Seahawks vs. Steelers Preseason Week 1 NFL Picks: Let the QB Competitions Begin

The Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers open their preseason campaigns Saturday as each side gathers data on the competitors in two of the NFL’s most prominent quarterback battles of 2022. Read on for our Seahawks-Steelers preseason picks.

The times, they are a-changin'. After spending the past decade with Russell Wilson behind center, the Seahawks usher in a new era at quarterback this season. The Steelers face similar upheaval at the position following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.

Here are our Seahawks-Steelers NFL picks for preseason Week 1 (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Seahawks vs. Steelers Game Info

Date: Saturday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. ETTV: KDKA-TV (CBS in Pittsburgh)Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PAWeather: 82 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, 5-mph winds

Seahawks vs. Steelers Odds Analysis

The Steelers opened at -3 and have been bet to -3.5 at most sportsbooks, including FanDuel. Pittsburgh has drawn 63% of the money wagered on the spread so far.

After opening at 33, the total has ballooned to 36 at FanDuel and 36.5 at BetMGM. As the total has swelled, the Under has gained momentum with 54% of the cash backing that side. 

Seahawks vs. Steelers Picks

Seahawks vs. Steelers ATS Pick

Steelers -3.5 (-110)

The Steelers haven’t had to worry about a quarterback competition for the better part of two decades. Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and Kenny Pickett will all relish any opportunity to prove themselves to the coaching staff in a game setting.

The Steelers announced all three will see the field Saturday against the Seahawks. For each player, this is an audition; with so much on the line, there’s no reason to downshift into ball control mode like you might normally see in the latter stages of a preseason game.

Conversely, head coach Pete Carroll’s Seahawks haven’t shown much in the way of playcalling guts in recent seasons. Seattle’s offense has often been a plodding one based on ball control. I don’t see Carroll letting Geno Smith or Drew Lock air it out much on Saturday; even if they did, how successful would either be at leading a dynamic passing attack?

The Steelers should have an edge on both sides of the ball.

Seahawks vs. Steelers O/U Pick

Over 36 (-110)

Though it’s always difficult to gauge exactly how much participation we might see from the starters in a preseason game, the circumstances are unique for both the Seahawks and Steelers in that both teams are holding open quarterback competitions.

I envision the Steelers being aggressive on offense, with each of their three main quarterbacks trying to emulate real game action in moving the ball down the field and putting points on the board.

Seattle’s offense may not be as efficient, but there’s still reason to believe the Seahawks can contribute to this total hitting the Over. Rookie running back Ken Walker III is expected to be heavily featured as Rashaad Penny will miss the game due to a groin injury. Carroll has recently discussed improvements for Walker in pass protection — a key ingredient to seeing playing time in his rookie season.

With the chance to display those skills in game action Saturday, Walker could be primed for a coming-out party. Watch for rookie receivers Bo Melton and Dareke Young to try and punch above their weight, as well.

If you’re betting the Over, avoid BetMGM’s inflated 36.5 line for this total. Steelers 23, Seahawks 17 feels like a plausible outcome that covers our ATS and O/U wagers.

Where to Bet on Seahawks-Steelers Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

FanDuel SportsbookCaesars SportsbookDraftKings SportsbookPointsBetBetMGM

SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Seahawks-Steelers picks made 8/12/2022 at 2:29 p.m. ET