Broncos vs. Seahawks Week 1 Betting: What to Expect in Russell Wilson’s Return to Seattle

After months without meaningful professional football, Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season is finally here. Fans are looking forward to most of this week’s matchups, however, one tilt that stands out above the rest is a Monday Night Football showdown between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks.

All 👀 will be on Russell Wilson Monday night. But who is the next player after Wilson I’m looking forward to seeing? My report on the #seahawks and #broncos on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/6fca3NSIAM

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) September 6, 2022

Both the Broncos and Seahawks look quite different this season because of one reason: Russell Wilson. After spending his entire career in Seattle, the former NFL MVP was traded to Denver during the offseason, meaning this Week 1 collision is the first chance that Wilson gets to face his former teammates.

All eyes will be on Wilson to see if he’s victorious in his return. Fortunately, Betting News has gathered the latest Broncos vs. Seahawks odds from BetOnline Sportsbook to help shed some light on the situation, along with a prediction and best bets for the game.

Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks Week 1 Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Denver Broncos (0-0, 0-0 Away) vs. Seattle Seahawks (0-0, 0-0 Home)
• Venue & Location: Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)
• Date: Monday, Sept. 12, 2022
• Game Time: 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time
• Broncos vs. Seahawks Info: ESPN, ABC, NFL+

Broncos vs. Seahawks Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Denver Broncos -6.5 (-110)
• Seattle Seahawks +6.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 44.5 (-110)
• Under 44.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Denver Broncos -270
• Seattle Seahawks +220

Broncos vs. Seahawks Betting Trends

• Denver is 13-5 straight up in its last 18 games against Seattle.
• Seattle is 3-6 straight up in its last nine home games.
• Denver is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games against NFC teams.
• Seattle is 13-7 ATS in its last 20 games as the underdog.
• The total has hit the under in eight of Denver’s last 11 games.
• The total has hit the under in 10 of Seattle’s last 14 home games against Denver.

Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks Prediction and Picks

Broncos vs. Seahawks Prediction: Broncos 30, Seahawks 16

Broncos vs. Seahawks Picks: Broncos -6.5 (Best Value: -110 at BetOnline) & Over 44.5 Points (Best Value: -110 at BetMGM)

A quick look at the above odds reveals that the Broncos are one of the bigger road favorites of the week. Not only are they 6.5-point spread favorites here, but they’re also favored over the Cowboys at -270 odds on the moneyline — an implied probability of 72.9%.

At the end of the day, the Broncos are seen as potential Super Bowl threats while the Seahawks are not. In fact, Seattle is expected to be one of the worst NFC teams now that they’ve replaced Wilson with Geno Smith under center.

It’s unlikely that the Seahawks will be able to keep up with the Broncos’ improved offense. Even if Seattle has the likes of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as its top two wideouts, their production won’t be as good as before.

Smith has only averaged 153.7 passing yards in 45 career games (34 starts) compared to Wilson, who’s averaged 234.6 — more than an 80-yard difference.

One thing that could spell disaster for the Seahawks is their passing defense. Wilson has pass-catchers like Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and Albert Okwuegbunam that he could do some damage with, which could be too much for a Seattle secondary that surrendered 265.5 passing yards per game in 2021 — second-worst to only the Baltimore Ravens (278.9).

Besides, there are just too many questions surrounding the Seahawks to have confidence in them. Can Smith be a competent quarterback? Is Rashaad Penny finally ready to be the No. 1 rusher and put his injury issues behind him? Can the defense bounce back after last year?

On the other hand, the Broncos don’t have nearly as many questions. They have a strong roster that was held back by lackluster QBs in the past. Now that Wilson is in the Mile High City, positive results should be right around the corner again.

Taking all of this into account, it’s hard not to like the Broncos over the Seahawks here. Wilson is going to want to put on a show in his return to Seattle, which could wind up being the deciding factor here.

As far as best bets go, I can see the Broncos covering the 6.5-point spread due to the Seahawks’ lack of talent. I’m also backing the over here because I think that the hype around Wilson’s return will lead to an offensive bump.

Other NFL Week 1 Stories on Betting News

• NFL Week 1 Predictions, Odds, Spread & Over/Under Picks
• Steelers vs. Bengals Prediction, Odds & Picks for Week 1: Teams Meet in 1st Week for the First Time in History
• Browns vs. Panthers Prediction, Odds & Picks for Week 1: Mayfield Makes First Start With New Team Against Former Team
• Patriots vs. Dolphins Predictions, Odds & Picks for Week 1: Will Tua Lead the Phins to Victory?
• Bucs vs. Cowboys Week 1 Betting: Two Top NFC Teams Engage in Sunday Night Showdown