8:15 pm
September 12

Broncos @ Seahawks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Denver Broncos (0-0)

@ Seattle Seahawks (0-0)

 

Current odds:

Denver Broncos: (-278)

Seattle Seahawks: (+229)

 

• The spread for this game is Broncos by 6 points.

• The NFL’s schedule-makers like drama. How else to explain quarterback Russell Wilson’s return to Seattle falling on the first Monday night of the season? Wilson, who guided the Seahawks to their lone Super Bowl title, will play his first game for the Denver Broncos at Lumen Field, where he spent his first 10 seasons before an offseason trade.

• Perhaps the biggest surprise will be who is starting at quarterback for the Seahawks. After failing to make another offseason move or draft someone, they’ll open with Geno Smith, who served the past two seasons as Wilson’s backup. Smith started three games when Wilson was out with a hand injury last year, going 1-2. He hasn’t been a regular starter since his first two NFL seasons with the New York Jets in 2013-14.

• Wilson isn’t the only veteran the Seahawks let go in the offseason, as middle linebacker Bobby Wagner has moved on to the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.

• Always-upbeat Seahawks coach Pete Carroll isn’t ready to write off his team, though most predict they’ll finish last in the NFC West and might challenge for the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft.

• With the addition of Wilson, who recently signed a five-year extension worth $245 million, the Broncos expect to contend not only in the stacked AFC West but also for trophies.

• Broncos right tackle Billy Turner missed most of the preseason while recuperating from knee surgery and it’s likely Calvin Anderson starts in his place. Turner was limited in practice this week, as was outside linebacker Randy Gregory (shoulder/knee), inside linebacker Josey Jewell (calf) and wide receiver KJ Hamler (knee, hip).

• Seahawks rookie running back Kenneth Walker III isn’t expected to play after hernia surgery last month. Cornerback Artie Burns has been slowed by a groin injury and might not be ready after sitting out practice on Thursday. Linebacker Alton Robinson (knee) and long snapper Tyler Ott (shoulder) also have missed practice time this week.

7/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Denver Broncos
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