Coming off a heartbreaking 32-29 loss at home to their division rival San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks still open as slight favorites against the inconsistent Denver Broncos in Week 6.
According to the current lines at FanDuel Sportsbook, the Seahawks are a 2.5-point favorite (-110), with their money line set at -136 and Denver’s at +116. The line for total points is 42.5, seemingly predicting a defensive shootout between two of the league’s most talented units.
Like Seattle, the Broncos also
sit at 3-2, and have already dealt with several issues through the first five weeks of the season. After promoting Davis Webb to offensive coordinator, quarterback Bo Nix struggled to adapt with his new system—subsequently leading to head coach Sean Payton taking over play calling duties last week.
Although the offense put up 30 points in an upset win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, it otherwise looked stagnant.
They’ll face another tough test on Thursday against a Seahawks unit who ranks within the top 10 in fewest yards and points allowed per game. Although Seattle’s conceded 20+ points in each of their last three games, the numbers don’t tell the full story.
They were without starting safeties Julian Love and Ty Okada against the Washington Commanders in Week 3 and allowed a touchdown in garbage time the following Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers while also contributing to the team’s astronomical 14 penalties (150 yards). Most recently, two fumbles and an interception put the 49ers in scoring territory on three seperate occasions (all of which resulted in a touchdown), but otherwise, they looked far more complete.
Nicknamed “The Dark Side,” the Seahawks defense has struggled so far, but with their penalties cleaned up and no major injuries, they’re a force to be reckoned with—one Nix will certainly have to be ready for.
On the other side, Denver’s defense may rank outside the top 10 in yards as well as points allowed per game, but they’ve still been sharp—meaning Seattle will also have their work cut out for them.
Since returning from injury in Week 3, Darnold has a disappointing five turnovers and while the production is there, the efficiency isn’t. They posted 300+ yards of total offense against Washington and Los Angeles but were held in check against San Francisco. Now going up against arguably their most complete unit yet, reducing turnovers and scoring early are the keys to coming out on top.
In his post game press conference, head coach Mike Macdonald said Zach Charbonnet (knee) is unlikely to make his season debut against the Broncos, so Seattle seemingly won’t receive an upgrade to their backfield yet and appear poised to depend on Emanuel Wilson and George Holani once again—both of whom fumbled in Week 5.
The line of 42.5 total points seemingly aligns with a strong defensive showing from both sides and continued offensive struggles. But, coming off a frustrating loss against a division rival, expect the Seahawks to come out hungry and with possibly their strongest outing so far.
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