he can continue that trend, he could help Seattle secure a nice trade haul.
Wilson’s landing spot will be interesting. Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are the perfect receiving duo for Wilson’s run and chuck style. Now, that’s not to say he can’t operate within the system; it simply means they help maximize the team’s explosiveness.
Davis Mills’ time to shine?
Davis Mills was always an… interesting… decision for the Texans’ first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. They must have seen the writing on the wall with the Watson situation and simply threw something on the wall to pray it stuck.
[bet-promo id=”174860″ ]Aside from somehow torching Bill Belichick’s Patriots (the NFL is WEIRD), Mills hasn’t shown anything to make me believe he can be the future of a franchise. However, he’ll have ample opportunity to prove himself as he finishes the season as the Texans’ starter.
Which franchise is in better shape to rebuild?
This is the big question. Which team is in better shape to rebuild the future of their franchise? Because the product each has now won’t get it done. The NFC West appears set for a while, with the Rams, Cardinals, and 49ers either having established veterans or talented youngsters at QB.
Meanwhile, Carson Wentz (who has been much improved this season) and Ryan Tannehill don’t do much to terrify me moving forward if I’m the Texans. The Jaguars have an incredibly talented young quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, but they’re on their way to destroying him in the same way the Colts did Andrew Luck.
Neither the Texans nor the Seahawks have a shining draft history, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t improve it. Immediately, it appears Houston has the better rebuild structure. They have a first-round pick, and their current starting QB isn’t in a complicated legal battle that alleges heinous crimes.
So, the Seahawks might not trade Wilson before the draft. But if they do, it should restock their draft capital well enough to make some splashes. However, if the legal situation with Watson clears, the Texans will receive a king’s ransom for the much younger quarterback.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Houston Texans betting line and game prediction
- Spread: Seahawks -8.5 (Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Moneyline: Seahawks -425, Texans +320
- Total: 40.5
If the storylines for the game weren’t enough to dissuade you from having your eyes bleed, hopefully, the 8.5-point spread on a 40.5 total will. That implies about a 24-16 game. Doesn’t that sound riveting?
Seahawks vs. Texans Prediction: Seahawks 23, Texans 13