The NFL returns, kicking off with an exciting game between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. This matchup holds special significance as it marks the first time since 2011 that Russell Wilson has not been affiliated with either team. Last season, the Broncos struggled, finishing with an 8-9 record and placing third in the AFC West, ultimately missing the playoffs. The Seahawks ended their season at 9-8, also finishing third in the NFC West and failing to qualify for the postseason. In their last encounter in 2022, the Seahawks edged out the Broncos with a narrow 17-16 victory. Fans can tune in for the 4:05 PM EST kickoff at Lumen Field in Seattle, where the Seahawks are favored by six points. CBS will provide regional coverage of the game.
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The Dawn of a New Era in Denver
The Russell Wilson era in Denver has come to an end, leaving Coach Sean Payton to reshape the team’s future. After evaluating options, Payton chose rookie Bo Nix over former Jets quarterback Zach Wilson to lead the Broncos into a new chapter. According to ESPN, Payton commented on Nix’s appointment as a team captain for the upcoming 2024 season, stating, “[It’s] something you earn. It’s unusual for a rookie to be named a captain. [A] first for me, just say rookie period in fairness to the process. It’s a credit to him, and I think his teammates felt that he belonged in that position.”
Nix is not only the first rookie to start for Sean Payton, but he is also the first rookie to take the field in Denver since John Elway in 1983. At just 24 years old, Nix has an impressive college background, having played at both Auburn and Oregon, where he finished third in Heisman voting last season. The Broncos will rely on Javonte Williams to spearhead their rushing attack. Williams recorded 774 rushing yards last year but only managed three touchdowns. Now healthy, he aims to improve those numbers. Courtland Sutton emerged as the leading receiver with 772 yards and ten touchdowns last season. Although Jerry Jeudy has moved to Cleveland, Josh Reynolds has joined the Broncos from Detroit to fill the void, having tallied 608 yards last year.
The front office has shown commitment to strengthening the defense, highlighted by the record-breaking $96 million contract extension awarded to cornerback Patrick Surtain. Despite having only one interception last year, his presence is felt as quarterbacks often avoid targeting him. Linebacker Alex Singleton returns after leading the team with 177 tackles last season. The Broncos also acquired John Franklin-Myers from the Jets to bolster their edge rushing capabilities.
Injury Report: Denver has maintained good health throughout the preseason, with no significant injuries expected for Week 1.
A Pivotal Season for Seahawks QB
Geno Smith enters his fifth year with the Seahawks and his third as the starting quarterback. Last season, he threw for 3,624 yards, achieving 20 touchdowns against nine interceptions. However, his performance slightly dipped compared to the previous year. Reports from The Athletic indicate that Smith’s representatives engaged with the front office regarding a contract extension, a move that Smith confirmed, saying, “That’s true. That’s just normal business. Nothing wrong with that.” As the Seahawks remain noncommittal, this season becomes crucial for Smith as he seeks a new contract with Seattle or another team.
If the Seahawks struggle this year, Smith will have minimal excuses, given that he boasts one of the league’s top receiving corps. DK Metcalf, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 235 pounds, is a dominant force and was the leading receiver with 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns on 66 receptions last season. Tyler Lockett excels in short-yardage situations, completing 79 catches for 894 yards. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, entering his second season after a solid debut with 628 yards and four touchdowns, is poised for further growth. Running back Kenneth Walker III, fresh off two seasons with over 900 rushing yards, remains a key offensive weapon.
Seattle’s offseason saw the departures of linebacker Bobby Wagner and safety Quandre Diggs, leaving gaps in their defense. However, the secondary remains a strength, with cornerback Riq Woolen recording two interceptions and 11 pass deflections, while Devon Witherspoon added one interception and 16 pass breakups. Julian Love leads the defense with 123 tackles from last season, and Boye Mafe, who registered nine sacks, is expected to step up. The Seahawks also invested their first-round draft pick in defensive tackle Byron Murphy II from Texas to strengthen their defensive front.
Injury Report:
Questionable: WR Tyler Lockett (thigh), TE Noah Fant (toe), TE Pharoah Brown (foot), DE Dre’Mont Jones (hamstring), S Rayshawn Jenkins (calf).
Best Bets for Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Bo Nix era officially starts in Denver, but history has shown that strong preseason performances from young quarterbacks don’t always guarantee success in the regular season. Nix, drafted as the sixth quarterback this year, faces skepticism about his reliability. Current betting odds show the Broncos with the third worst chance of winning the Super Bowl at +20000, only ahead of Carolina and New England on DraftKings. Compounding this challenge, he will be up against a formidable Seattle defense, particularly a skilled secondary. With cornerbacks Witherspoon and Woolen, along with hard-hitting safety Julian Love, Seattle’s defense presents a tough obstacle. While Patrick Surtain is among the best corners in the league, he cannot cover every elite receiver. Geno Smith has multiple options with Metcalf, Lockett, and Smith-Njigba, making it possible for him to find success even while avoiding Surtain. Furthermore, playing at Lumen Field, known for its deafening atmosphere, could be overwhelming for a rookie making his debut.
