Todd Gurley is excited to watch Marshawn Lynch play again

Todd Gurley is disappointed about missing the playoffs, but he’s happy to see Marshawn Lynch back in the NFL.

After having their running back room decimated by injury in the last month or so, the Seattle Seahawks brought back a familiar face this week. They signed Marshawn Lynch, who previously spent six years in Seattle with four Pro Bowl appearances during his time there.

Though he hasn’t played an NFL game since last October, the Seahawks are hoping he provides a spark on offense with his physicality in the running game. Fans across the country are excited to see Beast Mode back in action, as is Todd Gurley.

Though the Rams won’t be participating in the postseason, Gurley is happy he gets to watch Lynch run it back with the Seahawks.

“It was cool. It just shows you the type of guy he is and what they think of him. Even if they had whatever their differences and he ended up leaving and going to the Raiders. They still believed in him as a player and as a man,” Gurley said. “I’m excited to see him play, as well in the playoffs. It’s always good to see a guy like ‘Beast Mode’ back. Just having him on the field people are just going to be scared. They don’t even know how he’s going to run, but he just brings that type of energy and confidence that just helps the team out.”

Lynch last played for the Raiders in 2018, rushing for 376 yards on 90 carries in six games before suffering a groin injury and landing on IR. In 2017 with the Raiders, he rushed for 891 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games after taking the year off in 2016.

His final season with the Seahawks was in 2015 when he only averaged 3.8 yards per carry in seven games. From 2011-2014, though, he was a four-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2012.

Lynch isn’t the only player Gurley is excited to watch in the playoffs. As disappointing as it is that the Rams won’t be playing in the postseason, he’s looking forward to watching DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson of the Texans.

“It’s just kind of weird because it’s like you’re not really prepared for the offseason and now it’s like it’s here,” he said. “Like I said, we won’t be the only team at the house and we’ll still get the chance to watch some good playoff football and root for your brothers that are still in the playoffs. All the good relationships that I have with players. Players from the Houston Texans – get to watch DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson in the playoffs. I just kind of just look forward to that – supporting my brothers. Just going out to the Super Bowl and I guess doing events there and being able to go to the game and still support whoever is playing in it.”

Former Bills RB Marshawn Lynch un-retires

RB Marshawn Lynch returns to Seahawks.

Beast mode is back, but it’s not with the Bills.

Over the holiday week, former Buffalo first-round pick from 2007, Marshawn Lynch, has decided to come out of retirement. Lynch, who also played for the Raiders in his career last season, is re-joining another former team, the Seahawks.

Like the Bills, the Seahawks are headed to the playoffs in the NFC. The move was made due to injury issues the Seahawks have had in their backfield this year. Starter Chris Carson (hip) and backup running back C.J. Prosise (arm) are done for the year.

Lynch will make his “season debut” in Week 17. Per Seahawks Wire, Lynch has been prepping for a return for weeks.

The Seahawks sit at 11-4 and in their finale, play the 49ers, who are 12-3. The 49ers lead the NFC West and the two are playing for that title in the season finale.

Lynch played for the Bills from 2007-2010, when he was traded to Seattle from Buffalo. Until 2015, he played with the Seahawks, winning Super Bowl XLVIII.

Upon returning, Lynch had a classic first introductory press conference as well:

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San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The San Francisco 49ers (12-3) visit the Seattle Seahawks (11-4) in a battle for the NFC West title Sunday with an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff at CenturyLink Field. We analyze the 49ers-Seahawks odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.

Both teams have already clinched playoff berths, but the 49ers lock up the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a win. The Seahawks can finish anywhere from the Nos. 1 through 3 seeds with a win; the loser of Sunday’s game gets the 5 seed.

In one of the better NFL games of the year, the Seahawks won the first meeting of the regular season 27-24 in overtime Nov. 11. Jason Myers’ 42-yard field goal as time expired handed the 49ers their first loss of the season.

49ers at Seahawks: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes


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  • One might be surprised the home team Seahawks are NOT the favorite, but they’ve recently suffered key injuries to their defense and their running back corps — leading to the signing of RB Marshawn Lynch this week.
  • The 49ers have alternated wins and losses the last five weeks, most recently beating the visiting Los Angeles Rams 34-31 in Week 16, but failing to cover a 7-point spread.
  • An 8-point favorite, the Seahawks were stunned at home by the Arizona Cardinals 27-13 last week.
  • The 49ers are 6-1 on the road, 8-6-1 against the spread (ATS) overall, and 5-2 ATS away from home.
  • The Seahawks are a surprising 4-3 at home, 7-7-1 ATS overall and 2-5 ATS at CenturyLink Field.
  • Both teams are 8-7 against the over/under on the season.
  • 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo is 20-5 in 25 starts — but this is his first career start at Seattle.

49ers at Seahawks: Key injuries

49ers: WR Deebo Samuel (undisclosed), S Jaquiski Tartt (ribs), DT Julian Taylor (elbow) and DE Dee Ford (hamstring) are questionable.

Seahawks: RBs Chris Carson (hip), Rashaad Penny (knee), C.J. Prosise (arm) and LT Duane Brown (knee) are out — the three RBs are done for the year. CB Shaquill Griffin (hamstring) and DE Jadeveon Clowney (abdomen) are probable, while S Quandre Diggs (ankle) is questionable.

49ers at Seahawks: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Aug 30, 2018; Seattle, WA; Marshawn Lynch (left), when with the Oakland Raiders, and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll (right) catch up during a 2018 game CenturyLink Field. They have rejoined forces heading into Sunday’s showdown with the 49ers. (Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson – USA TODAY Sports)

NFL odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 5:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

49ers 27, Seahawks 17

Moneyline (ML)

The 49ERS (-176) are worth a small play if you have doubts about the spread – and are afraid of the hook. The trend points to the Seahawks (+145), who have won eight straight home games vs. the 49ers, but Seattle is just not healthy and Lynch is not the answer.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the 49ers to win straight up would profit $5.68 if the 49ers win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The 49ERS (-3.5, -106) are the STRONGEST PLAY. I’m not a fan of backing road teams, especially when they’re favored by more than 3 points. But as mentioned above, the Seahawks (+3.5, -115) are undermanned in this one – they were exposed in last week’s loss to the Cardinals, and the 49ers will take advantage in avenging the regular-season OT loss.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 47.5 (-115). The 49ers defense ranks eighth in allowing just 19.3 points per game, while the Seahawks allow 24.8 PPG. On the offensive side, the 49ers are second in points scored (30.2 PPG) and the Seahawks are ninth (25.6 PPG).

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 16-7-1. Strongest plays: 8-2.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Chris Carson, C.J. Prosise likely out for remainder of Seahawks’ season

The Seahawks had a miserable day of football in Week 16 losing to the Cardinals 27-13 and even worse Both starter Chris Carson and backup C.J. Prosise suffered potential season-ending injuries Sunday afternoon Carson sustained some damage to his hip and Prosise broke his arm As of now, Travis Homer remains the only healthy running back on the Seahawks’ active roster

The Seahawks had a miserable day of football in Week 16 losing to the Cardinals 27-13 and even worse Both starter Chris Carson and backup C.J. Prosise suffered potential season-ending injuries Sunday afternoon Carson sustained some damage to his hip and Prosise broke his arm As of now, Travis Homer remains the only healthy running back on the Seahawks’ active roster

Chris Carson, C.J. Prosise likely out for remainder of Seahawks’ season

The Seahawks had a miserable day of football in Week 16 losing to the Cardinals 27-13 and even worse Both starter Chris Carson and backup C.J. Prosise suffered potential season-ending injuries Sunday afternoon Carson sustained some damage to his hip and Prosise broke his arm As of now, Travis Homer remains the only healthy running back on the Seahawks’ active roster

The Seahawks had a miserable day of football in Week 16 losing to the Cardinals 27-13 and even worse Both starter Chris Carson and backup C.J. Prosise suffered potential season-ending injuries Sunday afternoon Carson sustained some damage to his hip and Prosise broke his arm As of now, Travis Homer remains the only healthy running back on the Seahawks’ active roster

NFC Playoff picture heading into Week 16

Outside of the NFC East, the NFC’s playoff teams are set. The Rams could make the playoffs but it would take a miracle. The Rams would have to beat the Niners – in San Francisco – and Cardinals and the Vikings would have to lose out. The Vikings …

Outside of the NFC East, the NFC’s playoff teams are set. The Rams could make the playoffs but it would take a miracle. The Rams would have to beat the Niners — in San Francisco — and Cardinals and the Vikings would have to lose out. The Vikings have two home games. It’s doubtful they are going to lose out. That’s why the Rams aren’t on the list. Let’s check out the other races.

Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles 7-7

Remaining Games: Cowboys, @Giants

Dallas Cowboys 7-7

Remaining Games: @Eagles, Redskins

One write up for both teams. The NFC East crown is on the line in Week 16. It’s that simple. The winner of this matchup will win the division because there’s no way either team should — or would — lose to the Giants or Redskins. Yes, Dallas can make it into the playoffs if they lose to the Eagles but the Eagles lose to the Cowboys due to division record. Let’s just call this what it is, the game for the NFC East title.

NFC Playoff picture heading into Week 15

The Niners are at the top of the NFC playoff race, but it’s tight when it comes to which teams will take the top seeds.

We didn’t really learn much about the NFC in Week 13 that we already didn’t know. The NFC East isn’t very good. The Saints are the only team in the NFC South that is better than mediocre. The NFC North’s two-team race is still the same — although the Bears could make a theoretical run if they win their next game. The NFC West’s two top teams may be the best in the NFC. Both are making it to the postseason tournament.

 Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles 6-7

It took 13 weeks but the Eagles are finally atop the NFC East. There is literally one game that matters more than any other on their schedule and that’s against the Cowboys. They need to win the other games, but the Cowboys game will be for the NFC East.

Remaining Games: @Redskins, Cowboys, @Giants

Dallas Cowboys 6-7

This is what happens when Jason Garrett is your coach. Now the Cowboys have to face off against the scorching hot Rams and then go to Philadelphia to beat the Eagles. That’s not going to be easy even if the Eagles are as banged up as they are right now.

Remaining Games: Rams, @Eagles, Redskins

Former Texas Longhorns Quandre Diggs and Earl Thomas share rare distinction

Former Texas Longhorn football players Quandre Diggs and Earl Thomas share rare distinction in the NFL

Earl Thomas and Quandre Diggs are two stud safeties who made their way through Texas. Thomas was the leader of the famed “Legion of Boom,” a moniker given to the Seattle Seahawks’ dominant secondary that consisted of Thomas, Richard Sherman, and Kam Chancellor.

Earl Thomas has since moved on and is currently the starting free safety for the Baltimore Ravens. Seattle replaced one Longhorn with another when they acquired safety Quandre Diggs from the Detroit Lions.

Since then, Diggs has become the first player with three interceptions in his first four games with the Seahawks since – you guessed it – Earl Thomas.

In his two years at Texas, Thomas made 97 total tackles and had 8 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Diggs spent four years at Texas and totaled 220 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles.

In the NFL, both Thomas and Diggs are impact players whose contributions don’t always show up in the stat sheet. Despite that, both are known playmakers and the statistics back it up.

5 takeaways from the Rams’ 16-point victory against Seattle

The Los Angeles Rams took care of the Seattle Seahawks in a must-win game on Sunday Night Football. Here are a few takeaways from the big win.

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Seattle Seahawks in dominant fashion on Sunday night. It was a must-win for the Rams, who remain a game out of a playoff spot in the NFC at 8-5. Here are five takeaways from the big 28-12 win.

Goff produces another stellar performance

Jared Goff was able to get back on track last week against Arizona after a fairly rocky season so far. Arizona’s pass defense is awful, so it was hard to decipher whether or not it was a return to form for Goff or simply a result of bad defense. After tonight’s performance, it feels like the former.

Goff once again shined against Seattle on a big stage, completing 22 of his 31 passing attempts for 293 yards and two touchdowns. Goff was particularly impressive out of the pocket, completing all seven of those passes for 134 yards and a touchdown. We were reminded why the Rams gave Goff a big payday this summer tonight.

Still, there was a brief stretch in the third quarter where Goff looked rough. He threw a pick-six thanks to a miscommunication on a pass to Robert Woods. The interception wasn’t entirely Goff’s fault, but he should know where Woods is heading on that play. A few plays later, with the ball on Seattle’s 37-yard line, Goff tossed a deep ball into double coverage that was intercepted. It wasn’t a shot Goff needed to take at the time.

One major takeaway from Goff’s two interceptions isn’t the interceptions themselves, but that he was able to come back from them. Goff threw a few nice passes following the turnovers, including a dime down the sideline that was dropped by Brandin Cooks and a great play-action rollout pass to Tyler Higbee deep in Rams’ territory. If Goff can continue to play like he did tonight for the remainder of the season, the Rams might actually find themselves playing in January.

Watch: Jared Goff fools CB with pump fake on 33-yard pass to Higbee

Goff got off to a hot start against the Seahawks.

Jared Goff hasn’t exactly had a good season in 2019, regressing from the way he played a season ago. He looked much better last week against the Cardinals, though, and seems to have carried that over into Sunday night at the Coliseum.

He was sharp on the Rams’ opening drive against the Seahawks, leading Los Angeles to a touchdown on the first possession. The biggest play of the drive came when Goff hit Tyler Higbee for a 33-yard gain, which was set up by this perfect pump fake.

Malcolm Brown had a great blitz pickup on that play, and he was rewarded with a carry on the very next play. He punched it in for six, putting the Rams up 7-3.