New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks — Wednesday

8pmET from Lumen Field. Weather: 71 degrees.

Current line: Seattle -3.5, total 44.5.

Moneyline: Sea -170; NE +155

Last game: Seattle (-5.5/45.5)  won the Super Bowl matchup 29-13 in February.

Analysis:

Seattle’s defensive front owned the last game in the Super Bowl and that’s a worry again for the Pats if they can’t protect Drake Maye. Head coach Mike Macdonald can generate pressure without having to blitz heavily, allowing Seattle to keep seven defenders in coverage.

The Patriots are seeking revenge after going 14-3 last season. The Pats averaged 28.8 points and allowed only 18.8 per game. They’ll face a talented Seahawks offense that will be without Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who joined Kansas City. He will be replaced by Zach Charbonnet and rookie Jadarian Price. 

Good news for the Patriots is that star CB Christian Gonzalez received his big contract extension two day for teh game and will face star WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba was the AP Offensive Player of the Year last season with 119 catches for 1,793 yards. 

Maye set a franchise record with a completion percentage of 72% with 4,394 passing yards, 31 TDs, and eight picks in 2025. He gains a proven No. 1 WR in A.J. Brown, and they also bring in Romeo Doubs from the Packers to improve the passing game.

Injury angle

New England center Ben Brown is OUT with a knee injury, while RB TreVeyon Henderson is OUT with an ankle injury, according to the latest NFL injury report. Seattle safety Ty Okada is OUT, while S Nick Emmanwori and WR Tory Horton are questionable.  

Prop Bet: Jaxon Smith-Njigba anytime TD scorer +140

(odds from Draft Kings)

49ers vs. Rams — Thursday, Melbourne

8:35pmET. Melbourne Cricket Ground. Current line: Rams: -4.5, total: 48. 

Money Line: LA Rams -200/San Fran +172.

Last year: Nov. 9 LA Rams (-5.5) over SAN FRAN 42-26; Oct. 2 San Fran (+7.5) over LA RAMS 26-23ot.

This will be the NFL’s first regular-season game in Melbourne.

Analysis:

The Rams have had one of the best offseasons in NFL history, but will not have future Hall of Fame DT Aaron Donald, who is coming out of retirement, but is not travelling to Melbourne for this game. 

The odd thing about this game is that the Rams will depart on Tuesday night to fly 8,000 miles from LA to Melbourne. Star WR Puka Nacua has had a rocky offseason, but had 15 catches in two games against the 49ers last season. He also owned the rest of the league with 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 TDs last season, but has dealt with groin/hip soreness in camp.

The Niners just need to stay healthy, but they won’t be near 100% in the first game. WR Mike Evans was their big off-season pickup and they also brought back Deebo Samuel, who was with Washington last season. Despite numerous injuries, including an ACL tear to Edge Nick Bosa, the 49ers finished 12-5 last season. 

A healthy Christian McCaffrey is particularly important. He produced 1,202 rushing yards plus 924 receiving yards last season, making him one of the league’s biggest matchup problems.

Injury Angle:

The good news for the Rams is that DE Myles Garrett (knee) will play

SF DE Nick Bosa will play, while RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Mike Evans returned to full participation Tuesday. T George Kittle has also been practicing at full speed, although his game status has carried some uncertainty coming back from his Achilles injury.