Best Non-Chiefs games, Week 6: 49ers face a tough test against Browns

3. Seattle Seahawks @ Cincinnati Bengals

Game time: Sunday, October 15, 12:00 PM CT

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook: Bengals (-3)

TV: CBS/NFL Sunday Ticket

The Seahawks enter this week after their bye. With an added week to prepare for Joe Burrow and the Bengals, they might be able to find a way to win and make Cincinnati completely irrelevant for the season. If Geno Smith can play at a level just a little bit higher than "game manager," they may have a great chance due to their success running the ball and ability to cover in the defensive backfield. With the Bengals, these factors have a tremendous impact.

Cincinnati has had a mostly down year. After winning by two possessions against the Arizona Cardinals, they have reason for optimism. With that in mind, playing the Seahawks could provide a unique challenge if they have to resort to targeting Ja'Marr Chase more than a dozen times. If they are going to get back on track for their Super Bowl hopes, they will need to have a victory in this one. If they drop to four losses with the Bills, Jaguars, Chiefs, and divisional opponents still on the schedule, they are going to have a very, very difficult path.

The bottom line: Vegas seems to still like the Bengals, but I am not really buying into this being their year. Seattle has shown that they are capable of winning in tough games and have a talent level that could lead them on a playoff run. I think Seattle puts a lid on Ja'Marr Chase and a lid on the coffin of the Bengals' 2023 campaign. It's make-or-break time in Cincinnati. This game could feel like a playoff game. How often can you say that in Week 6?

Prediction: Seahawks 28, Bengals 20