Seahawks vs. Broncos: Position by position breakdown

Defense

Defensive line

This is a harder group for advantage. Not that Denver isn’t the better group because it is. The reason Denver is harder to measure is because of the way they use their linebackers, especially Von Miller. He sometimes plays more of a defensive end than linebacker. Denver’s weakest link is in the interior, though, so Seattle could attempt to establish a run between the tackles.

The Seahawks have a solid core with Jarran Reed and company, but the ends are a question mark. Will Seattle get pressure on Keenum? If they can’t Denver will control this game from start to finish.

Advantage: Broncos

Linebackers

Seattle will be without K.J. Wright, so this clearly throws the advantage with this unit to Denver. Bobby Wagner will be great, of course, but the Seahawks do not know what they will get from rookie Shaquem Griffin. Griffin will start in place of Wright. Denver is led by Miller, but also has rookie Bradley Chubb and Brandon Marshall and others. NFL.com had a recent ranking listing Denver with the best linebackers in the NFL. The Seahawks were fourth.

Advantage: Broncos

Secondary

Earl Thomas will play on Sunday and that means even with young corners Seattle’s secondary is better than Denver’s. The Broncos have little corner depth themselves. The biggest question with either group might be how well Tre Flowers plays for Seattle. The converted safety and rookie will be playing in his first real NFL game. This means, of course, that the Seahawks will probably be starting two rookies on defense.

Advantage: Seahawks