If you haven’t read my article from August 27th on my predictions for this years Denver Broncos squad, then you can check it out here 👉 https://www.5280sportsgroup.com/post/the-2024-denver-broncos-the-dark-horse
It was hard to find anyone who believed we’d win more than 5.5 games let alone make the playoffs. I searched high and low, not even your biggest Broncos fan could see it. I believed the mix of Nix’s extensive college football experience, the low expectations/pressure environment that this team had going in this year, and an experienced head coach like Sean Payton was the perfect recipe for us to shock the league.
You might think shock the league is dramatic, but let me remind you:
After moving on from veteran and future hall of fame QB Russell Wilson, the Broncos took on an NFL record $85 million of dead cap space ($53m counted against this years cap). That alone can drown a team.
The Broncos are winning, and winning with rookies playing important positions & big minutes. Bo Nix, Vele, Estime, Kris Abrams-Draine, Troy Franklin, Jonah Elliss all have had their own big moments this season to help this team. 4 of those rookies are starting. Not to mention the non rookies having pro bowl seasons like Bonitto leading a team that leads the league in sacks. Mims who’s emerged as one of the deadliest weapons in the NFL in the 2nd half of the season. Also with Riley Moss is in his 2nd season and had an outstanding year opposite the DPOY PS2. One of the biggest reasons people counted this team out before the first snap of the regular season was because of our youth. From a team that’s too “immature with no talent” to the young team with a bright future and endless talent that is just being tapped into.
The Jobs Not Finished…
As Cortland Sutton pointed out, many think the Denver Broncos are satisfied with making it into the playoffs. Of course it’s a huge accomplishment to make it to the playoffs with everything against us, but now that we are in “it’s day by day, game by game”. I would be absolutely terrified to be playing this Broncos squad in these playoffs. We were a blocked FG away from taking down a fully stocked KC team and absolutely battled it out to the last second against a hot Cincinnati Bengals squad. We can beat any team any time any where. The Broncos struggled to score in the Russell Wilson era, only scoring 30+ points twice in 23’ yet still squeezing out a win over Josh Allen and the Bills in Buffalo 24-22. With the defense we have and the ability to actually put up points the Bills better show up ready to play their absolute best football. Because we’re here and we’re ready.
One thing I believe I missed out on in my preseason predictions for this season, especially when predicting and betting on us to make the playoffs, would be Sean Payton to win coach of the year. For all the same reasons it’s impressive to have made it this far (dead cap/young core etc.) are the reasons he deserves to win the award. There’s a lot of great candidates for the award this season including Washington’s Dan Quinn, but if you’re having this conversation without mentions SP then you’re probably one of the many who believed the Broncos wouldn’t win 6 games this season.
Sunday predictions.
DEN +8.5 -110
DEN ML +350
DEN 5 sacks +1400
Zach Allen sack +220 (favorite)
Von Miller +154
Nik Bonitto +104
Like you mentioned, the O/U 5.5 totals wins for the season was wild. I didn’t lay, but definitely should’ve. Another credit I’d like to give Payton is finding creative ways to utilize Mims, and that crowded backfield. Buffalo better not be looking past us, because if they are…we got them!
You're right no one expected Denever to be where they are. Pretty much faith and rookies getting it done. I love Bo Nix and I'm rooting for him. You guys will be very scary in the next couple of years. Give them more time to play together. I can't wait for you guys to handle the Chiefs every year lol
As a Bears fan, the Broncos’ turnaround stings a bit. They were a mess, trusted their young talent, and brought in a coach who actually knew what he was doing. Meanwhile, we’re still stuck figuring out if we even have the right pieces in place. It shows how much leadership can change everything.
Wow Tommy I’m here from twitter and I’ve seen your passion for the Broncos and this article helps me understand more this is for real your squad you are riding with very professional and good luck I’ve been more and more in belief that upset city will continue to take place even this wildcard weekend especially the team has great fans across the country a great coach and a good QB good luck today Denver Broncos Country
YERRRRR LEGS GO BROCOS