Cowboys vs. Seahawks Free Pick: A Playoff-Pivotal Thursday Night Showdown

In Week 13, the Dallas Cowboys are set to resume action, gearing up for a crucial clash against the Seattle Seahawks after a short hiatus. This matchup, their second consecutive Thursday game, follows their triumph over the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving Day. Now, they face another Washington team – the Seahawks – in a high-stakes Thursday Night Football encounter.

Key Players and Playoff Ambitions

While recent discussions around the Cowboys have revolved around the stellar performances of Dak Prescott and DaRon Bland, the team’s depth shines through with talents like CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Tony Pollard, and coach Mike McCarthy. Currently eyeing the #5 seed in the NFC playoffs, the Cowboys face competition from Pete Carroll’s Seahawks, also in the wild-card mix, and are determined to secure a favorable seeding.

Playoff Standings and Recent Team Performances

The upcoming Thursday Night Football clash holds substantial playoff implications for both NFC teams. Presently, the Dallas Cowboys, holding an 8-3 record, lead the wildcard standings, while the Seattle Seahawks, at 6-5, trail by two games but firmly secure the final playoff position. Noteworthy displays were witnessed on Thanksgiving, with the Seahawks facing a challenging 31-13 defeat against the 49ers, and the Cowboys delivering a commanding 45-10 victory over the Commanders.

Challenges Faced by the Seahawks

The Seahawks are grappling with the urgency of maintaining their playoff hopes amid recent challenges. With three losses in their last four games, including setbacks against NFC West opponents, their path to the postseason is fraught with obstacles. On Thanksgiving, quarterback Geno Smith encountered difficulties, mustering only 15 yards in the first five possessions. Coach Pete Carroll acknowledged these early struggles, emphasizing the team’s need to overcome these obstacles. Despite holding the 15th position in the NFL for total passing yards, Smith has experienced a decline in the past two weeks, with an average of 206.5 yards per game and a TD-INT ratio of 1-1. The Seahawks’ offensive arsenal boasts formidable targets in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, with rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba showcasing promising progress. Adding to their offensive strength, Kenneth Walker II leads as their primary running back.

Insights from Team Statistics

Statistically, the Seahawks currently rank 20th in the NFL for scoring, averaging 20.8 points per game. Their defense is positioned at 22nd, allowing 22.6 points per game. Standout individual performances include Bobby Wagner leading the team in tackles, and Boye Mafe excelling in sacks with seven. The defense has successfully secured 15 takeaways, while the offense has grappled with turnovers on 13 occasions.

Cowboys’ Pursuit of a Wildcard Berth

Conversely, the Dallas Cowboys are in hot pursuit of the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles and are strategically positioning themselves for a wildcard berth. Amid victories in five of their last six games, including a dominant win over Washington on Thanksgiving, cornerback DaRon Bland has taken center stage by setting a record for the most pick-sixes in a season. Quarterback Dak Prescott, ranked 6th in the NFL for total passing yards, has been in remarkable form, boasting an impressive 23 to 6 TD-INT ratio. Throughout their three-game winning streak, Prescott has consistently averaged 308.0 yards per game, showcasing an impressive 9-1 TD-INT ratio. Notable recent accomplishments also encompass CeeDee Lamb surpassing the 1,000-yard mark in receiving for the season, reinforcing his role as Prescott’s primary target. The Cowboys lead the NFL in scoring, maintaining an average of 31.5 points per game. Furthermore, their defense holds a commendable 4th place, conceding just 16.8 points per game. Key contributors to this success include linebacker Damone Clark and Micah Parsons, serving as a formidable force in the backfield with 11.5 sacks. Additionally, DaRon Bland has secured seven interceptions throughout the season, with five resulting in touchdowns.

High-Stakes Matchup and Betting Trends

The upcoming game holds extra significance for the Cowboys, facing a Seahawks team vying for the same wildcard spots. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Cowboys are focused on securing a crucial win, particularly with matchups against the Eagles, Bills, and Dolphins looming. Geno Smith’s recent struggles raise concerns for the Seahawks, and the Cowboys’ potent passing attack poses a challenge to their 22nd-ranked pass defense.

In terms of betting trends, the Cowboys boast an 8-3-0 record against the spread this season. As favorites of 9.5 points or more, they maintain a strong 3-1 record against the spread. Additionally, seven of Dallas’ 11 games with a set total have gone over. On the Seahawks’ side, their record against the spread in 2023 is 5-6-0, with five of their 11 games going over the total.

Injury Concerns and Practice Updates

As the game approaches, the Seahawks grapple with injury concerns, with five players missing practice, including key offensive players. Running back Kenneth Walker III, wide receiver Dareke Young, guard Phil Haynes, tight end Will Dissly, and defensive end Leonard Williams were absent from practice. Walker’s status remains uncertain, potentially leaving rookie Zach Charbonnet as the lead back for the second consecutive week. Tackle Abraham Lucas, aiming to return after being out since Week 1, was limited in practice.

In contrast, the Cowboys had several players not participating in practice due to various reasons, including illness and rest. Notable names include DE Dante Fowler Jr., G Zack Martin, T Tyron Smith, and LB Tyrus Wheat. However, the team had limited and full participation from other players, indicating a mixed injury report.

Anticipation for a Pivotal Matchup

The approaching Thursday Night Football showdown featuring the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks holds substantial playoff ramifications for both squads. The Cowboys are striving to secure their wildcard standing, while the Seahawks aim to enhance their position in the fiercely competitive NFC. As these teams gear up for this pivotal clash, the complexities of injury concerns and recent performance trends heighten the anticipation for the impending showdown. Fans should brace themselves for a high-stakes game, with both teams eagerly looking to make a statement as the intensity of the playoff race escalates in the NFC. For this game we are leaning toward the Seahawks getting points. The Cowboys have been very good at beating up on bad teams but do not play well against teams that are above average. Take the Hawks plus the points. Buy the point to make it +10.5. Be sure to visit BetAnySports.eu and claim a 30% CASH BONUS or 135% FREE PLAY on your deposit. 

Spread: Seahawks +9 ½ (-110) – Cowboys -9 ½ (-110) 

Money line: Seahawks +375 – Cowboys -475