Week 2 NFL Preseason Predictions: August 18th 2012
Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos
Current line: Denver (pk/38)

Seattle visits Denver from Sports Authority Field from Mile High Stadium in Colorado on Saturday. Denver defeated Seattle at home last year, 23-20 laying 5.5. This is the debut for Peyton Manning home. The Broncos crushed Chicago on the road last Thursday 31-3, while Seattle defeated Tennessee, 27-17 laying 3, last Saturday.

Weather: 71 degrees with 10% chance of rain.

Seattle is coming off a 7-9 SU season, and they were 9-5-2 ATS and 9-7 Over. Last year, they went 3-1 ATS in the preseason. Pete Caroll is 13-12 SU, 13-10-2 ATS and 12-13 Under. Denver is coming off an 8-8 season that was highlighted by a 29-23 overtime win over Pittsburgh at home. They also went 7-8-1 ATS and were 9-7 Over. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason and John Fox (Den, Car) is 21-19 SU, 20-19-1 ATS and 19-20-1 Under in preseason

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Outlook: Seattle also has quarterback issues as Matt Flynn takes over as the starter, at least for the first game, with Tarvaris Jackson and rookie Russell Wilson also in the mix. RGB Marshawn Lynch (1,204yds) is coming off a big year but they need more at receiver, That’s why they signed Terrell Owens after releasing Mike Williams. On defense, DE Bruce Irvin was drafted in the first round to help the pass rush. FS Earl Thomas leads an underrated defense.

Seattle created some offseason buzz of its own with the recent signing of Terrell Owens, with the controversial wide receiver joining a crowded cast of pass catchers in the Emerald City. Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed on Thursday that the 38-year-old, who didn’t play in the NFL last season while recovering from an ACL tear or in last weekend’s 27-17 win over Tennessee, would be active for Saturday’s test.

While Owens will be ready to go, fellow wideout Sidney Rice will be held out for another week as he makes his way back from shoulder surgery. Slot receiver Doug Baldwin, who was inactive for the opener with a sore hamstring, is slated to play, however.

Carroll also announced during the week that Matt Flynn will start at quarterback for a second consecutive game. The free-agent pickup made a favorable first impression against the Titans, making good on 11-of-13 attempts for 71 yards despite throwing an interception.

Rookie Russell Wilson, Seattle’s third-round selection in this past draft, worked the entire second half under center last week and will do so again on Saturday, with incumbent quarterback Tarvaris Jackson appearing to be out of the picture.

Wilson was outstanding when facing Tennessee’s reserves, with the former Wisconsin star throwing a 39-yard touchdown pass to veteran receiver Braylon Edwards and showing off his running ability with a 32-yard scoring scramble later on. He finished 12-of-16 for 124 yards with an interception and led the Seahawks with 59 rushing yards on three attempts.

All eyes will be on Manning and his debut. He goes to a pretty strong team that went 8-8 with Tim Tebow starting at quarterback last year. Tebow is off to the Jets to backup Mark Sanchez. The Broncos also added some defensive help as they acquired CB Tracy Porter and SS Mike Adams. Defensively, Denver struggled against the run last year, allowing 126.3ypg on the ground.

Manning will be playing in front of the home crowd for the first time since the legendary quarterback joined the Broncos as a free agent back in March. And unlike the longtime Indianapolis Colt’s anticipated debut in a Denver uniform a week ago, he’ll get to showcase his skills for an extended period.

Manning was out for only the initial series of Denver’s 31-3 rout of Chicago, the four-time league MVP’s first game action in 19 months, but is slated to run the offense for the entire opening half in Saturday’s matchup.

The 36-year-old was a bit rusty in his return from multiple neck surgeries that kept him out all of last season, completing 4-of-7 passes for 44 yards and having his only drive end on an interception, but was still encouraged by the overall results.

This week’s practices weren’t as rosy for the Broncos, with a pair of regulars suffering significant injuries in Tuesday’s session. Right guard Chris Kuper fractured his forearm and will be sidelined around six weeks, while defensive end Jason Hunter may be lost for the season after tearing his triceps.

Hunter had displaced former first-round pick Robert Ayers as the primary left end with a strong camp. His absence may elevate rookie Derek Wolfe, Denver’s second-round choice in April’s draft who registered a pair of sacks against the Bears, into the starting lineup.

The defense is also expected to be without cornerback Tracy Porter (abdominal) and safety Quinton Carter (knee), while rookie running back Ronnie Hillman is still dealing with a hamstring strain and will miss a second straight week.

Key Injuries:
Seattle: WR Sidney Rice (shldr) is out. TE Zach Miller (concussion) and guard John Moffitt (elbow) are out. Denver: CB Tracy Porter (ab) and S Quinton Carter (knee) are out. G Chris Kuper (forearm) is out 4-6 weeks.

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