Broncos head coach Sean Payton has his quarterback in first-round pick Bo Nix, who will be Denver’s first rookie starting QB in Week 1 since some guy named John Elway. Will he come out firing or have rookie jitters in his first NFL start? Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Live updates

Fourth-quarter updates

Touchdown, Seattle (4:41 p.m.): A 30-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Zach Charbonnet gives Seattle a bigger lead. Seahawks 26, Broncos 13. — Nguyen

And that will do it. Seattle goes up 26-13. Might as well be 56-13. — Renck

Third-quarter analysis — Seahawks 19, Broncos 13

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: A six-point lead might be enough for Seattle already. But a TD for Mike Macdonald’s team at the end of this drive early in the fourth quarter would feel like a putaway punch.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: The Broncos are only down six points, but this game feels like its over. I can’t see this offense turning things around. Nix is overmatched and Denver’s run defense has fallen apart.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: Broncos play with no margin for error. Defense, terrific in first half, is getting gashed. And offense can’t stay on the field. Not establishing run has bit them. Nix is averaging 2.68 yards per attempt. That is all-time bad.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: If you thought the Broncos’ run defense troubles were behind them, the last 15 minutes argued otherwise. Whether that’s because they’ve spent way too much time on the field due to the offense’s ineptitude, or they have real problems is immaterial. This one is quickly slipping away.

Third-quarter updates

Third-down issues (4:35 p.m.): Sean Payton goes nuclear, wanting PI. Sutton appeared to be grabbed early in the route. Broncos fail to convert on third down. And the beat goes on. They are 4-for-15 on third down. — Renck

Can’t stop the run (4:32 p.m.): The defense that had carried the Broncos to a halftime lead has not looked good to start the second half. Seattle now has 134 yards on 21 carries. Obviously, that’s not going to get it done. — SChubert

Three more (4:30 p.m.): The Broncos dodge a bullet with DK Metcalf flagged for holding on a play that likely would’ve been a touchdown anyway. Denver keeps the Seahawks out of the end zone after that. It’s now 19-13 Seattle with 4:12 left in the third quarter. — Schubert

Huge holding call on DK Metcalf negated TD. It keeps Broncso in game. Had they gone up 23-13 this game was over given Denver’s offensive ineptitude. — Renck

Penalty woes (4:25 p.m.): Another pass interference flag on the Broncos. Denver now has seven penalties for 55 yards and the Seahawks are driving. If Seattle goes up by two scores, this one might be out of reach. — Schubert

Injury update (4:21 p.m.): Trainer is looking at and re-taping RB Audric Estime’s right ankle on the Broncos’ bench. — Gabriel

Fumbled, lost (4:20 p.m.): Jaleel McLaughlin coughs it up on third-and-long near midfield with the Broncos trying to play field position, and this thing has a chance to go from bad to worse. — Schubert

Broncos start to run well and abandon it. Then McLaughlin fumbles on short reception. Seahawks in business at the Broncos’ 47-yard line. Per my man Parker, Broncos have 29 drop backs and 19 rushes.. That’s not going to work. Not at all. — Renck

Touchdown, Seattle (4:12 p.m.): Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III slipped past the Broncos defense en route to a 23-yard touchdown. Seahawks 16, Broncos 13. — Nguyen

It appears the Broncos run defense from 2023 emerged from the halftime locker room. Seattle just shoved the ball down their throats with Kenneth Walker III.

The last run goes for a touchdown — easy enough that the Michigan State product could do an exaggerated dive into the end zone. Looks like Bo Nix is going to have to make some plays to win this one. — Schubert

Kenneth Walker 23-yard TD run… Moss had chance at tackle but got off block late and missed tackle. Walker scores and with the PAT. Seahawks lead 16-13 with 10:44 left. It was six plays, 61 yards, 2:47 off the clock. Offense has to do something. Anything. Not winning this games with safeties and field goals. — Renck

Not a good time for the Broncos’ defense to have a leaky moment. Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but not much margin for error with the way the Denver offense is playing. — Gabriel

Three-and-out (4:05 p.m.): Loss of yardage on a first down sweep. Second-down pass bounced into the turf. Then a delay of game penalty. Safe to say the Broncos didn’t figure a whole lot of things out during the halftime break.

Three-and-out as the Broncos do nothing but march backward to start the second half. This game is going to be on the defense. The good news: They’ve been up to the task so far. — Schubert

Halftime analysis — Broncos 13, Seahawks 9

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: This has been one of the stranger halves of football I’ve seen. Somehow seems fitting for this team. But for as rough as the operation was offensively for Denver, they’ve got the lead, start the second half with the ball and the defense has been humming.

Maybe, just maybe, a heavy dose of the run game would be a good play to start the half.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s defense has been the highlight of the game. The Broncos have recorded two safeties and an interception while they have done well at pressuring Geno Smith. Bo Nix looked nervous throughout the first half as the majority of his throws have been off target. Maybe, Nix can build off his completion to Josh Reynolds that set up the field goal in the closing seconds of the quarter.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: Hard to believe Nix can place worse than he did in first half and Broncos lead 13-9. They have run a lot of plays, but the idea is never to throw this much on road with a rookie. Rookies are 4-14 in Lumen Field. Gotta run ball better. But the reality is they are leading because of Vance Joseph’s hair on fire defense. Can the offense do enough in second half to pull off the upset?

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Bo Nix has been bad. And the Broncos are still ahead 13-9 at the break. All things considered, that’s not a bad place to be starting a rookie quarterback on the road in Week 1. Thank Jonathon Cooper and the Broncos defensive front, which has been absolutely lights out.

Second-quarter updates

Three more (3:46 p.m.): Broncos’ Wil Lutz with the 45-yard field goal give give the Broncos a 13-9 lead with two seconds to go. — Nguyen

Broncos get 45-yard FG from Lutz to increase lead to 13-9. Nix throw to Reynolds set it up. Nix is 12-for-22 for 67 yards. Maybe that last 25-yard strike will shake him into rhythm. Been late and behind on throws all day. But #Broncos lead 13-9 at half because of 3 FGs and 2 safeties. First time had two safeties in a game since 1982. — Renck

Make-up play (3:45 p.m.): After looking like he dropped a pass from Bo Nix, Josh Reynolds a 25-yard pass from Nix to give Denver the first down. — Nguyen

Just off target (3:45 p.m.): Everything over the middle from Bo Nix so far has been behind the receiver. Again there to Reynolds. — Gabriel

Rookie jitters (3:42 p.m.): Throughout that defensive possession for the Broncos, Jarrett Stidham was talking with Nix on the bench. Looked like he was trying to impart on Nix to settle down. Davis Webb there, too. — Gabriel

No safety (3:41 p.m.): If you were hoping for a third safety on third-and-long at the Seahawks 1, you will come away disappointed. Still, the Broncos have a shot at more points if they can get this punt near midfield. — Schubert

Slow getting up (3:41 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper jogging off slowly after last play. Was favoring his right leg. But appears OK. — Renck

Sacked (3:38 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper with his second sack of the game. He was serious when he said he wanted 10 or more sacks this season. — McFadden

Cooper on pace for 34 sacks this year. #WayTooEarlyStats — Nguyen

Rough debut (3:37 p.m.): And just like that, Nix threw the ball into a defender’s chest and nearly had his second interception of the game. — McFadden

Well, the Bo Nix “almost picked” counter is now at 4 after another sloppy throw. — Schubert

Nix is playing awful. Should have 3 or 4 picks. But defense playing with hair on fire. Compensating for the offensive ineptitude, save for Geno Smith’s 34-yard run. — Renck

Momentum building? (3:34 p.m.): See if that 17-yard completion on the run from Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton settles the QB in a bit. Nice play to keep the drive moving. — Gabriel

Bo Nix with his first big play of the game, a scrambling third-down completion to Courtland Sutton. Broncos are in business. — Schubert

41 years (3:31 p.m.): Last time Broncos had two safeties in a game was Jan. 2, 1983. They had safeties by Boyd and Chavous. They lost 13-11 to Seattle in Kingdome. — Renck

This might be weirdest half of football I’ve covered in my life. — McFadden

10 the hard way (3:29 p.m.): Broncos have 10 points on two FGs — set up by an INT and a muffed punt — and two safeties. A resplendent start for Vance Joseph’s defense. — Gabriel

The safety dance (3:27 p.m.): Make that two safeties for Denver today. Broncos 10, Seahawks 9. — Nguyen

Yes, ANOTHER, safety. Zach Allen busts through the line and drops the Seattle running back right at the goal line. What a half for the defensive line. — Schubert

No worries? (3:27 p.m.): Not sure whether to be encouraged that the Broncos are still in this game despite the QB looking this shaky, or discouraged that they aren’t winning with the defense looking (mostly) this good. — Schubert

Perfection (3:26 p.m.): Riley Dixon with the perfect pitching wedge punt. Pins Seattle at 1-yard line. #Broncos best offense is their defense. Time for another safety, it appears. — Renck

The play that set up the safety ⬇️

📺: CBS
pic.twitter.com/wpHYC3DODZ

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 8, 2024

Bo struggles (3:24 p.m.): Bo Nix could easily have four picks right now. Sean Payton desperately needs his run game to show up, because the rookie quarterback is struggling. — Schubert

Bo Nix looks spooked every time he drops back. — McFadden

We’ve seen some bouts of inaccuracy from Bo Nix in camp, especially over the middle, but not by these kind of margins.

Rough outing so far for the Broncos rookie QB. — Gabriel

Touchdown, Seahawks (3:18 p.m.): Geno Smith with nifty run and shoulder fake to race 34 yards for score. Seattle leads 9-8 as crowd breaks into “Geno!!!” Two-point conversion fails. — Renck

As well as this Broncos defense has played, they’re down by one in the second quarter.

P.J. Locke has got to make that tackle on Geno Smith in the open field. — Schubert

Rhythm in Seattle (3:17 p.m.): Geno Smith finding a little rhythm now. Metcalf over the middle and back-shouder to Lockett against Moss. Seahawks are moving. — Gabriel

Gnarly tackle (3:17 p.m.): Baron Browning goes Simone Biles on the tackle, flipping upside down to get assist on a tackle. That is a big man going head over heels. — Renck

Baron Browning just tried to do a Canadian Destroyer to Kenneth Walker III. — Nguyen

Three more (3:10 p.m.): Despite starting on Seattle’s 9-yard line, Denver couldn’t move the ball in the red zone. A 30-yard field goal gives the Broncos an 8-3 lead. — Nguyen

More conservative play-calling from Sean Payton. Two straight runs to start this drive inside the Seattle 15 gain only a couple of yards. And then third down falls incomplete after Bo Nix tries to squeeze a ball into Courtland Sutton in double coverage. — Schubert

Nix was on time and on target in preseason. Pressure is different in regular season. Nix feeling heat … mechanics are off. He has been late on multiple throws. Last pass was so bad it didn’t get picked off. Caught a break.

Payton is trying to protect Nix with conservative play calling. But playing this safe is playing to lose. Going to have to have somebody make a play in red zone because, and you all know, field goals lose road games. — Renck

Muffed punt (3:06 p.m.): Seattle muffs the punt. Denver gets the ball on the Seattle 9. — Nguyen

And now we’ve got a muffed punt for the Seahawks. Broncos ball inside the Seattle 10-yard line, but a false start moves them back right off the bat. Seattle is serving this game on a platter. Can Denver take it? — Schubert

Safety (3:02 p.m.): A holding call on Seattle from their own 1-yard line gives the Broncos a safety. Broncos 5, Seahawks 3. — Nguyen

The Broncos defensive line has been the star of the game so far. D.J. Jones’ push forces a hold in the end zone and a safety. What a start for Vance Joseph’s crew. — Schubert

Lesson learned (2:58 p.m.): Bo Nix gets his first rookie lesson. Don’t do that. — Schubert

Bo Nix makes first mistake … drifted in pocket … threw off back foot. Ball floated into double coverage and was easily picked. Sutton had no chance. If going to make that throw, have to step up and drive ball. Nix also got hit on play. But it was a bad decision. No way around it. — Renck

Sean Payton hated the way the Broncos played in the red zone last year — and was particularly frustrated with Russell Wilson’s production in that department. Two first-half trips so far today: A field goal and a Bo Nix INT. — Gabriel

First-quarter analysis — Broncos 3, Seahawks 3

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Dink, dunk, dink, dunk.

Bo Nix is 6/9 for 21 yards. Broncos have just two first downs. Vance Joseph’s defense has been really good so far.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s defense has looked solid. The Broncos held Seattle to 38 total yards and 0 for 3 on third down. Broncos have done well from a pass rush standpoint, as Bonitto, Allen, Cooper and Jones were able to get to Smith.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: Broncos looking to make this a rockfight. Defense playing with aggression and purpose. Offense has been conservative with no deep strikes. Going to have to hit one to win this game.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: The defense is doing what it needs to give Bo Nix a shot in his first NFL start. Javonte Williams has shown some early burst. and Nix has been fine. More Devaughn Vele. Less Lil’Jordan Humphrey, please.

First-quarter updates

Aired out (2:51 p.m.): OK, so maybe there’s a reason why Bo’s been so conservative. His first deep pass SAILS and is nearly picked. — Schubert

Challenge good (2:49 p.m.): Sean Payton rightfully challenges that spot and wins. We’ve got a drive going for Denver. — Schubert

Bo’s legs (2:47 p.m.): Pretty sure Bo Nix hasn’t throw a pass that’s traveled farther than 8 yards downfield so far today. That being said, that spot was absolutely horrific. Nix clearly got a first down on that scramble and dove forward. — Schubert

Tied up (2:42 p.m.): A seven-play, 46-yard Seattle drive leads to FG.. Game tied at 3. Bonitto roughing the passer wasn’t egregious, but it cost the Broncos 3 points. — Renck

Broncos get the Seahawks off the field with a defensive back blitz. Plenty of pressure from the pass rush early on. Very encouraging sign. — Schubert

Joseph’s showing all kinds of stuff early. Got Bonitto as a free-runner on that third down. Impressive stuff from the defense overall and the front in particular.

Also an encouraging start from Riley Moss. He’s feisty and not afraid to play in the run game. — Gabriel

Shadow (2:40 p.m.): Pat Surtain II’s been traveling with DK Metcalf so far. Good-on-good matchup there. — Gabriel

A first (2:35 p.m.): Alex Singleton’s interception was his first in a Broncos uniform and first since Dec. 26, 2021 when he played for Philadelphia. — Gabriel

Dropped (2:33 p.m.): Lil’Jordan Humphrey drops Nix’s pass attempt on third down, forcing the Broncos to punt. The ball was placed perfectly in Humphrey’s hands but he couldn’t secure the grab. — McFadden

Defensive numbers (2:31 p.m.): After three possessions, the Broncos have one sack, one turnover, three quarterback hits and two pass deflections.

Oh, and two tackles for a loss. — Schubert

Pass-rush strong early (2:29 p.m.): Zach Allen loves playing with JFM. Teams can’t pay so much attention to him and he took advantage, there, pressuring Geno Smith on third-and-long. — Gabriel

The Broncos pass rush has shown up in a big way early on. — Schubert

Defense rolling (2:27 p.m.): Nik Bonitto rocking his new number 15 gets the tackle. And there’s a hold on the play. Seahawks offense finding tough sledding. Riley Moss gets tackle for loss. Looked like he was bulldogging in rodeo arena. — Renck

Defensive switch (2:25 p.m.): Devon Key in the game at safety with Locke for the second series.

Sean Payton indicated Friday that Brandon Jones might be on something of a limited workload given he missed most of camp with a hamstring injury. — Gabriel

Three-and-out (2:22 p.m.): Three pass attempts, three completions for Bo Nix on his second drive. Unfortunately the Broncos only gained 5 yards. A punt back to Seattle. — Nguyen

Through two series, Bo Nix is 3/4 for 5 yards and the Broncos have gone three-and-out twice. Long way to go, obviously, but playing in the regular season is a lot different than the preseason. — Gabriel

For historians: On first and 10 from 35, Bo Nix completed first pass to Jaleel McLaughlin on rollout right for two yards. He followed with a short pass that went for minus-1 yard. But he already has more completions than John Elway had in his opening debut in 1983. Elway went 1-for-8 and was benched. But Broncos won. — Renck

Sean Payton and Co. aren’t doing a lot to dispel the notion that Bo Nix doesn’t throw the ball down the field. We’re two possessions in and nothing past the sticks. — Schubert

Money well earned (2:18 p.m.): That is why you pay Pat Surtain II. First time Seahawks go to D.K. Metcalf, Surtain knocks it away. Looks like Surtain is following top receiver today. Will see if that holds. — Renck

This just in: Pat Surtain II is good. — Gabriel

Pat Surtain II once again shows why you pay him the big bucks. — McFadden

Encourage defense (2:15 p.m.): Looking forward to seeing what Denver’s defense does after forcing a turnover to start the game. The Broncos needed to improve on their pass rush. Jones and Cooper getting to the quarterback on back-to-back plays is a encouraging sign. — McFadden

CU sighting (2:14 p.m.): Former CU receiver Laviska Shenault took that kick return for the Seahawks. Seattle will start on the 27-yard line. — Nguyen

Field goal (2:11 p.m.): Broncos take a 3-0 lead after Wil Lutz’s 35-yard field goal attempt. Broncos 3, Seahawks 0. — McFadden

Javonte Williams slips on second play and Bo Nix incompletion brings out FG team.. Thought we were going to see tush push with Riley Dixon, but was used only to try and draw Seattle offsides. Didn’t work. Lutz with short FG. #Broncos lead 3-0 w 12:36 remaining in half. Really needed to steal 7 there. But a lead is a lead. — Renck

Broncos go three-and-out after a 9-yard run on first down.

Nix *maybe* could have tried to pick up third-and-2 with his legs, but instead Denver settles for a FG.

Red zone always critical and the first trip there this fall is an unsatisfying one. — Gabriel

And picked (2:08 p.m.): More pressure from the Broncos’ front line and he throws a dart straight into Alex Singleton’s hands. Broncos ball. — Nguyen

START US OFF, @alexsingleton49!

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/8pdkaMf01S

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 8, 2024

Jonathon Cooper with sack on first play. On second play, Alex Singleton with interception as DJ Jones wrapped up Smith. Huge start for Denver. — Renck

Sacked (2:07 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper records the first sack of the season for Denver. A 7-yard loss for Seattle. — Nguyen

Coin toss (2:03 p.m.): Broncos have all six captains at midfield for the coin toss.

Pat Surtain calls tails and it is. Denver defers to the second half. — Gabriel

It’s about that time. Anthem singer had false start. Started before PA was done talking. And pretty sure there will be an illegal formation called as well.

Broncos win toss and will kick. Will see new-look defense first. The Broncos beefed up their DLine to improve their run defense. But there are questions in secondary. This will be debut of foursome Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, Riley Moss and Pat Surtain II. — Renck

Pre-game updates

Weather (1:52 p.m.): 73 degrees, mostly cloudy, 7 mph wind and 72% humidity as we approach kickoff. Peak PNW. — Gabriel

Countdown (1:19 p.m.): Broncos are on the field for warmups with 47 minutes on the clock before kickoff. Sean Payton’s on the sideline chatting with owners Carrie Walton Penner and Greg Penner. — Gabriel

Broncos inactives (12:36 p.m.): TE Lucas Krull, WR Troy Franklin, DL Eyioma Uwazurike, RB Blake Watson, CB Kris Abrams-Draine and OL Frank Crum. Zach Wilson is listed as the emergency third quarterback. — McFadden

Only surprise on the inactives from my point of view is maybe Kris Abrams-Draine. He was a special teams regular in camp. But Levi Wallace is healthy after missing a big chunk of camp and slots in as the next CB up behind Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss. — Gabriel

Good morning from the Pacific Northwest (12:18 p.m.): It’s hazy but dry here in Seattle. Bo Nix was out on the field with Jarrett Stidham a little more than two hours before kickoff. Intriguing opener here both considering Nix is making his regular-season debut and that the Seahawks feature a new head coach and new coordinators on both sides of the ball. — Gabriel

Scouting report (11 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Seahawks in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Seahawks 17, Broncos 16

The Broncos have lost their last two season openers by this score, including one at Lumen Field. So why not another? OK, that’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but this has the feel of a feel-out game. Denver is trying to learn what it has in Bo Nix, and Seattle is going out under head coach Mike Macdonald for the first time. The Broncos cover, but start 0-1 for a fifth time in six years.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Seahawks 21, Broncos 20

History will not be on Bo Nix’s side on Sunday. Rookie quarterbacks are 0-7-1 in Week 1 in the last five seasons. Nix will put up modest numbers in his debut but it won’t be enough to beat the Seahawks in a hostile environment. Mike Macdonald earns his first win as a head coach but Denver will leave Seattle optimistic about Nix’s ability as a starter.

Troy Renck, columnist: Seahawks 23, Broncos 20

The Broncos have been energized by young players and rookie quarterback Bo Nix. There is every reason to believe they will use their underdog status to overachieve this season. It just won’t be in the opener at Seattle. Too many numbers suggest that even if Nix plays well, the Broncos will lose.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Seahawks 23, Broncos 20

Welcome to the Big Show, Bo Nix! For all the chatter about Seattle tailback Kenneth Walker III vs. the Broncos’ run defense, that’s not what nags you. What nags you is what happens when Geno Smith realizes he’s got DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett or Smith-Njigba isolated 1-on-1 against Riley Moss. Or just starts looking for wherever Moss happens to be and decides he’ll take his chances. If the Broncos hold up their end at CB2, they can hang. But that’s a massive, Godzilla-sized “if.” Especially when you can’t hear yourself think.

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