Two teams that experienced significant offseason change will collide in Week 1 when the Seattle Seahawks host the Denver Broncos at Lumen Field.
After 14 seasons with Pete Carroll leading the way, the Seahawks are embarking on a new era under the guidance of former Ravens DC Mike Macdonald, who orchestrated the league’s top defense last year per DVOA.
The Broncos enter Year 2 under HC Sean Payton with a new face of the franchise, as first-round rookie Bo Nix will start the season under center, replacing Russell Wilson.
As we get set for the start of the 2024 NFL season, let’s examine the latest Broncos vs Seahawks odds and pick out some best bets for this interconference matchup.
Broncos vs Seahawks Odds
NFL odds are current as of Thursday, Sept. 5, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Broncos (+200) vs Seahawks (-245)
- Spread: Broncos +6 (-110) vs Seahawks -6 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 41.5 (-112) / Under 41.5 (-108)
Broncos vs Seahawks Prediction
Seahawks 27, Broncos 13
Rookie quarterbacks that start in Week 1 tend to have a tough go of it.
There are a few reasons for that. The player often needs time to adjust to the speed of the NFL game and develop chemistry with his new teammates. Also, the teams that draft these rookie QBs tend to be pretty bad.
Both of these factors ring true for Nix and the Broncos.
While I was impressed with what the Oregon and Auburn product showed in the preseason, there’s a sizable adjustment to playing four quarters against the opposition’s starting defense at one of the loudest stadiums in the league.
Seattle’s defense features plenty of young talent, including shutdown corner Riq Woolen and promising sack artist Boye Mafe, and should improve greatly this season under Macdonald’s tutelage.
On the other side of the ball, Geno Smith has a hard-running backfield mate in Kenneth Walker III and a talented trio of receivers in DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
While the Seattle offensive line remains a concern, it should be able to hold up against a Broncos’ front seven that had the fourth-worst pressure rate in the league last season (18.2%).
After a disappointing campaign, look for Smith and the Seattle offense to get back on track with a lopsided win in the season opener.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Broncos vs Seahawks Best Bets
Seahawks -6 (-110)
Until he proves it in the regular season, I’m not buying the Bo Nix hype.
Sam Darnold was the last rookie quarterback to start and win a Week 1 game in 2018. Last year’s trio of Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud, and Bryce Young lost their debuts by double digits. Trevor Lawrence suffered the same fate in 2021.
Each of those quarterbacks was more highly touted than Nix, who isn’t surrounded by the same level of skill-position players that Caleb Williams has in Chicago.
Expect Macdonald to trick Nix into a few mistakes and for the offense to capitalize, helping Seattle to a double-digit home victory. Lay the points with the Seahawks as one of your best football bets today.
Under 41.5 Points (-108)
Unders have gone 23-9 in Week 1 over the past two seasons, and I’m backing another one here.
As we’ve discussed, I don’t see how Denver significantly contributes to this total. This game only goes Over if Seattle runs away with it early and Nix leads a touchdown drive or two in garbage time.
