Broncos (3-6) at Seahawks (6-2)
8:20 p.m. ET, ESPN
Line: Seahawks by 5½
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Joe Theismann's Sunday night spotlight
Focal Point: Shanahan vs. Holmgren

Why to watch:
The Seahawks are off to their best start in franchise history. The Broncos are not. Seattle is above .500 at midseason for only the fifth time in its 24 seasons, and the 6-2 start matches the franchise's standard set in 1984. However, Denver has won six straight in this AFC West series, and the Broncos are coming off a 33-17 victory at San Diego.

Seattle, which has won three straight, has struggled against divisional opponents in its recent history, so you can bet Mike Holmgren will be intent on making a statement here against the two-time Super Bowl champions. This is also Holmgren's first meeting with Mike Shanahan since Super Bowl XXXII.

All eyes at the Kingdome will be on Joey Galloway -- even though the speedy Seahawks receiver might not even play. After ending his 100-day holdout, Galloway finally reported Tuesday morning. Although Galloway insists he's ready to see action Sunday night, Holmgren has kept his status a mystery -- perhaps to keep the Broncos guessing. Holmgren has said he wants Galloway on the field "as soon as possible," although the coach also says he will "fight the urge" to play Galloway too soon. Our best guess is to expect to see No. 84 used sparingly in some four-receiver sets.

Who to watch:
Broncos QB Chris Miller, who made his first start last week since 1995, will again be the man under center while Brian Griese recovers from a shoulder injury and Bubby Brister remains hobbled with damaged cartilage in his knees. Broncos WR Rod Smith might be the emergency backup if Griese and Brister both can't go.

Broncos rookie RB Olandis Gary ran for 108 yards last week at San Diego, ending the Chargers' streak of 27 consecutive games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Denver will try to establish Gary early. Broncos WR Ed McCaffrey is questionable to return from his knee injury. Broncos DT Trevor Pryce is second in the AFC with seven sacks. He and DE Maa Tanuvasa will challenge Seahawks LG Pete Kendall and LT Walter Jones.

Seahawks QB Jon Kitna has thrown seven TD passes in his last three starts. He's happy to have the speedy Galloway back, although WRs Derrick Mayes and Sean Dawkins have excelled in Holmgren's ball-control attack. Seahawks RB Ricky Watters has put together back-to-back 100-yard games, and he scored Seattle's first rushing touchdown of the season last week.

Seahawks DT Cortez Kennedy has returned to his dominating style of the early 1990s. However, Kennedy and Seattle's defensive front might miss DE Michael Sinclair, who's doubtful with a groin injury, and DT Sam Adams, who's questionable with a knee injury. Seahawks CBs Willie Williams and Shawn Springs have combined for seven interceptions.

Broncos' numbers to know:
Miller did not throw an interception last week and completed 14 of 24 passes in a very conservative offense. The game plan this week probably calls for Miller to attempt less than 25 passes again and for Gary to get around 30 carries. Remember, Terrell Davis pounded the Seahawks for 386 yards in two '98 meetings. Then again, Gary is not Terrell Davis.

INJURY REPORT

Broncos: OUT: T Tony Jones (elbow); TE Shannon Sharpe (clavicle). DOUBTFUL: DT Mike Lodish (calf); RB Derek Loville (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: QB Bubby Brister (ribs-knee); QB Brian Griese (shoulder); WR Ed McCaffrey (knee). PROBABLE: CB Ray Crockett (hip); RB Olandis Gary (toe); DT Harald Hasselbach (eye); C K.C. Jones (knee); C Tom Nalen (knee); DT Trevor Pryce (knee); DE Montae Reagor (knee); LB Bill Romanowski (ankle); G Mark Schlereth (ankle); DT Keith Traylor (calf); CB Chris Watson (ankle). Seahawks: OUT: LB DeShone Myles (knee). DOUBTFUL: DE Michael Sinclair (groin). QUESTIONABLE: DT Sam Adams (knee).

Seahawks' numbers to know:
The Seahawks might want to change their name to the ball-hawks because their defense has forced an NFL-leading 24 turnovers. Seattle also leads the league with 19 interceptions, with 10 different players making at least one pick. The Seahawks are plus-11 in turnover margin after finishing 1998 with a mark of plus-8.

What it means:
Seattle has a one-game lead over the Chiefs for the AFC West lead, and the Seahawks will look to establish themselves as the division's new team to beat. With six losses already, the Broncos are probably out of the playoff race, but Denver could become a big spoiler in the divisional race.

This one also will provide some idea of what Galloway's return will mean to Seattle. Will he make a streaking team even better and flourish in Holmgren's offense? Or will he upset the chemistry Holmgren has established over the first nine weeks? Stay tuned.

Sean Salisbury's breakdown
Broncos' game plan:
Gary is running hard, and the Broncos will try to establish him on the ground. Miller, who played college football at Oregon, will be pumped up to play back in the Pacific Northwest. This game will hinge on the Broncos' ability to protect Miller. He got a feel for the game again last week. Statistically, he wasn't awesome, but he made enough plays to win. He will have that chance again this week.

		Thu, November 11 Now that Joey Galloway has ended his holdout and joined the Seahawks, there will be tremendous pressure on him, not Mike Holmgren. The Seahawks coach doesn't need to play Galloway. There are several questions about Galloway that still need to be answered: Will he be able to do the things Holmgren wants him to do? Is he just showing up because he wants to be a free agent or does he wants to contribute to the team? Will he be more of distraction on a team without stars or an addition to help the offense become even more potent? Those questions will be answered in time. My first thought is that Joey Galloway is joining the team only to take care of Joey Galloway, but that won't fly. The first thing he needs to understand is that Seattle doesn't really need him.

Seattle will come after Miller hard. The Broncos can't have Miller getting pounded because Griese and Brister are both hurt. Miller has a good arm and can make good decisions. If the Broncos protect him, he can make some accurate throws. Coach Mike Shanahan will empty the backfield with five receivers, run some slants and take some chances downfield against Seattle.

If they use a variety of formations, the Broncos must hope they can control Kennedy up front. They can't just rely on maximum protection, though. They will split out a speed back like John Avery and flex the tight end to spread out the defense and put them Seattle a bind. Shanahan likes to get players out in their routes. For that to happen, he will have to sacrifice maximum protection at times. The pressure will be on left tackle Trey Teague, who will be filling in for injured starter Tony Jones.

The Broncos defense, which hasn't tackled well, needs to stop Watters first and foremost. If the Broncos play a soft zone, the Seahawks are good enough to hammer the Broncos defensive line up front. Denver is in a precarious situation defensively: I would expect the Broncos to concentrate on the run, but Kitna has proven he can make a defense pay for playing eight men near the line of scrimmage.

Broncos defensive coordinator Greg Robinson is astute at changing defenses. Cornerback Dale Carter gives the Broncos some freedom to play man-to-man coverage. The Seahawks don't have much speed at receiver, especially if Galloway doesn't play, but Mayes and Dawkins are good possession receivers. Denver should make the Seahawks beat them with their lack of speed, instead of just letting them control the ball with their patient attack.

Seahawks' game plan:
Galloway probably won't be a factor this week after ending his holdout. Holmgren will make Galloway earn his time back on the field. Kitna is having an outstanding year. He is making smart decisions and is accurate with his intermediate passing. Holmgren will run Watters to establish the pass, but Kitna is learning quickly that he won't be in positions to fail.

Holmgren will run delay and option routes, getting receivers to open areas against zone coverage. Kitna has been able to find the open man. The Seahawks don't feel they have to go the distance with one home-run pass. They will be patient and move the ball down the field.

For the Seahawks defense, they need to hit Miller as many times as they can. They won't just rush three or four linemen and allow Miller to pick them apart. He is still starting over again, trying to recognize defenses in the heat of battle after a long layoff. The Chargers hit him a few times, something the Seahawks must do with more frequency. They will bring linebackers or safeties and corners from the slot to make Miller force his throws. The Seahawks need not just sacks, but constant pressure.

Pivotal Player:
Miller. The onus is on him to perform on the road in a hostile environment. It will be important for him to make good decisions and enough plays. If not, the Broncos could be out of the game in the first quarter.