Expect points when Atlanta visit Seattle

Sky Sports Action, 1.30am Monday night

Atlanta's offence have failed to hit the heights they scaled in reaching the Super Bowl last season but the Falcons will feel they can get the scoreboard ticking when they head to Seattle.

While the Los Angeles Rams have attracted all the attention by storming to the top of the NFC West, the Seahawks have won five of their last six games and look to be still in the divisional race.

However, their win over Arizona came at a cost last week as cornerback Richard Sherman ruptured his Achilles and safety Kam Chancellor misses this clash.

That will be music to Atlanta ears, and while they are averaging 12 fewer points a game than they were last term, their passing attack could bear fruit in the Pacific Northwest, especially as it looks as if receiver Julio Jones will be fit.

The loss of running back Devonta Freeman is a blow, but they still have plenty of offensive options, with tight end Austin Hooper proving a useful outlet in last week's win over Dallas.

Defensive end Adrian Clayborn recorded six sacks against Dak Prescott last week so the Seattle offensive line need to be at the top of their game to protect quarterback Russell Wilson.

They will have to be proactive too against a team who could prove to be their rivals in the chase of a playoff spot and it is possible this game will be crucial in establishing who gains a NFC wildcard spot.

Consequently, the points line of 45 points could prove to be on the low side.

Recommendation
Over 45 points
2pts 10-11 Betway, BoyleSports, Ladbrokes

The lowdown
Venue CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
Surface Artificial
Weather Cloudy, 7C
Vegas handicap Atlanta +2
Vegas points line 45.5

Team news
Atlanta
Running back Devonta Freeman is out with concussion while star receiver Julio Jones is expected to have recovered from an ankle injury. Guard Andy Levitre (knee) is fit.

Seattle
Safety Kam Chancellor is out with a neck injury but quarterback Russell Wilson will play after having his aw reset following a hit against Arizona last week. Offensive lineman Duane Brown (ankle) and defensive lineman Jarran Reed face late tests. Cornerback Richard Sherman is out for the season with an Achilles injury.

Key stat
The points total has gone over the line in six of the last seven meetings.

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