The Denver Broncos (2-0) travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl 48. The Broncos are coming off another close game where the defense had to make a late stand. The Broncos were hoping to improve their defensive toughness in the offseason; however, so far they’ve yet to look overly impressive.

The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a disappointing loss to the San Diego Chargers. It was the first time since before the Super Bowl that the Seahawks looked beatable.

Broncos vs Seahawks Week 3 Odds

Denver +4.5
Seattle -4.5.

Denver (+195)
Seattle (-225)

Over/Under 48.5

Team Breakdowns

Seattle: The Seahawks’ defense was not exposed, however, they certainly didn’t look as mighty as we’ve come to expect from them. The San Diego chargers targeted Richard Sherman in the short passing game where he struggled to move laterally. If the Seahawks want to slow Denver down, they must use Sherman in man to man to limit Demaryius Thomas’ big play ability.

Despite the loss of wide-receiver Golden Tate to free-agency, the Seattle Seahawks’ offense seems more explosive than ever. Wide-receiver Percy Harvin was an X-factor in Super Bowl 48 and will be again this Sunday. The end-around is becoming a staple of many offenses that use shifty runners to supplement the traditional rushing-attack. Nowhere is this better displayed than in Seattle where Harvin is potentially the most gifted athlete to run it. If the Seahawks are to hold serve at home, Harvin must have a big game against a Denver defense that will be looking to put the pressure on Russell Wilson.

Denver: Wide-receiver Demaryius Thomas is Peyton Manning’s best weapon; however, the Seahawks will have to contend with a Bronco’s receiving core at full strength.  Wes Welker will be making his first appearance of 2014. The speedy slot man will be suiting up for the most anticipated game of the season. He will receive limited touches, but he should see plenty of red-zone targets. If the Broncos’ want to use San Diego’s plan of attack, they should match Wes Welker against Sherman and use his lateral quickness to get open in goal-line situations. If the Broncos are to control time of possession against Seattle, they’ll need more production out of their running game.

Montee Ball will have to have a breakout performance which will be difficult against the stingy Seattle run-defense. Denver’s rushing-attack against Seattle’s run defense will be a key matchup in this contest. If the Broncos want to keep Seattle’s offense on the sidelines they’ll have to have a well-balanced offensive attack that keeps the Seattle defenders guessing.

Free Pick

The Broncos have not struggled to score points and will look to score early on Seahawks’ defensive unit coming off its worst game. The Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” will try to establish the tone of the game early. If the Seattle defense can make the Broncos’ receivers afraid to go over the middle it could be a long day for Peyton Manning.

The biggest challenge for Seattle will be tight-end Julius Thomas. In last week’s loss, tight-end Antonio Gates had three touchdowns and could not be stopped. Julius Thomas is a younger version of San Diego’s Gates but with a better quarterback. The Seattle Seahawks will have to come up with a plan to stop Thomas in the red-zone. Through two games, Thomas has been unstoppable with four touchdown receptions. Despite Denver’s offensive clout, the Seattle Seahawks will put last week’s loss behind them and make a statement. Peyton Manning will be no match for the 12th man. Expect the Seahawks to add to the win column.

Seattle 27, Denver 24

How to Bet

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