Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks (Den -7; O/U 44.0)
Monday 8:15 P.M. ET ESPN/ABC
Game Preview:
In Week 1, the NFL schedule makers, as usual, had everything planned out. Russell Wilson’s return to Seattle after a turbulent split after 10 seasons will round out the opening week schedule.
With a new head coach, coordinators, coaches, and ownership, Denver is off to a fresh start. This renewed confidence is in large part a result of Wilson’s enormous boost.
Nathaniel Hackett, the new head coach, was formerly the Packers’ offensive coordinator. He hired a new offensive coordinator from the Packers as well as a new defensive coordinator from the Rams. For the first time, a youthful staff is managing high-level roles.
The Broncos replaced a few significant defensive losses with other transactions while the deal for Wilson garnered most of the attention. After losing Shelby Harris (who is now playing for Seattle), they got star nose tackle DJ Jones, and shockingly added Randy Gregory to help replace Von Miller.
Gregory and Billy Turner, the new starting right tackle, are both anticipated to play despite their injuries. KJ Hamler, the wide receiver, may be limited in snaps, and linebacker Josey Jewell, might be out for Monday night’s game.
Sydney Jones at cornerback for Seattle appears to be a lock, while Kenneth Walker III as running back does not. Damien Lewis, the starting left guard, is still doubtful due to an ankle ailment.
Betting Statistics on This Matchup:
- 78% of the bets are on the Broncos spread
- 60% of the money is also on the Broncos spread
- The spread opened at -4 and currently sits at -7
- The over under opened at 41.5 and sits at 44
My Picks (Odds Provided by Caesars Sportsbook):
The fact that neither team performed well in the preseason adds to the uncertainty. Ejiro Evero, the Broncos’ new defensive coordinator, has said they would employ a tactic similar to that of previous head coach Vic Fangio.
It is realistic to anticipate that the Broncos offense will experience early growing pains. My estimates imply that an early non-conference game in primetime will have one of the season’s most significant home-field advantages.
Both sides will likely establish the run quickly while getting to know one another. With a huge quarterback deficit, the Seahawks probably prefer to play keep-away. Additionally, Pete Carroll simply has a tendency to run the rock hard.
Denver will probably run, taking advantage of good matchups outside, to set up the pass. As a result, I predict a lower scoring first half, hence the first-half under should be taken into account.
I believe there is value on Seattle +7 from a spread viewpoint because, in my opinion, the Denver preseason hype train has gone too far.
I’m definitely wary of using rookies at tackle and cornerback against Wilson and a potent pass rush with Smith at the center. But in the end, I have faith in my predictions, so I fired the shot at +7.
- Seahawks +7 -110
- Under 21 points 1st half -110