Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks predictions; NFL betting tips

NFL week one betting tips, predictions and analysis for Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL, 1.15am Tuesday

Best bet

Seattle +6.5
1pt Evens Betfair

Match preview

Russell Wilson begins his career as a Denver Bronco by taking on his former team, the Seattle Seahawks. Although Wilson could come out on top, expect this game to be a close contest.

For starters, it is a big ask of the Broncos that they begin clicking immediately with their new quarterback, especially one who has just spent ten years playing in Seattle, and there will no doubt be some growing pains to begin with. On top of that, Wilson can expect a hostile crowd to greet him at Lumen Field, a true test of his strength of mind.

Furthermore, the Seahawks and head coach Pete Carroll will know Wilson’s weaknesses better than anyone, and will do all they can to exploit them. With all that in mind, expect the home side to keep this competitive.

Seattle will have Geno Smith at quarterback, but he did not disgrace himself when called in to play for a handful of games last year while Wilson was out injured. Smith built on those efforts with some solid showings in pre-season, and there is reason to think he can outperform expectations this season. After all, he does have a wealth of weapons at his disposal with wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, as well as tight end Noah Fant.

The Broncos boast a rock-solid defence, but the loss of head coach Vic Fangio could have an impact which again could cause Denver to suffer in the early weeks. This is a new-look Broncos team on both sides of the ball, and expecting them to hit the ground running in a primetime game at a hostile venue could well be too much to ask.

All things considered, the Seahawks should push the Broncos all the way in a thrilling matchup.

The lowdown

Venue Lumen Field
Surface Artificial
Weather Clear, 21C

Key stat The Broncos covered the spread in just one of their last five road games.

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