Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks: Betting Odds Analysis and Pick Prediction

Denver is known for owning one of the most significant home-field advantages in the NFL, but the Broncos have been great on the road recently, going 12-2 and 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 road contests.

However, that trend will be severely tested this week when Denver visits Seattle for a Super Bowl rematch at the Clink, the first time since Oct. 15, 2012 that the Broncos have been an underdog.

Both teams head for their bye week, but only one has been dominant in this position and that is Seattle (10-1 SU last 11 home games before bye week).

Point spread: The Seahawks opened as 3.5-point favorites but the betting public nudged it two points higher by Wednesday; the total was 48.5. (Line updates and matchup report)

Odds Shark computer prediction: 35.7-33.6 Seahawks

Why the Broncos can cover the spread

The Broncos are off to a 2-0 start, with wins over the Colts and Chiefs. QB Peyton Manning continues to amaze, throwing six touchdown passes already, with zero interceptions. Denver seems like it needs a little time to get warmed up, then explodes.

Through the first two games of this season, the Broncos have scored 10 points in the first quarter, 35 in the second, to take double-digit leads into halftime. After being embarrassed by Seattle in the Super Bowl, Denver will be looking for some retribution Sunday, and maybe they can steal some of what San Diego did to beat the Seahawks last week.

Why the Seahawks can cover the spread

The Seahawks are coming off one of their worst efforts in awhile, after being dominated by San Diego last week 30-21. But sometimes a shock to the system can be a good thing for a team used to winning so convincingly, so regularly. This team isn't much different from the one that destroyed Denver seven months ago.

They're still going to hit hard on both sides of the ball, then sneak in a big play or two from Marshawn Lynch or Russell Wilson. And they'll probably try to get the ball to Percy Harvin a little more often, after he touched it just four times last week.

Smart Pick

Seattle has been a nightmare for visiting foes in recent seasons, winning 20 of their last 22 home games SU, going 17-5 ATS.

Also, the Seahawks just clobbered the Broncos three games ago 43-8 in the Super Bowl, and they have the “bounce-back” factor on their side. So the pick here is with Seattle, giving the points, to extend their terrific run of pre bye-week games at home.

Trends:

• Denver is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games when playing on the road against Seattle
• Seahawks 10-1 SU last 11 home games before bye week

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark - follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.