Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks odds, knowledgeable picks, learn how to watch: Seattle favored, Bo Nix debuts on the street

The Seattle Seahawks have been in an odd form of purgatory since their Tremendous Bowl heartbreaker, posting 10 or extra wins 5 occasions in 9 years however by no means posing a risk to do a lot of something however stay serviceable in an underwhelming division. They’re comfy favorites to open the season in opposition to the Denver Broncos, however even with new coach Mike Macdonald, it’s a well-known feeling in Seattle.

Geno Smith is again with a restructured contract, and his return to NFL prominence has been an uplifting comeback story. However his resurgence has yielded back-to-back 9-8 seasons and middling crew offensive rankings, regardless of the presence of proficient wideouts Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf and an awesome younger runner in Kenneth Walker III. Lockett was listed as questionable in Thursday’s harm report however participated in observe on Friday and is anticipated to play.

Their protection was brutal in 2023, however an infusion of younger expertise and Macdonald arriving, having simply guided Baltimore’s protection to the highest of the league, gives optimism in the long run. Within the quick time period, the Hawks look to be in for an additional so-so season. And within the even shorter time period, they’ll need to deal with a Sean Payton-led Bronco crew driving constructive vibes due to flashes of success final season and a rookie QB.

For all its failings, the Russell Wilson Gambit gave Denver one factor to smile about: a excessive sufficient draft decide to nab somebody they imagine is their passer of the long run in Bo Nix. Nix’s numbers exploded after transferring to Oregon, and he arrives having thrown for 4,500 yards, 45 touchdowns, and three (!) interceptions final season. Preseason oohs and aahs from pundits, gamers, and nearly everybody inside eyesight of Nix did nothing to quell the hype, and Payton named him the starter with out controversy.

Nix isn’t a deep ball thrower, rating highest amongst energy convention quarterbacks when it got here to passes of zero or fewer air yards final yr, however his prime wideouts are Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds, so it’s not like he has a secure of elite speedsters he has to focus on deep. He’s touted for his fast launch and ball safety, and Payton’s play-action-heavy preseason offense appears to point he’s leaning into Nix’s strengths.

Apart from at quarterback, the Broncos are largely unchanged, due to being handcuffed by Wilson’s huge dead-money cap hit. Going through the regular, if underwhelming, Seahawks, Denver is banking that Nix’s jolt will convey simply sufficient new power to nab an early upset.

All odds from BetMGM. Searching for NFL tickets? Discover them right here.

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