Seattle @ Denver preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 14, 2015 ) Denver 22, Seattle 20

The Seattle Seahawks missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2011, and they begin their quest to return to postseason play when they visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Denver understands that misery as it has missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons and recorded just five wins last year.

Broncos general manager John Elway wasn't happy with the play at quarterback last season as the trio of Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch combined for 22 interceptions, so he signed Case Keenum (3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns) to a two-year, $36 million contract after his breakthrough campaign with Minnesota. "Come on. He's played in big games. He got to within one win of the Super Bowl last year," Denver coach Vance Joseph said after a reporter asked if Keenum was up to the challenge. "I think he's going to be even better than we've seen." Seattle has its own fine quarterback in Russell Wilson, who led the NFL and tied the franchise mark in 2017 with 34 touchdown passes while throwing for 3,983 yards and rushing for a team-best 586. "The biggest thing is, I think Russell's better," Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin told reporters. "This is the best I've seen Russ since he's been here. I'm really excited and happy for his progress, because obviously that makes us a lot better. It makes it easier on us."

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Broncos -3. O/U: 43

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (2017: 9-7, 2ND IN NFC WEST): Establishing the run was tough for Seattle last season, but hopes are high that the ground game will be vastly improved with Chris Carson (208 yards in four games) recovered from a broken leg and first-round pick Rashaad Penny offering support. Star middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (133 tackles last season) leads the defense, while rookie Shaquem Griffin will start in place of weak-side linebacker K.J. Wright (knee). Safety Earl Thomas ended his holdout on Wednesday, leaving his status for the season opener up in the air, but the secondary is in revamping mode after the departures of cornerback Richard Sherman (San Francisco) and safety Kam Chancellor (career-ending neck injury).

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (2017: 5-11, 4TH IN AFC WEST): Third-round draft pick Royce Freeman had a strong preseason, beating out Devontae Booker for the starting job at running back. "He can carry the load from a physical standpoint and a mental standpoint," Joseph told reporters. "He was really good in pass (protection). That's your biggest worry about having a young halfback playing with a veteran quarterback - the pass (protection) issues." Star linebacker Von Miller (NFL-best 83.5 sacks since 2011) has reached double digits in sacks in six of his first seven seasons, while linebacker Brandon Marshall has topped 100 tackles in three straight campaigns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Broncos routed the Seahawks 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season.

2. Denver WR Demaryius Thomas ranks second in franchise history with 8,653 receiving yards and 57 touchdown catches, and third with 629 receptions.

3. Baldwin has 29 touchdown receptions since the start of the 2015 season, the second-most in the NFL during that span.

PREDICTION: Seahawks 23, Broncos 20