For the second time in three years the Seattle Seahawks are slated to host the Denver Broncos in their first game of the 2024 NFL regular season. Last time around it was former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson leading the Broncos into Lumen Field, but he's busy fighting for a starting job with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
At this point we don't know for sure who will be starting for Sean Payton's team. However, the latest reporting suggests it's going to be former Oregon quarterback, rookie Bo Nix. According to Dianni Russini at The Athletic, she expects that Nix will be named Denver's starter soon. That puts him on track to play the Seahawks come Week 1.
The buzz about rookie #Broncos QB Bo Nix is real and I expect the team to name him starter soon. Here’s more 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/Cp2BUcOpY7
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 19, 2024
Nix is coming off a strong preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, having completed 8 of 9 pass attempts for 80 yards, one touchdown and a 140.7 passer rating in a 27-2 blowout win for the Broncos. Jarrett Stidham will likely be Nix's primary backup with Zach Wilson behind him on their depth chart.
The challenge for Nix will be how he navigates his first start while going against a defense led by new Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald, who's considered one of the top defensive playcallers in the league today.
Assuming he doesn't get injured over the next few weeks, Geno Smith will be starting at quarterback for the Seahawks with Sam Howell backing him up.
Update:
Nix has indeed been named Denver's starter at quarterback.
