Broncos vs. Seahawks NFL Week 1 Picks: Trust in Seattle at Home

Bo Nix Takes Over Under Center

Denver enters the season with rookie quarterback Bo Nix under center. Nix showed promise at Oregon, but he’ll experience growing pains before becoming a high-caliber NFL player. After two years under Russell Wilson, head coach Sean Payton is effectively hitting the reset button at quarterback this season.

This transition, combined with the departure of key contributors like wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, center Lloyd Cushenberry, and linebacker Josey Jewell, suggests Denver could face significant challenges this year.

Despite these concerns, Nix did turn heads in the preseason, and there’s growing optimism surrounding his ability to make an impact, both immediately and over the course of his career. Nix will have the support of solid receiving options, including Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr., along with a returning Javonte Williams, who many believe is poised for a breakout season in his third year.

Will Seattle Regress?

Seattle is entering a new era without Pete Carroll, and I anticipate some decline for a team that has outperformed expectations recently under Geno Smith’s leadership.

Last season, their primary issue was defense—especially their defensive line, which ranked 31st in EPA and was the worst in the NFL against the run. However, the addition of rookie Byron Murphy should provide a boost, and facing a rookie quarterback in their season opener gives Seattle a good opportunity to kick off on a high note.

That said, Seattle has its own concerns, having lost their top three linebackers: Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Brooks, and Devin Bush. This leaves questions about the defensive unit’s stability.

Offensively, though, the Seahawks look formidable, with the addition of offensive tackle George Fant and an elite wide receiver trio in D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Paired with their dynamic rushing duo of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, this offense should present problems for most opponents.

The Pick

I anticipate Seattle winning this game by a touchdown. While their home-field advantage isn’t as formidable as it was during the Legion of Boom era, they should still have the upper hand against the Broncos, either by dominating on the ground or through the air.

Outside of Patrick Surtain II and Byron Murphy, Denver’s defense lacks depth, and their offensive game plan may end up being overly reliant on Williams.

NFL Pick: Seahawks -6 (-108) at Heritage Sports

Seahawks -6 (-108)

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