After trading for perennial Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos are thinking they have a real shot at contending for a spot in Super Bowl LVII.
They seemed to bolster their hopes by also acquiring pass rusher Randy Gregory and defensive tackle D.J. Jones.
They will join a defense that was already third in points allowed last season.
The AFC West is shaping up to be a battle, but some are already penciling in the Broncos as the best team in the division, and maybe even the entire conference.
Here are three bold predictions we feel will come to pass this upcoming season for the Broncos.
3. Wilson Will Have A Great Bounce-Back Year And Perhaps Be In The MVP Conversation
It’s easy to forget that in 2020, Wilson had an MVP-caliber year, passing for 4,212 yards and 40 touchdowns while posting a gaudy 105.1 passer rating.
But more and more, he felt his game was being stifled by Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who was increasingly relying on the running game instead of letting Wilson dictate things with his arm.
Pete Carroll's ideal game is when his RBs run for 150 yards, his defense gets 2 takeaways, they punt & kick well & his QB has 23 att
how many times in NFL history has a HC ran a 9x Pro Bowler & Super Bowl Champion QB out of town because he didn't want to throw the ball? https://t.co/T7oLZ0xsFl
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 16, 2022
It all starts with mindset and attitude for athletes, and perhaps a change in scenery will reinvigorate Wilson and give him a new sense of purpose.
In addition, a new coaching staff and offensive philosophy could make better use of his skills and talents.
Remarkable stat. @DangeRussWilson was a 9-time Pro Bowler in that conservative #Seahawks offense. Can you imagine what he will be able to do with a coach/scheme that removes the training wheels? Can’t wait for this season! #Broncos https://t.co/20qSwDgKXp pic.twitter.com/pXTMqm8d5t
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) March 10, 2022
2. The Broncos Will Make Another Significant Move
It may behoove president of football operations John Elway to look to acquire a top-flight wide receiver to really put his team over the top.
Sure, the Broncos may not have the most trade capital around, but a team must give something up in order to get a player who will be a difference-maker.
Looking around the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders have just acquired Davante Adams, the Los Angeles Chargers have Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, while the Kansas City Chiefs boast Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce.
Elsewhere in the conference, one will find the likes of Stefon Diggs, Ja’Marr Chase and Amari Cooper.
Will Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick get the job done to full satisfaction for Denver at wide receiver?
1. The Broncos Will Not Reach The Super Bowl
They will certainly have a shot, but the division, not to mention the conference as a whole is simply too strong.
The Chargers should be much improved defensively, the Raiders are looking like a force to be reckoned with, the Buffalo Bills are stacked and the Cincinnati Bengals are very potent.
Yes, the Broncos could finish first in the AFC West, but they could also conceivably finish fourth, and one could argue the latter has a greater likelihood of happening than the former.
One of the great things about the NFL, unlike say, the NBA, is that as many as a dozen teams feel they could reach the big game each season.
But there can be only one, and the Broncos may not be that one right away.
NEXT: Broncos Are Better Off With Russell Wilson Over Aaron Rodgers
