For the first time in a long time, Pete Carroll won’t be roaming the sideline at Lumen Field. The Mike Macdonald era brings fresh hope for the Seattle Seahawks as they kick off their season against the Denver Broncos in this Week 1 matchup.
My Broncos vs. Seahawks predictions believe it'll be an A+ effort from the home team as they play spoiler in Bo Nix's pro debut. Read all about it in my NFL picks for September 8.
Broncos vs Seahawks prediction
My best bet
Seahawks -6.5 (+100 at BetMGM)
My analysis
You couldn’t script it much better for Macdonald’s head coaching debut: a rocking Lumen Field, a revamped offense, and a rookie quarterback to scheme against.
That puts the Seattle Seahawks in a great spot, and I’m happy laying the points at a manageable -6.5. Geno Smith has drawn rave reviews throughout training camp, and I’m expecting big things from the Ryan Grubb offence in Week 1 against a Denver Broncos defense that coughed up 370 yards per game in 2023.
The Seahawks were just as bad defensively last year — especially against the run — but Macdonald’s arrival has breathed life into that unit, and there should be lots of disguised coverages here to keep Bo Nix off-balance.
Still reeling from the Russell Wilson trade that will forever link these teams, the Broncos went 8-9 last season but were 6-10-1 against the spread.
We should see a run-heavy gameplan from the visitors to play to their strengths and ease the pressure on Nix, but there are question marks around their receivers beyond Courtland Sutton.
As well as Nix played during the preseason, I still can’t get past the prospect of a rookie dealing with a loud Seattle crowd and keeping pace with the host's offense.
After losing five of their final eight games last year, the Seahawks have a point to proof, and they’re 4-1 in their last five Week 1 outings. I’m wagering on another big opening weekend performance here.
Broncos vs Seahawks same-game parlay
Seahawks -6.5
Jaxon-Smith Njigba Over 49.5 receiving yards
Bo Nix Over 0.5 interceptions
DK Metcalf piled up 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and he’d typically be my “go-to” receiving yards prop pick in this Seattle offense. But the likelihood of Denver’s elite corner Patrick Surtain II shadowing him around the field gives me pause.
Instead, I see Smith calling Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s number early and often, and I’m adding the Over on 49.5 receiving yards for my SGP. Though Tyler Lockett is expected to play, he’s been hampered by a hip injury in the preseason, and JSN could emerge as the WR2 for the Seahawks on Sunday.
Smith-Njigba went past this number five times in 2023, but there’s a path to a much bigger role in this new-look Seattle offense.
I’m also doubling down on Nix to have a tricky debut on the road here. With ballhawks in the Seahawks’ secondary and an improved pass rush, there’s potential for picks if the Broncos find themselves in third-and-long situations.
Nix produced turnover-free football in his two preseason appearances, but Lumen Field is a different proposition, and mistakes are part of the process for rookie quarterbacks.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Broncos vs Seahawks odds
Broncos vs Seahawks live odds
Broncos vs Seahawks opening odds
- Spread: Denver +4.5 (+100) | Seattle -4.5 (-120)
- Moneyline: Denver +180 | Seattle -225
- Over/Under: Over 42.5 (-110) | Under 42.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Broncos vs Seahawks spread and Over/Under analysis
- Seattle is a logical favorite here and has won three of the past four meetings between these teams.
- The Broncos are 4-13 SU on the road over the past two seasons, and they were 2-4 ATS in their last six contests in 2023.
- With inconsistency at quarterback, Denver only reached the 24-point mark once in its final six games last year and has since moved on from Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick.
- The Under was 10-7 for the Seahawks last season and 8-9 for the Broncos, and that feels like the safer play on a total line of 41.5.
Broncos vs Seahawks betting trend to know
The Seahawks’ Under trend carries back beyond last season, only hitting the Over in eight of their last 21 games. Find more NFL betting trends for Broncos vs. Seahawks.
Broncos vs Seahawks game info
| Location: | Lumen Field, Seattle, WA |
| Date: | Sunday, 9-8-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 4:05 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBS |
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