In a late afternoon contest on Sunday of week-three, the Denver Broncos (2-0) play the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks (1-1). The Broncos have faced and beaten the Colts (31-24) and the Chiefs (24-17). Seattle got off to a good start, beating Green Bay (36-16) at home and then losing on the road to San Diego (30-21).
The Broncos, with Peyton Manning at the helm, have a solid pass attack. In the first two games of the season, Manning and company have done well, making one wonder if the Colts in their present state don’t regret having lost him. Especially after he beat his former teammates in the first game of the season.
The Broncos put a pass-oriented offense on the field. In two weeks, Manning has thrown six touchdown passes and no interceptions. His QB rate is an astounding 126.5, and he has connected on 69.4% of his passes. Three of his receivers have gained 110 yards or more this season and are averaging 12 yards or better per catch. Julius Thomas has caught four of Manning’s six TD passes. Montee Ball is the team’s leading rusher, accumulating 127 yards and one touchdown.
The Bronco defense is especially fine against the run. They’ve accumulated 7 tackles for a loss and 2 forced fumbles. The squad has also sacked quarterbacks five times. Together linebackers Brandon Marshall and Nate Irving notched 34 tackles and 2 sacks.
The Broncos are a good team but they are vulnerable on D when it comes to the pass. However, you can never count them out, not with Manning calling signals.
The Seattle team is coming off of an embarrassing loss to the Chargers in San Diego. They are back home and are totally focused on winning this one.
Seattle QB Russell Wilson may not pass a lot, but when he does he tends to be on the money. With a QB rate of 114.7, 4 TDs, and 0 INTs, he’s proven to be adept at moving the offense in the right direction. RB Marshawn Lynch (26 ATT, 146 YDS, 5.6 AVG) has scored 2 TDs running and another as a receiver, while wideout Percy Harvin has caught 8 passes for 64 yards and rushed 6 times for 86 yards. This is a solid and versatile team on offense.
The Seahawks defense is adroit at stopping the run. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright have amassed a total of 38 tackles and 3 tackles for a loss. Defensive end Michael Bennett is the sack leader with three. The Seattle defense is vulnerable against the pass. Look for the Broncos to try to exploit that weakness.
This is a very good team that is capable of stopping opponents and putting points on the board. It will be important for the defense to apply pressure on Manning to get him out of his rhythm.
The Seahawks are 5.5-point favorites. They can certainly win this game. To do so Seattle will have to mount a balanced attack. The fact is this team has a lot at stake and they do not want to be 1-2 after Sunday. Still, Peyton Manning is one of the best QBs in the business when it comes to finding pay dirt and winning.