Sunday, September 21, 2014

CenturyLink Field in Seattle

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Denver and Seattle get to renew acquaintances only a few short weeks into the season after the Seahawks crushed the Broncos dreams in winning last February's Super Bowl 43-8. Both teams enter the game after sluggish performances last week, Denver tallying only a 7 point win over Kansas City and Seattle losing in San Diego but much of that could be attributed to the classic look-ahead game. Peyton Manning must take his checkdowns and line of scrimmage audibles into CenturyLink Stadium where the 12th Man could take that as a personal challenge to be louder than ever.

Denver has struggled to establish a running game in 2014 but then again who needs one when you've got weapons such as Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, and Emmanuel Sanders in Manning's passing attack? Sanders has been a welcome addition from Pittsburgh, catching 14 balls for 185 yards through 2 games. The real key in beating Seattle may be TE Julius Thomas though who has 4 TD on the year and will be facing a Seahawks secondary that gave up 3TD to Antonio Gates of the Chargers a week ago.

The Seahawks looked like world beaters in their 36-16 season opening win on Thursday Night Football. Despite having 3 extra days to prepare though, Seattle was defeated in San Diego 30-21 to a Charger offense that stayed on the field going 10-17 on 3rd downs while controlling the time of possession 42:15 to 17:45. The Seahawks must now prove if that game was an enigma or a sign that the code to beat them has been cracked.

Manning will be helped by the return of Wes Welker from a reduced suspension, especially in situations where plays break down because of the crowd noise. One of the crucial aspects of beating Seattle is getting up on them early to quiet the 12th Man and perhaps no offense can do that as efficiently as Denver's. In essence, the first quarter could really dictate how the rest of this game plays out but it should be a great one either way.

Denver Broncos Betting Trends

Denver Broncos are 0-2-0 Against the Spread

Denver Broncos are 1-1-0 against the Over/Under

Seattle Seahawks Betting Trends

Seattle Seahawks are 1-1-0 Against the Spread

Seattle Seahawks are 2-0-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Denver Broncos

09/15/14 LB Lerentee McCray Knee "?" Sunday vs. Seattle
09/14/14 G Ben Garland Ankle "?" Sunday vs. Seattle
09/14/14 S David Bruton Shoulder "?" Sunday vs. Seattle
09/14/14 WR Wes Welker Suspension "?" Sunday vs. Seattle
09/04/14 LB Danny Trevathan Leg out indefinitely
09/04/14 WR Jordan Norwood Knee IR
09/04/14 C Matt Prater Suspension expected to miss weeks 1-4 of regular season

Seattle Seahawks

09/15/14 RB Marshawn Lynch Back probable Sunday vs. Denver
09/14/14 RB Christine Michael Hamstring "?" Sunday vs. Denver
09/14/14 TE Cooper Helfet Knee "?" Sunday vs. Denver
09/14/14 S Earl Thomas Leg "?" Sunday vs. Denver
09/14/14 LB Kevin Pierre-Louis Hamstring "?" Sunday vs. Denver
09/14/14 CB Tharold Simon Knee "?" Sunday vs. Denver
09/08/14 CB Jeremy Lane Groin IR

Guy's Pick: Take Seattle

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