New England Patriots (0-0) at Seattle Seahawks (0-0)

When these two teams met in the Super Bowl at the end of last season, the game was not particularly close, with the Seahawks winning by 16. However, this time around, I expect the margin to be smaller. The Patriots now have quarterback Drake Maye and left tackle Will Campbell back to full health, which was not the case in the Super Bowl, and they have added to their offensive line with Alijah Vera-Tucker, their receiving corps with AJ Brown, and their secondary with Kevin Byard. 

Meanwhile, the Seahawks lost a trio of key contributors on defense in Boye Mafe, Coby Bryant, and Tariq Woolen, as well as Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. This line is only at 3.5, so we’re not getting significant value with the Patriots, but one in four games are decided by three points or fewer and there is a good chance this game falls in that range, given how much closer these two teams are now than they were a year ago. This is a low confidence pick and I wouldn’t recommend betting on it, but the Seahawks should be the right side for pick ‘em purposes.

Seattle Seahawks 23 New England Patriots 20

Pick against the spread: New England +3.5

Confidence: Low