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The Denver Broncos are hoping to carry some positive momentum from their promising preseason opener into Week 2 when they travel to take on the Seattle Seahawks. Continue reading for our full preview of this showdown in the Emerald City.
See where the Broncos and Seahawks rank in our latest NFL power rankings
Broncos vs Seahawks: What you need to know
- Seahawks host the Broncos at Lumen Field on Saturday, August 21 at 10:00 pm ET on KTVD and Q 13 Fox.
- Sportsnaut says the Denver Broncos will beat the Seattle Seahawks, 27-13.
- Odds: The Broncos are favorites by 5.5 points, with the over/under set at 37.5.
Drew Lock vs Teddy Bridgewater
So, after the first preseason game in which Drew Lock got the start versus the Minnesota Vikings and proceeded to torch them, Teddy Bridgewater entered and was his typical, efficient if unspectacular self.
While head coach Vic Fangio insists there’s no separation between the two, it’s pretty clear that when the Broncos actually set Lock up to succeed — a la, actually use play-action passes — he’s pretty darn good. He has a rocket arm, superior running ability to Bridgewater, and as long as he’s got decent protection, it’s pretty clear here who the Broncos should roll with.
- Tepidly Teddy B: Think about it — if you’re a Broncos fan, Bridgewater, while gutsy, experienced, and smart, isn’t going to win you a lot of games. He’s going to help you not lose games. Maybe that’s the old-school, defensive-minded Fangio’s speed. If he’s living in NFL Reality 2021, though, he should see that’s not the way to go.
- Locked In: The younger Lock had everything to lose even in Week 1 of the preseason. If he plays decent, he gets blasted. If he flops? Bummer. Bridgewater might get the leg up on him. Lock was lights-out against the Vikings, and if he plays like that again, he’s not giving up this job.
Advantage: Drew Lock
Vic Fangio vs Pete Carroll
You’re not looking so much at schematic genius in the preseason as much as you’re hoping to see how teams are prepared for these games. Carroll is far more accomplished than Fangio, yet was on shaky ground with star QB Russell Wilson this offseason, and now he’s got two stars in Jamal Adams and Duane Brown demanding paydays.
Even though his seat is as hot as any other NFL head coach, Fangio’s Denver team came out with their hair on fire so to speak in Minnesota. Players are clearly buying in. It’s just a matter of hoping Lock can be anywhere near up to snuff in an AFC West division loaded with star signal-callers.
- Fangio’s Future: No one will ever question the Broncos coach’s defensive acumen. His hiring of Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator — dubious a track record as any top assistant in the NFL — may determine his fate more than anything else.
- Carroll in Crisis: For all the outspokenness of his players past and present, and all the chaos that seems to surround the Seahawks annually, Carroll actually steers a pretty steady ship. In a game that might see the most snaps for some of his key players, he should have Seattle ready to roll.
Advantage: Seattle Seahawks
Find out how strong the Broncos D is under Vic Fangio in our latest NFL defense rankings
Broncos o-line vs Seahawks pass rush
One reason Adams is so valuable to the Seahawks is his unique pass-rushing ability. Well, he’s not going to be in action on Saturday, and any number of other key defenders may sit for the hosts, too. That means multiple unheralded names have a golden opportunity to bolster a clear area of weakness in Seattle’s defense.
Outside of left tackle Garett Bolles, the Broncos’ offensive line has something to prove, considering they ranked 25 in Pro Football Focus’ 2020 grades. Heck, maybe that had something to do with Lock’s obvious sophomore slump last year.
- Taylor, Collier and Hyder Oh My: We could see Darrell Taylor, LJ Collier and free-agent addition Kerry Hyder all in action at some point for the Seahawks. Hyder is getting the chance to step out of the shadow of a loaded San Francisco 49ers defensive line, while Taylor and Collier are young players Seattle desperately needs to step up.
- Quinn for the Win: Denver rookie third-round center Quinn Meinerz is coming from Division III football at Wisconsin-Whitewater. He’s already worked his way to second-team center and right guard. Meinerz is a player to watch, as he may be too good to keep off the Broncos’ starting five up front once the regular season rolls around.
Advantage: Denver Broncos
The bottom line: Due to Denver’s ongoing QB competition, the visitors are going to inevitably have superior quality play at the most important position throughout Sunday’s showdown. Between that and their depth on defense, the Broncos should win handily.
Can the Broncos join the Seahawks in the postseason in 2021? Read our NFL playoff predictions now