NFL Preseason Week 2 Picks: Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks

Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks
Saturday, 8/17/13, 10:00 PM EST, TV: NFL Network
Opening Point Spread: Seattle -3.5
Current Betting Line: Seattle -5.5
Opening Total: 41
Current Total: 41.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Denver Broncos will send out their first-team offense for a longer period of time Saturday

Denver suffered a 10-6 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers as three-point road underdogs on Aug. 8, while going UNDER the betting total of 35.5. The Broncos lost the statistical battle by 68 total yards, including a 124-yard disparity in the passing game. Quarterback Peyton Manning and most of the first-team skill guys were on the field for just seven snaps, but tonight’s outing will give them multiple drives, which is important to consider when making your pro football picks Saturday night.

The Broncos will likely have star linebacker Von Miller on the field, but former teammate Elvis Dumervil suggested that the young player’s performance on the field may be affected by his off-field troubles. Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips will likely play a big role on the unit if Miller’s four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy is upheld. On the other side of the ball, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman will continue to battle it out at the running back position.

Seattle picked up a impressive 31-10 victory over the San Diego Chargers as three-point road favorites in its opening game of the 2013 NFL exhibition schedule, while going OVER the betting total of 36. The Seahawks out-gained the Chargers by 101 total yards, with running back Christine Michael being the most impressive player—gaining 89 yards on 18 carries. It’s important to point out that the former Texas A&M star will be sidelines with back spasms for an unknown period of time, which can’t be ignored when looking over the pro football odds page.

The Seahawks are certainly deep at the running back position, with Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin occupying the top two spots on the depth chart respectively. Seattle has been banged up on offense during camp, with wide receiver Percy Harvin having hip surgery, but the unit expects to have tight end Zach Miller back on the field before the regular-season opener. NFL oddsmakers have established the team as solid favorites in this affair, considering the 12th man at CenturyLink Field will be roaring due to this being the first game played in the Pacific Northwest in 229 days.