Seahawks, Raiders, Vikings and Packers picks: How trade-deadline quarterback swaps reshape the matchups
Quarterback changes set the stage
The writer focuses on Seattle against Las Vegas and Minnesota against Green Bay, two games involving teams that swapped quarterbacks around the trade deadline. Drew Lock is set to play for the Seahawks, while Fernando Mendoza takes over for the Raiders.
Kirk Cousins, traded by Las Vegas, is expected to make his Vikings debut against the Packers. The writer says Cousins should improve Minnesota’s quarterback play but also expresses significant concerns about him.
Raiders face a difficult season
Las Vegas is 4-5 overall and 1-3 at home. The writer describes a team that began the season with promise but has since struggled, with its playoff prospects looking slim.
The preview points to running back Ashton Jeanty’s underperformance and defensive weaknesses. The Raiders rank 26th against the pass and last against the run, leaving Mendoza with a challenging assignment.
The case for Las Vegas
Despite those concerns, the writer expects Mendoza to give the Raiders a boost and sees their home game against Lock as a favorable opportunity. The pick is Las Vegas plus 4.5 points.
The writer also considers the under the best bet, reasoning that neither team is likely to score heavily. The article’s discussion of Cousins’ return to Minnesota ends before giving a final pick for the Vikings-Packers game.
Key points
- Drew Lock is expected to start for Seattle against Las Vegas.
- Kirk Cousins is set to make his Vikings debut against Green Bay.
- The writer picks the Raiders plus 4.5 points.
- The writer says the under may be the best bet in Seahawks-Raiders.