NFL Week 6 gets underway with an intriguing Thursday Night Football clash at Empower Field at Mile High when the 3-2 Seattle Seahawks travel to face the 3-2 Denver Broncos.
The Seahawks are looking to bounce back from a 32-29 defeat against the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers.
The reigning Super Bowl champions opened the season strongly by beating New England Patriots again and stuffing Arizona Cardinals 31-7 at State Farm Stadium.
However, they have been involved in a series of tight contests, losing to Washington Commanders and the Niners either side of a home win over Los Angeles Chargers.
The Broncos, meanwhile, have beaten teams they should have and upset Los Angeles Rams, but failed to perform against either the 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs.
Sean Payton's men have developed a reputation for finishing games strongly while an ability to force timely turnovers has kept them competitive even when the offense has started slowly.
The short week creates an added layer of unpredictability, particularly for a Seahawks team managing several injury concerns.
Star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is nursing an ankle issue, while linebacker Drake Thomas appears doubtful after suffering an injury against San Francisco.
Denver also have concerns in the secondary, with reports suggesting star safety Talanoa Hufanga and top cornerback Patrick Surtain II could miss this contest.
That could open opportunities for Seattle's passing attack, although protecting the football remains the visitors' biggest concern after a turnover-filled stretch.
Seahawks vs. Broncos betting picks & predictions
Broncos +2.5 (-105)
The last four meetings of these two teams have been decided by six points or fewer and this one also has all the makings of another close game.
Seattle have struggled to see out their last two games, allowing the Chargers to close from 27-6 down to get within a touchdown in Week 4, before squandering a five-point fourth-quarter lead against San Francisco last Sunday.
The Seahawks have played in four one-score games through five weeks and failed to cover the spread in three of their last four.
Turnovers have been the primary reason for that with Seattle having already committed nine this season, tied for the fifth-most in the NFL.
Five of those giveaways have come via Sam Darnold interceptions over the last three games.
The Broncos defence has consistently found ways to generate takeaways, recording seven through five games, and Denver will fancy their chances of creating more problems for Darnold.
Bo Nix's numbers have not always jumped off the page, but the Denver quarterback has shown an ability to make big plays in crucial moments.
The Broncos have also developed a habit of finishing games strongly after slow starts, something that could prove key against a Seattle side that has occasionally lacked a killer instinct.
Home-field advantage and ability to force mistakes could ultimately be decisive.
Even if Surtain II is unavailable, they still have enough defensive talent to keep this contest within reach before making a fourth-quarter push.
In a potentially very tight encounter, Denver are worth backing with the points.
Bo Nix anytime touchdown scorer (+400)
Nix is an interesting value play in the touchdown market given his history of finding the end zone himself.
The Broncos quarterback has scored the first touchdown three times since the beginning of the 2024 season, placing him among the league leaders in that category.
His mobility remains one of the most underrated aspects of his game and Denver have shown a willingness to utilise him near the goal line.
Seattle's defense has struggled at times against dual-threat quarterbacks and, if the Broncos can sustain drives inside the red zone, Nix has every chance of punching one in himself.
At attractive odds, he stands out as one of the better anytime touchdown options on the board.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba over 6.5 receptions (-125)
Providing he is fit enough to suit up, Smith-Njigba could be heavily involved in Seattle's offensive game plan.
The Seahawks receiver has become one of Darnold's most reliable targets and his ability to work underneath routes should be particularly important on a short week.
Denver's potential injury concerns in the secondary could create additional opportunities for Seattle's passing attack.
With Seattle likely to lean on quick, high-percentage throws in a difficult road environment, Smith-Njigba's receptions market appeals.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NFL on site.
Seahawks vs. Broncos odds
Seattle Seahawks | -144 |
Denver Broncos | +122 |
Spread | SEA Seahawks -2.5 |
Total | O/U 40.5 |
Seahawks vs. Broncos player props
Anytime touchdown
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA Seahawks) | +105 |
Emanuel Wilson (SEA Seahawks) | +110 |
J.K Dobbins (DEN Broncos) | +160 |
Courtland Sutton (DEN Broncos) | +230 |
Jaylen Waddle (DEN Broncos) | +240 |
RJ Harvey (DEN Broncos) | +275 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
