Seattle Seahawks (0-0) vs Denver Broncos (0-0)
Game Info: Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 4:05 pm (Lumen Field)
Betting Odds: Seattle Seahawks -6 / Denver Broncos +6 --- Over/Under: 42.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks meet in week 1 NFL action from Lumen Field on Sunday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks prediction.
Denver Broncos Recap
The Denver Broncos come into the 2024 season looking to the future after showing signs of improvement in year one under Sean Payton, finishing with an 8-9 record overall, their highest win total since 2016. The Russell Wilson era in Denver is over and cue the fanfare with the Broncos selecting Bo Nix 12th overall and after an impressive preseason, it looks like the sky is the limit under center at Mile High. Javonte Williams will hope for a clean bill of health after a disappointing season in 2023 after dealing with a torn ACL the year prior, while Jaleel McLaughlin is a nice complimentary piece for the Broncos’ backfield.
The Broncos also retain mainstay receivers like Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick. On defense, there’s a lot of void to fill as Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson are gone, but Cade Sterns and Brandon Jones will be expected to elevate their game. Patrick Surtain II also returns to anchor the Broncos’ secondary. Nik Bonitto and Baron Browning are back in Denver’s pass rush after combining for 16.5 sacks last season. The Broncos will face the Steelers following this one.
Why the Denver Broncos will win
- The Seahawks have lost four of their last five September games as favorites.
- The underdogs have won three of the Seahawks' last four Week 1 games.
- The Seahawks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against AFC opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in five of the Seahawks' last six Week 1 games.
Seattle Seahawks Recap
The Seattle Seahawks come into the 2024 season looking to build on a second straight 9-8 season, but in 2023, 9-8 was not enough for the Seahawks to make the postseason. The 2024 campaign marks the first year for the Seahawks since 2009 where Pete Carroll was not the head coach after being relieved of his duties, with Mike Macdonald getting his first crack at an NFL head coaching gig. A lot of the usual suspects are back for the Seahawks with Geno Smith at QB, but Sam Howell comes in after an unsuccessful tenure with the Commanders to push for reps at QB1.
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet make up a nice 1-2 punch in Seattle’s backfield, while DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are a three-headed monster in Seattle’s receiving room. On defense, Seattle’s front seven needs some work, but the addition of Jerome Baker and Uchenna Nwosu’s return should bolster the front seven for Seattle. Devon Witherspoon and Julian Love are returning as key contributors in Seattle’s secondary.
Why the Seattle Seahawks will win
- The Seahawks have won nine of their last 10 September home games against AFC opponents.
- The Broncos have lost nine of their last 10 games played on the West Coast.
- The Broncos have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight Sunday games played on the West Coast.
- The Seahawks have covered the spread in each of their last four games against the Broncos.
Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks Prediction
I’m on the over here. I get why the total is as low as it is, and Seattle is not a great place for Bo Nix to make his regular-season debut. However, Nix looked really, really good in the preseason as the Broncos’ offense looked electric, and I think he can have some success against a suspect Seahawks defense. On the other side, Seattle has some strengths on offense as well, and I think they can get to the Broncos’ defense and help us get up and over this total.
Chris’s Pick Over 42.5
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
Mitch's Take...
