The Seattle Seahawks get their first crack at washing away the bad taste of last year’s Super Bowl out of their mouth. Seattle’s vaunted defense won’t be at full strength and the Broncos want to deliver a message that they are still a team to watch in the AFC with new head coach Gary Kubiak calling the shots.
ODDS
Seattle’s home field dominance extends to preseason games as well. The Seahawks opened as 4-point chalk, the highest spread in any of the Week 1 preseason games, with the total at 37.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Peyton Manning is nearing the end of his rope and the Broncos have to seriously consider if Brock Osweiler is the next man up. His contract expires at the end of the season leaving a small window to evaluate his potential as their future quarterback. So new head coach Gary Kubiak is giving Manning extra rest in practice to allow Osweiler to take snaps with the No. 1 offense, a plan designed to pay dividends not only for the five-time MVP but also his backup. Osweiler is expected to get a majority of the snaps and will get his biggest chance yet to prove he’s a worthy successor.
Russell Wilson directed the first two series for the Seahawks offense in last year’s preseason opener against Denver with Tarvaris Jackson taking over after that. The setup looks similar for Seattle except that rookie R.J. Archer out of William and Mary will likely get snaps as the third team quarterback with Terrelle Pryor now in Cleveland.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Both head coaches know what they have in their locker room and there won’t be many surprises. Two veteran-laden teams with Super Bowl aspirations looking to plug a few holes and develop depth while remaining healthy until the real games begin. Denver’s Gary Kubiak takes over for his first season after John Fox was let go and has a history of winning in the preseason, going 18-13 straight up while with the Texans. He doesn’t have a lot to prove with his new organization but a win over the defending NFC champs in their yard would be a boost.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I love it. There are a lot of things in this offense that we did back when I was in college. I really like those things and getting out of the pocket, moving around, being able to use my athleticism and making some plays with my feet.” – Brock Osweiler calling new head coach Gary Kubiak’s offense a great fit.
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
Seattle’s offensive line was a puzzle in 2014. The Seahawks are searching for some pieces in training camp this season. Their starting center and left guard departed for other NFL teams leaving a handful of contestants vying for both open spots. Alvin Bailey was given the nod at left guard, but recent reports indicate the competition is wide open. Draftees Mark Glowinski and Kristjan Sokoli have seen time with the first unit. With Max Unger off to New Orleans in the Jimmy Graham deal, the hole at center got larger. Lemuel Jeanpierre and Patrick Lewis received first-team reps, but fourth-year player Drew Nowak is making it a three-man competition.
INJURIES
Seattle’s secondary could be called the Legion of Whom for the preseason opener. Safety Earl Thomas is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and will not play. Concerns still exist for cornerback Richard Sherman’s elbow and it’s a fair bet that he sees little if any action while safety Kam Chancellor remains absent without leave in protest of his contract situation. The secondary will likely open up for the Broncos with several newcomers filling in.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Denver quarterback Brock Osweiler has plenty to prove and unless Peyton Manning goes down during the regular season, he’ll have to make believers of the Broncos’ brass during the preseason. He’ll get his opportunity as head coach Gary Kubiak plans on giving him plenty of reps. Look for the Broncos to take some shots at a thinned out Seahawks secondary.
Denver 23, Seattle 13
The NFL spread for this Sunday game was first available at BookMaker sportsbook and the Seahawks were pegged as 4-point chalk. The total opened at 37. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time odds and player props during the game. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker sportsbook! The matchup between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks will take place Friday, August 14, 2015, at 10 p.m. ET at CenturyLink Field.
