Good Morning, Broncos fans! The 2014 NFL season picked up right where the prior one left off - with Seattle delivering a decisive blowout on national television.
This time, it was NFCN favorite Green Bay on the receiving end of the Seahawks' physicality, to the tune of a 36-16 outcome.
Russell Wilson, entering his third season, showed off a more divere offense and threw two touchdown passes.
Marshawn Lynch rushed for another two, and the versatile Percy Harvin added 110 yards from scrimmage.
Aaron Rodgers was held to 175 net passing yards and one score, and he never even bothered challenging Richard Sherman.
Sherman and his secondary mates weren't hindered by the league's emphasis on contact penalties, but the Seattle defense did miss a slew of tackles.
Green Bay right tackle Bryan Bulaga left with a knee injury, and his replacement, Derek Sherrod, had a disastrous night.
Packers running back Eddie Lacy suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter.
As well as the night went for Seattle, there are many reasons their season appears to be doomed.
Broncos
Ben Garland's ankle injury will keep him out for at least two weeks.
Troy Renck retraces Sly Williams's remarkable path to pro football.
It may seem a bit much for these Broncos to talk about reviving the Orange Crush, but how else to reach such heights but by aiming high?
Colts
The Colts have a chance of getting starting center Khaled Holmes back, as he's practiced on a limited basis for two straight days.
Indy is expected to work out former Detroit running back Mikel Leshoure.
With Robert Mathis suspended, Indy will turn to Bjoern Werner to supply a pass rush; Tom Gower doesn't see them taking down Peyton Manning.
News
Per reports, the next drug policy might have spared Wes Welker and Josh Gordon from their current suspensions.
In the wonderful news department, HOFer Jim Kelly is cancer-free, and the Bengals did Devon Still a real solid as his young daughter wages her own cancer battle.
Oakland will pay $1.25M in back pay to settle the lawsuit brought against them by former cheerleaders.
The details of Alex Smith's contract suggest he'll be in Kansas City through at least the 2016 season (we'd earlier said it was a two-year deal).
Previews/Predictions
Bill Barnwell could see the Broncos winning the AFCW even if Brock Osweiler is at the helm for the entire season.
Brian Burke's data says the Broncos are a 74% favorite on Sunday night; Jeff Legwold and the Times are also picking Denver.
FO's consensus pick is Denver over Green Bay in SB 49; only one writer at TBL has Denver making the SB, and they're split on whether the Broncos will cover on Sunday night.
Andrew Healy thinks Denver will again go 13-3, but sees them losing to Pittsburgh in the divisional round.
Team Previews: NFC squads (Robert Mays); Philly and Dallas (Drew Magary).