Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks: TV channel, time, what to know for season opener

DENVER ( KDVR ) — The NFL is back, and opening weekend features the Denver Broncos heading to Seattle to face the Seahawks at Lumen Field.

There are many changes for the Broncos this season, most notably rookie Bo Nix starting at quarterback after Russell Wilson was released last season. More on that, and what else to expect, below.

How to watch Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks on TV

• Kickoff : 2:05 p.m. MT
• Channel : CBS

Kickoff between the Broncos and Seahawks takes place Sunday at 2:05 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast live on CBS.

Tickets for Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks

Broncos fans planning to attend the game in Seattle will be able to get in for a pretty reasonable price, with seats starting at around $100 on Ticketmaster .

Further, there are seats available in every non-box section of the stadium as of Thursday morning. Maybe the non-sellout crowd at Lumen Field will help take away the Seahawks’ “12th Man” advantage.

Forecast for Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle:

It’s going to be a nice day for football in Seattle on Sunday.  Temperatures will climb to the lower 70s under a sunny sky during tailgating and as kickoff approaches.  The forecast stays dry through the game with plenty of sunshine, a light breeze and temperatures climbing to the mid-70s.

Denver:

In Denver, the weather will be sunny and warmer.  If you’re going to a watch party in Denver on Sunday, there will be plenty of sunshine as temperatures climb toward 90 degrees during the game.

Key things to know for Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II had quite an eventful day, becoming the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history and earning his first captainship as a pro on Wednesday.

“Signed, sealed, delivered,” Surtain said through a smile after signing his four-year contract extension worth $96 million, including $77.5 million in guarantees.

Surtain called the contract extension “a huge burden off my shoulders.”

“I’m honestly just very relieved. Just to be able to sign and seal that deal is a blessing,” Surtain said. “(And) being a captain for this team means a lot. It shows how much this organization believes in me, this team believes in me, and I don’t take that for granted.”

Surtain was elected a captain by his teammates along with receiver Courtland Sutton, guard Quinn Meinerz, quarterback Nix , linebacker Alex Singleton and kicker Wil Lutz.

Nix is the first Broncos rookie to be named a captain heading into a season opener since Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little in 1967.

“It’s a first for me,” Payton said. “I think it’s a credit to him and I think his teammates felt that he belonged in that position.”

When he takes his first snap at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday, Nix will become the Broncos’ 14th different starting QB since Peyton Manning last put on a uniform.

“I know what that’s like starting as a rookie in your first NFL game, but he’ll be ready, and I’ll be pulling hard for him,” Manning said, adding, “I’m a fan of playing right away. Getting the experience is only going to make him better.”

That long list of barely passable passers includes running back Phillip Lindsay, who started a game at Wildcat when all four of Denver’s QBs were banned for a game after violating the NFL’s pandemic protocols in 2020.

It also includes nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, whose offseason departure after two substandard campaigns left the Broncos with a record $85 million in dead cap charges through 2025 and on the hook for all but $1.21 million of his $39 million salary with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.

“Bo’s tremendously talented,” offered former Broncos quarterback John Elway. “He’s played a lot of college football. So, he’s ahead of the curve when it comes to that. And I think Sean Payton will be great for him. The offensive system that they’re going to run, they’ll be able to protect him, they’re pretty good on the offensive line, they’ll be able to run.”

New kickoff rules

The NFL has overhauled its kickoffs, with the new format using elements of rules from the XFL and tweaking them for use in the NFL beginning this fall . The rules will be in play for one season on a trial basis and then be subject to renewal in 2025.

So far, the changes appear to have had their desired effect.

The league was pleased with a return rate of 70.5% in the preseason, up significantly from last season’s 54.8% in exhibition games. There were also more big returns and better average starting field positions, which could increase scoring after a drop last season to the lowest level since 2017.

It’s fair to wonder how much strategy teams are withholding for the regular season. There could be some fireworks in Week 1.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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