Chargers vs. Seahawks Recap: Seattle Wins 30-23, Four Plays Cash

The Seahawks beat the Chargers 30-23. Seattle led 20-6 at halftime and 30-13 after three quarters. Los Angeles pushed back with a touchdown and a field goal in the fourth, but a fumble on the Chargers' last possession ended it. Turnovers were the gap in the box score: the Chargers gave it away 4 times to Seattle's 1, and the Chargers still outgained the Seahawks 301 yards to 286. Four DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

Seahawks ML (-360 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Seattle was a 7-point home favorite, the Chargers were without tight end Charlie Kolar, receiver Brenen Thompson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. - What happened: Seattle won 30-23, a 7-point margin. Sam Darnold threw two touchdown passes and Emanuel Wilson scored twice, once rushing and once receiving. - Worth watching: A -360 price leaves little room, so this one is about the matchup and not the payout. We would only consider a number like that when the spread backs it up too.

ALT: Seahawks -3.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED - Our read: Seattle was -7 at home against a Chargers offense ranked 31st in EPA per play. Buying down to -3.5 only needed a field goal plus. - What happened: Seattle won by 7 and covered the alt number by 3.5. The lead was 14 points at the half and 17 entering the fourth quarter. - Worth watching: Buying down a big home favorite is a reasonable way to take the hook out of play when the price stays fair. Check the cost of the extra points before you do it.

ALT: Jaxon Smith-Njigba 5+ receptions (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED - Our read: The main market had him at 6.5 catches, and he is Darnold's clear top target, so 5 catches left room to spare. - What happened: He caught 5 passes on 6 targets with a long of 28, clearing the 4.5 line by 0.5. - Worth watching: The margin over the line was thin, so target volume is the thing to check first. He saw 6 looks here.

ALT: Jaxon Smith-Njigba 70+ receiving yards (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED - Our read: The main line was 91.5 yards, so 70 sat more than 20 yards under the market number for Seattle's top target. - What happened: 76 yards on 5 catches, 6.5 yards over the 69.5 line. - Worth watching: He did not reach the full-market number of 91.5, which is why the alt line mattered. Shaving the number down is how this angle works.

How the game played out

Seattle scored on a one-play, 23-yard drive early and added a 65-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter. The Chargers answered with an 81-yard touchdown drive and an 85-yard, 16-play drive in the second half. Los Angeles also ran for 147 yards to Seattle's 138.

Trends to watch

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba led Seattle with 6 targets and 76 yards. Alt lines set well under the main market number gave room on him.
• Seattle ran 33 times for 138 yards and threw 22 times. With a lead, the Seahawks leaned on Emanuel Wilson's 21 carries, so passing volume can be modest in similar spots.
• The Chargers took 4 sacks for 35 yards and had 4 turnovers. Ball security and pass protection are worth a look when they face a favorite.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. Related: alt line, point spread, hook, and the NFL hub.