Mile High Roundtable: Broncos at Seahawks Predictions & Picks | Week 1

Mile High Huddle predicts Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. / Tim Heitman/Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports

Football is back, and the long wait is over. The Denver Broncos will open the 2024 regular season on the road vs. the Seattle Seahawks.

As per tradition, let's go around the Mile High Huddle table to get our staff's Week 1 predictions and picks.

Kenneth Booker (@kenneth_MHH): Look for Denver to run the ball early and often in an effort to ease the pressure off of its young gunslinger, Bo Nix. This contest should go down to the wire, where Nix drives the Broncos down the field for a game-winning field goal as time expires.

Pick: Broncos 24, Seattle 23

James Campbell (@JamesC_MHH): I'm not usually an optimistic person, but Nix is different. There's a belief and excitement about these Broncos, but it all comes down to how well Nix is able to process, keep his poise, and handle the pressure of his first NFL start. It might be a bit rocky, but he makes enough timely throws and keeps the offense on schedule, while the defense, special teams and coaching come through for the Broncos in key moments to come out of Seattle for their first win in there in 22 years.

Pick: Broncos 24, Seattle 17

Keith Cummings (@KeithC_NFL): Nix offers hope and optimism for the 2024 season. How head coach Sean Payton manages Nix's development will be heavily structured, but it will have to be done on the hoof. On Sunday, Payton goes with short passes and Nix does what's asked of him in a stunning win on the Pacific Northwest.

Pick: Broncos 24, Seahawks 14

Carl Dumler (@CarlDumlerMHH): The Broncos finally look like they have a bit of an identity on both sides of the ball, being physical and taking advantage of their best units in the trenches. Expect the Broncos to find success against Seattle's weak run defense and score two rushing touchdowns and another passing score for good measure. 

Pick: Broncos 24, Seahawks 17

Mike Evans (@MHHEvans): Who controls the trenches and wins the turnover battle will determine the game. The Broncos' defensive front is poised to disrupt Seattle's offense, while their offensive line must protect against the Seahawks' aggressive pass rush. Ultimately, Denver's ability to force turnovers will prove decisive.

Pick: Broncos 24, Seahawks 17

Thomas Hall (@ThomasHallNFL): Even though the future looks bright for this young Broncos team, it will have some bumps in the road early on. The Seahawks are not formidable, but home-field advantage holds sway and will be that first early bump.

Pick: Seahawks 20, Broncos 17

Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen): It's on the road in a hostile environment that has stymied the Broncos in recent years, but Payton's veteran experience as a play-caller, game manager, and tactician proves to be the difference vs. Seattle's first-time head coach Mike Macdonald. Payton finally has a quarterback who can be an extension of him on the field, and it pays off in spades with a season-opening win on the road.

Pick: Broncos 24, Seahawks 20

Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL): The Broncos usher in the Nix era hoping to shed demons of years past. It's a tough ask for a rookie in a hostile environment. But Russell Wilson ain't walking through that door. Nathaniel Hackett ain't walking through that door. This is a new era — and it will be punctuated with a low-scoring, gutty victory. And a large helping of crow.

Pick: Broncos 17, Seahawks 16

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Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH): Why not Denver? Why not Nix? Why not Week 1? While Denver opens up as one of the NFL's biggest underdogs, this team is young, hungry, and appears to be building a solid identity and foundation with positive direction. Can Denver's defense limit explosive passing plays? Can the Broncos run the ball efficiently to take pressure off of Nix and his purported lack of passing weapons?

Pick: Broncos 24, Seahawks 23

Bob Morris (@BobMorrisSports): The Broncos will field a younger team this year on both sides of the ball, most notably, the rookie, Nix. The Seahawks have a new coaching staff but they have home-field advantage. It may take some time for the Broncos to figure things out. I expect a close game but a win will be tough to achieve.

Pick: Seahawks 23, Broncos 20

Luke Patterson (@LukePattersonLP): It's a new era for both teams as the Broncos begin the Nix era, and the Seahawks are led by the first-year Macdonald at head coach. Expect Payton to outwit and out-scheme Seattle's coaching staff with necessary adjustments in a close and fun game. The Broncos steal this one on the road, earning their first victory in Seattle since 2002.

Pick: Broncos 27, Seahawks 24

Lance Sanderson (@LanceS_MHH): Forget the youth of the Broncos roster, and the rookie quarterback in a hostile environment. Week 1 almost always comes down to coaching and proper execution. I trust Payton far more than I do Macdonald. Chalk up a win for the good guys.

Pick: Broncos 24, Seahawks 23

Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel): The Seahawks have the second-loudest home field in the NFL and the Broncos will need to quiet them down to help ease the pressure on Nix and the young team in general. A strong defensive showing by shutting down the run and forcing mistakes in the passing game coupled with a strong rushing offense and efficient passing attack leads to a Broncos win. Nix shines on his debut, handling the pressure of MacDonald's creative defenses and the crowd noise with four total touchdowns.

Pick: Broncos 31, Seahawks 20

Dylan Von Arx (@DylanVonArxMHH): Nix has a huge first test against Seattle and the 12th Man. COmmunication is critical, and if Denver can get the ground game going, it'll take the crowd out and secure the 'W.'

Pick: Broncos 24, Seahawks 20

Ron White (@RonWhiteNFL): The Nix era begins at Lumen Field, one of the NFL's loudest stadiums. Although Macdonald will have a solid game plan to attack the Broncos, expect Payton to counter aggressively and exploit weaknesses in this Seahawks team. In the end, the Broncos come away with a narrow victory as a result of a Wil Lutz field goal.

Pick: Broncos 23, Seahawks 20

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