Punters tuning in for a high-scoring thriller at Lumen Field were instead treated to a gritty, low-scoring arm wrestle as the Seattle Seahawks locked down a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 1. Pre-match expectations had the total points line resting at 44.5 points, but both defensive units had other ideas, keeping scores locked down in a contest where every single yard was hard-earned.
The Seattle Seahawks rolled into this fixture following a recent run that included a 17-34 loss against the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots crossed paths with Seattle arriving off the back of a 24-19 win against the Miami Dolphins. Heading into the clash, the market had the Seattle Seahawks installed as favourites at 1.52 in the head-to-head market, while the New England Patriots were on offer at 2.55.
How the match played out
Neither side gave an inch during a tense opening half, as the defensive schemes took full control of the turf at Lumen Field. The New England Patriots fought hard to keep within striking distance throughout, ultimately covering the 3.5-point line in a tightly contested affair that stayed well underneath the pre-match total points line of 44.5 points.
When the final whistle sounded, it was the Seattle Seahawks standing tall with a 13-10 scoreline, securing the victory and improving their season record while handing the Patriots a narrow defeat on the road.
How the tips went
Looking back at our published selections for this Week 1 encounter, punters who backed the head-to-head market found success with the Seattle Seahawks at 1.52, as the hosts held on to claim the three-point win.
In the line market, selections on the New England Patriots +3.5 at 1.85 also saluted, successfully covering the margin after keeping things close right down to the final siren.