Broncos vs. Seahawks prediction: Odds, lines, best bets, expert picks for NFL Week 1

Broncos vs. Seahawks Picks

SPREAD

This is where my bet for the game is. I'm taking the Seahawks laying six points.

MONEYLINE

While I'm backing the Seahawks against the spread, I am staying away from the moneyline.

TOTAL

I have no bet on the Broncos-Seahawks total.

Broncos vs. Seahawks Pick: Seahawks -6

Broncos vs. Seahawks Odds

Sunday, Sept. 8

4:05 p.m. ET

CBS

Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.

• Broncos vs. Seahawks Point Spread: Broncos +6 | Seahawks -6
• Broncos vs. Seahawks Total: Over/Under 42
• Broncos vs. Seahawks Moneyline: Broncos +200 | Seahawks -250

How to Watch Broncos vs. Seahawks

Broncos vs. Seahawks is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET live from Lumen Field on Sunday. The game is live on CBS and other streaming platforms, such as YouTube TV.

Broncos-Seahawks Betting Trends

• 63% of bets but only 16% of the money are on the Broncos to cover the spread.
• 86% of bets and 83% of the money are on the over.
• 97% of bets and 84% of the money on the moneyline are on Seattle.

Broncos vs. Seahawks: NFL Week 1 Picks

Historically, all rookie quarterbacks have been about .500 against the spread. Where we really see a drop-off is when they have to go on the road for their first start, a scenario in which they've averaged about 18 points per game. The last rookie first-round quarterback to win on the road in Week 1 was Sam Darnold back in 2018.

I think Nix facing a hostile environment in Seattle against an improved, well-schooled defense will leads to struggles.

I'm not in love with this Broncos roster overall. The defense doesn't wow me, so I think that Smith will have enough success with that rushing attack and his receivers.

Defensively, the Broncos do not inspire much confidence. Denver lacks the playmakers needed to disrupt an offense, especially one as multifaceted as the Seahawks. This could spell trouble since Smith and his array of offensive weapons are likely to capitalize on any defensive lapses. The Broncos' defensive line will need to find a way to pressure Smith but given their current roster, that seems unlikely.

Additionally, the Broncos offensive line will have its hands full with the Seahawks' defensive schemes. Macdonald's defenses tend to bring a variety of blitzes and coverages that are designed to confuse the opposing quarterback. This could lead to mistakes and turnovers, especially for a rookie QB, further tilting the game in favor of the Seahawks.

This game is shaping up to be a difficult one for the Broncos.

Best Bet for Broncos vs. Seahawks

I think Seattle is a bit undervalued coming into this season. My favorite win total overs were on the Seahawks and Panthers, and it's a bet on Macdonald for Seattle. His weekly game plans were spectacular, and he's had all offseason to prepare for this one. I think the Seattle defense will be well-prepared, well-schooled and confuse Nix into a mistake or two.

Given the historical struggles of rookie quarterbacks on the road and the overall strength of the Seahawks, my pick is Seattle at -6. I believe they will win by a touchdown or more, taking advantage of the Broncos' vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball.

Pick: Seahawks -6

About the Author

Stuckey covers all sports for The Action Network, with the exception of the NBA and soccer. He has been betting on sports almost daily for 15-plus years, loves Hendricks gin, rarely sleeps and will smoke you in Jeopardy. Go Ravens.

Follow Stuckey @Stuckey2 on Twitter/X.