Dr. Bob Previews SEAHAWKS (+1.5) Vs. BEARS

Chicago (-1.5) 21 SEATTLE 19

Over/Under Total: 37.0

01:05 PM Pacific Time Sunday, Sep-27

Seattle will be playing this game without starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, and while backup Seneca Wallace has plenty of experience he is a below average passer with a lifetime rating that is 0.4 yards per pass play worse than average. Wallace will probably struggle against a good Bears' pass defense, but the Seahawks should run the ball pretty well against a Chicago run defense that misses injured MLB Brian Urlacher.

The Bears have allowed 4.5 ypr in their first two games and Seattle should have an easier time running this week than they did against a tough 49ers' defensive front in last week's 10-23 loss. Seattle actually out-played the 49ers for most of the game, but gave up runs of 79 yards and 80 yards to Frank Gore.

The Seahawks have actually done a much better job of defending the run than their 7.1 ypr allowed figure suggests and the Seahawks defend the pass well, so the Bears' offense isn't likely to roll over Seattle today.

My ratings favor Chicago by 2 1/2 points with Wallace at quarterback for the Seattle, so I'll pass this game.

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