Seahawks vs. Broncos: Staff predictions for week one

Who is going to win as the Seahawks real games begin? Our staff shares our best guesses for Seattle versus the Denver Broncos.

You’ve waited since 2017 to see the Seahawks play some meaningful football games. Sunday, Seattle travels to Denver to play the Broncos in week one of the 2018 season. Playing on the road is never easy in the NFL, of course. But with Russell Wilson there is always hope.

Here’s how the 12th Man Rising staff believes the game will unfold.

Kevin Daggett (co-host of 12th Man Rising’s Seahawks podcast)

Both teams are defensive focused, so I don’t expect a lot of scoring. My prediction may be high. but this will be an interesting game to see how the ‘Hawks O-line gels during a whole game. Also, I am looking forward to seeing the running back mix (offensive coordinator) Brian Schottenheimer uses. Defense should be good and hopefully Earl Thomas can put his differences aside and provide some leadership on the field. If not, who will step up as the leader?

Score prediction: Seahawks 24 Broncos 17

Luke Allen (contributor)

The offensive line has shown some serious improvements up front, but the Broncos will be rushing both Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Assuming Germain Ifedi will be ready to go, the question is how he will be able to hold his own against one or the other. History shows it won’t be pretty, and I think we’ll see more of the same. It’ll be exciting to see how the young defense holds up against the new-look Denver offense, and I believe they’ll keep the offense in check for the most part. I think Shaquem Griffin comes up with his first NFL turnover, but it’s not enough to get the win.

Score prediction: Broncos 24 Seahawks 20

Todd Vandenberg (co-expert)

The Broncos can always get after the quarterback, and this week will be no exception. I expect the great Russell Wilson to run right into Bradley Chubb once as he escapes Von Miller for the 11th time. They’ll get pressure, but that’s the only sack Denver will get.

On offense, Chris Carson won’t get the spectacular start we want, but overall the run game will be solid, enabling the Seahawks to play ball control for the first time in years. And punter Michael Dickson at 5,000 feet elevation? He may drop one at the Denver three from Seattle’s goal line – but he won’t have to, as the Seahawks balanced attack leads to victory.

Score prediction: Seahawks 23 Broncos 13

Lee Vowell (co-expert)

Under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks are 1-7 in road openers. The Broncos since the merger are 51-8 when playing at home within the first two weeks of a season. While games are played on the field, of course, and not in the past, those two trends are difficult to dispute. And Seattle’s team is still trying to find its way a bit with some new players at key positions. Wilson is great. But the Broncos pass rush against the right side of the Seattle line? That isn’t great.

Score prediction: Broncos 24 Seahawks 9