Broncos vs. Seahawks: Preseason Ticket Info, Date, TV Schedule and Live Stream

As far as preseason openers go, it doesn't get any better than Friday's showdown between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. 

These teams squared off at the same point one year ago in Denver, but things have changed since then. This year's exhibition contest goes down in Seattle, where Denver first-year coach Gary Kubiak will go toe-to-toe with Seattle's Pete Carroll, who wants to put a nightmarish Super Bowl passing play behind him.

Granted, fans won't get four frames of Peyton Manning vs. Russell Wilson and more, but new faces and approaches will be on display as both franchises look to get back to contention.

Below, let's take a look at the game's top storylines and how to catch the action.

Similar Faces, New Strategies 

For Denver, this has to feel like a bonus round with Manning once again back in the fold.

This preseason, though, is about Kubiak and the coaching staff figuring out the running game. Manning, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders give the passing game a familiar feel, but the staff sounds like it wants more emphasis on the ground game.

Kubiak told Mike Klis of 9News the plan is to run the ball more, especially in the red zone: "You guys know me, I like being physical all over the field but I think if you can make people play eight guys in the box in the red zone and you're not throwing against an eight-man drop, three-man rush –it sure is a lot easier to run the ball, too."

What better team to try this out against than the Seahawks? The unit's ranks from a year ago say it all.

Kubiak has options too, which he'll sort out in exhibition games such as this. Last year, C.J. Anderson led the way with 179 totes for 849 yards and eight scores, but behind him are capable names such as Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and others.

It sounds like Kubiak wants one player to stand out, too, per Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post: "But I think if a guy goes out there and he shows he can play three downs, can protect the quarterback, and can handle it, then he should stay out there."

In other words, look for the Broncos to veer away from the pass Friday and match the Seahawks on the ground as they look to sort out one of their bigger questions heading into next season. 

New Faces, New Strategies 

The Seahawks don't have an issue on the ground thanks to Marshawn Lynch, but this game might be a good time to test out some new faces through the air. 

One of this offseason's biggest surprises was Seattle's ability to reel in superstar tight end Jimmy Graham. Considering Luke Willson was the highest tight end in receiving yards last year at 362, placing him fourth on the team and behind Lynch, it was a necessary upgrade.

Graham, known for his acrobatic catches and video game-esque numbers, will need to block more than ever in Seattle, but he's a critical new element of the passing offense, too. Wilson said things are great thus far, per NFL on ESPN:

Graham might not see a ton of playing time Friday, but he won't be the lone new aerial weapon the Seahawks will look to debut. Third-round rookie Tyler Lockett out of Kansas State continues to make waves in camp and force the issue on the depth chart.

"He's shown a lot already. He's a fantastic worker -- that's one of the things I'd say first," Carroll said, per ESPN.com's Brady Henderson. "We've all been impressed with his attention to detail and how he wants to get it right. He spends extra time and all that."

Stuck in a competition with names such as Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Paul Richardson, Kevin Norwood and others, Friday is a major opportunity for young players such as Lockett to stand out and make a push for the roster and playing time on a contender.

When: Friday, Aug. 14, at 10 p.m. ET

Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle

Watch: NFL Network

Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live

Tickets: ScoreBig.com

Betting Info: (via Odds Shark)

• Over/Under: 37
• Spread: Seattle (-4.5)

Prediction

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

It's a buyer's choice when it comes down to a pick for Friday's matchup thanks to the way both franchises continue to reload with talent for championship runs.

More often than not, depth decides exhibition contests as coaches give everyone a chance in a live-game environment before cut days, but with depth looking even on paper, perhaps the easiest route is to defer to the locale.

With this one, it's advantage Seahawks, as Las Vegas points out with the line. It makes sense, too, as last year's elite unit returns most of its impressive depth and the running back depth chart looks as deep as ever.

Look for the Seahawks to ride the ground game-defense combo to a win Friday night.

Prediction: Seahawks 24, Broncos 17

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and are accurate as of Aug. 11. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.