It’s officially game week! The Seattle Seahawks are preparing to begin their 2024 regular-season campaign with a Week 1 matchup versus the Denver Broncos at Lumen Field on Sunday afternoon. It qualifies as a favorable matchup for the new-look Seahawks against a rebuilding Denver team.
We’ve identified three position groups in particular where the Seahawks hold an advantage over their Week 1 opponent.
Quarterback
Geno Smith returns for his third season as Seattle’s starting quarterback. He’s now playing under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who’s expected to provide Smith with more opportunities to make splash plays in the passing game than previous OC Shane Waldron did. Seattle’s starter has thrown for 50 touchdowns across the previous two seasons, giving head coach Mike Macdonald an experience advantage at quarterback over the Broncos and their rookie signal caller Bo Nix.
Wide Receiver
The Seahawks are extremely deep at wide receiver with the three-headed monster of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Metcalf is a top 20 wideout in the league, Lockett is a reliable veteran, and Smith-Njigba is an ascending sophomore who should be more developed in Year Two. The Broncos’ receiving core took a hit when they traded Jerry Jeudy earlier this offseason. Courtland Sutton is the lone experienced playmaker, with second-year player Marvin Mims Jr. stepping into a larger role.
Cornerback
The Broncos have the best cornerback between these two rosters in Pat Surtain II, but depth gives Seattle the advantage. Riq Woolen and Tre Brown will be the boundary starters with Devon Witherspoon playing the slot and other versatile roles as needed. Seattle’s secondary should give Nix fits in his first career start.