Broncos vs. Seahawks: Score predictions for Week 1

Each week, the Mile High Report staff collectively tries to predict the outcome of the Denver Broncos game. Some of us embrace our inner homer, while others stubbornly resist it. The good news for homers is that Week 1 is usually when fans are the most optimistic. As is evident by the amount of participation in this predictions post from the staff today.

Therefore, we collectively predicted the Broncos will defeat the Seattle Seahawks 26-14 in their home opener. That sounds like a fun game to watch if you ask me! It’s also quite a stark contrast from the survey Mile High Report ran this week where fans predicted the Broncos would win by seven.

Here is how we each predicted the final score individually.

Broncos 23, Seahawks 13 - Tim Lynch

I believe the Broncos offense has finally emerged from their trek through the wilderness with Case Keenum and rookie Royce Freeman. Those two should be able to keep opposing offenses off balance with a strong rushing attack and smart quarterback play.

On the other side, the Broncos defense is going to be pretty damn good this year. They may have some early kinks to work out in the run game, but they’ll stifle opposing offenses all year long.

Broncos 20, Seahawks 7 - Jeff Essary

Denver’s record at home in September is incredible and they’re taking on a Seahawks team who is not your older brother’s Seahawks team. While well coached, their roster has been battling a war of attrition, and one of their best defensive players just reported to the team this week.

If Denver plays like we saw them play in Week 3 of the preseason, they should win this game handily, but won’t run away with it on the scoreboard.

Broncos 23, Seahawks 13 - Taylor Kothe

Both teams are sporting improved offensive lines, but only one of those lines is going to be tested by an elite pass rush unit. The rest of the Seahawks’ roster is entirely beatable matchup-wise, so to me it really comes down to containing Russell Wilson.

With Jimmy Graham off to Green Bay and both of the Seahawks’ starting WRs dealing with leg injuries right now with a 34 year old Brandon Marshall behind them, I think Wilson may not have the necessary weapons downfield to have consistent success in the passing game. He’ll still get his, but it won’t be enough to overcome a more talented & less injured Broncos team.

Broncos 24, Seahawks 10 - Joe Rowles

As I mentioned in GIF Horse this week, the Seahawks represent a litmus test for this years Broncos. They’re rebuilding in about as clear a sense of the word as you can get without losing your franchise QB. The Broncos run D should force Wilson to beat them and with Baldwin playing hurt it’s hard to see them finding a way. On the other side of the ball Seattle could potentially have Thomas back after missing all of camp but that’s just an injury waiting to happen.

Broncos 34, Seahawks 20 - Pete Baron

Broncos score 4 TDs on offense. 2 by Freeman, 1 by Sanders, 1 by a Tight End yet to be named! I’m giving the Seachickens 2 TDs, both of which come late in the 3rd and then 4th quarter after we already have a commanding lead and ease up the heat.

Von Miller registers a sack, Chubb gets a sack thanks to Von being double teamed, and someone gets a penalty for roughing the passer by simply looking at Wilson wrong, cause QBs are now weaklings! I think kickers and punters are officially tougher and more a football player than QBs these days. Even soccer players are laughing at the lack of toughness QBs display!

Broncos 27, Seahawks 23 - Sadaraine

I think this game is going to be closer than many think with plenty of fireworks from both sides of the ball. But the good guys have home field and that is going to make all the difference. Both defenses are superb, but with the rule changes, they are going to run up plenty of penalty yards that are going to turn into scores. Welcome to the new flag-football NFL world ladies and gents!

Broncos 31, Seahawks 24 - Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann

I, too, believe this will be a tough matchup - especially for the defense trying to contain Russell Wilson - but I’m confident this year’s offense can not only hold its own but can even win it for the Broncos when necessary. I believe this weekend it may be necessary.

Broncos 23, Seahawks 16 - Adam Malnati

This is not going to be a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination. While Seattle is down as a team, they still have Russell Wilson. Denver will work to establish the run, and the defense will bend, but not break. It feels like a big field goal game, but the Broncos offense should put the ball in the end zone a couple times. That should be enough for a Week 1 win.

Broncos 30, Seahawks 10 - Scotty Payne

This should be an easy win for the Broncos. This is not the same Seattle team that gave many teams fits the past few years. They weren’t a playoff team last season and this offseason they lost the likes of Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Michael Bennett. Yet some still believe this team is still the same one from years past? Add in that they are already dealing with injuries to a few defensive starters and you have a much less talented defensive unit.

As for the offense, Russell Wilson will be tough for the Broncos defense, but their pass rush should have no issues at all with the Seattle O-line. If the Broncos stop the run and get an early lead, it could be a long night for Wilson.

Broncos continue their week one dominance and start the 2018 season 1-0.

Broncos 23, Seahawks 10 - Casey Barrett

Chubb introduces himself to the NFL. Defense has at least one turnover resulting in points. Both DT and Sanders have themselves a day. Keenum relaxes in front of the home crowd. Nothing perfect, but a solid win, with plenty of room for improvement.

Broncos 27, Seahawks 13 - Ian St. Clair

As I told Adam on the latest MHR Radio Podcast, the Broncos need to come out from the opening kickoff and punch the Rainy City Bitch Pigeons in the mouth. If Denver wins the coin toss, receive it and the first play from scrimmage needs to be a deep pass to Emmanuel Sanders or Courtland Sutton. Get the fans and the team even more fired up. The Broncos need to send a clear message to Seattle but also the rest of the NFL — with the first play call but also the result. Show everyone this season will be different.

Give us your score predictions in the comments section below!