Broncos vs. Seahawks NFL Week 1 Picks: Denver Won’t Keep Up With Seattle

It’s The Bo Nix Show Now!

The Denver Broncos head into the season with rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the offense. Nix, who displayed promise during his time at Oregon, is expected to endure some growing pains before he can fully adapt to the NFL. After two years behind Russell Wilson, head coach Sean Payton is effectively resetting the quarterback position this year.

Adding to the challenge, Denver faces the loss of key players like wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, center Lloyd Cushenberry, and linebacker Josey Jewell. These departures signal potential obstacles for the team as they try to rebuild their core.

Despite the hurdles, Nix made a strong impression in the preseason, sparking optimism that he can make an immediate impact and grow into a long-term asset. He’ll have capable weapons at his disposal, including receivers Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr., and will benefit from a healthy Javonte Williams, who is widely viewed as a breakout candidate in his third NFL season.

Is Seattle on the Verge of Decline?

Seattle is embarking on a new chapter without Carroll, and there’s a sense the team may experience a dip in performance after exceeding expectations recently under Geno Smith’s leadership.

Defensively, Seattle’s struggles were clear last season, especially along the defensive line, which ranked 31st in EPA and was the league’s worst unit against the run. The addition of rookie cornerback Byron Murphy should strengthen the secondary, and starting the season against a rookie quarterback could provide Seattle with an ideal chance to open strong.

However, Seattle has its own defensive concerns. The departure of linebackers Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Brooks, and Devin Bush creates uncertainty about the stability of the defense.

On the other side of the ball, Seattle’s offense appears strong. The addition of offensive tackle George Fant and a top-tier wide receiver group—featuring D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba—makes the Seahawks a formidable unit. Combined with the rushing attack led by Kenneth Walker and rookie Zach Charbonnet, this offense will pose a challenge for any defense.

NFL Pick

I expect Seattle to take this game by a touchdown. While their home field advantage may not be what it once was during the Legion of Boom era, they still have enough firepower to outmatch the Broncos, whether through the air or on the ground.

Aside from standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II and newcomer Byron Murphy, Denver’s defense lacks depth, and their offense may become too reliant on Williams to keep pace.