The Seattle Seahawks visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, November 15, in a matchup of NFC West and AFC West teams. Seattle is 5-4 and the Raiders are 4-5. Kickoff at Allegiant Stadium is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.

The game puts rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, in his first NFL start. Las Vegas traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota just before Tuesday's deadline, and the market reacted immediately.

Seahawks vs. Raiders Odds

Seahawks: -6.5 (-112)

Raiders: +6.5 (-108)

Over: 40.5 (-112)

Under: 40.5 (-108)

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Seahawks vs. Raiders Key Injuries

Seattle's biggest concern is also at quarterback. Sam Darnold (ribs/quad) has been ruled out, so Drew Lock is expected to start. Lock is dealing with an elbow injury and an oblique issue, though coach Mike Macdonald said he is making good progress.

Guard Quenton Nelson, acquired from Indianapolis, will not play after a minor knee procedure. Tackle Charles Cross (ankle) and defensive linemen Leonard Williams (stinger) and Brandon Pili (back) did not practice Wednesday. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was listed as a rest day.

The Raiders have better news. Defensive tackle Thomas Booker (ankle) and lineman Trey Zuhn (concussion) were both limited, so each could play.

Seahawks Betting Trends

Seattle is only 3-4-2 against the spread this season and has been a favorite in all nine of those games. The Seahawks are also 3-6 against the first-half spread.

The defense is the reason the market still trusts them. Mike Macdonald's group has the league's best run defense and the best pass defense with the fourth-lowest explosive-play rate allowed by any defense through nine weeks since 2010.

The offense is the concern. Lock at less than full health and a banged-up line make it hard for Seattle to put the game away. The Seahawks were 20-3 winners over Kansas City earlier this season, but they have not covered consistently as favorites.

Raiders Betting Trends

Las Vegas is 6-3 against the spread overall and 2-3 in its last five. It is also 5-3 as an underdog. The Raiders have allowed 30 or more points in six straight games, which explains the large spread.

The totals have leaned over for them: the over has hit in four of their last five. Even so, the market dropped this total from 43.5 to 40.5 once Mendoza was named the starter.

Mendoza faces a tough debut. He has the league's worst run offense behind him and faces the league's best run defense, which could leave Las Vegas one-dimensional. Tight end Brock Bowers is the most reliable target for a young quarterback.

Keys to the Matchup

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Mendoza must avoid turnovers. Seattle gives up few big plays, so Las Vegas will probably need long, patient drives. A short field after an interception would likely put the game out of reach.

Seattle needs Lock to protect the football and keep the offense on schedule. Without Nelson and possibly Cross, the Seahawks may not be able to run freely against a Raiders defense that has leaked points but is healthier up front.

Special teams and field position could matter. With a total this low, one defensive score or one short field might decide the cover.

Seahawks vs. Raiders Prediction and Pick

Seattle is the better team and should win. But a rookie's debut against a great defense points to a slow game, and a 6.5-point line is large for a matchup with a 40.5 total. Seattle's 3-5-1 record against the spread and Las Vegas's recent cover streak add to the case for the underdog.

Taking the Raiders plus the points and the under looks like the better value in Mendoza's first start.

Prediction: Seahawks 20, Raiders 14