2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 8-9

It was a difficult first season in Denver for Sean Payton. The legendary head coach took over a team with Russell Wilson under center and did not click. The Broncos began 1-5, including a loss where the they gave up 70 points to the Miami Dolphins. Denver surprising got over .500 with a five-game winning streak. At 6-5, the Broncos were back in the mix for a Wild Card spot but lost four out of sox to end the season. Wilson was benched and is now in Pittsburgh. There is a new era in Denver for the Broncos.

2024 Denver Broncos Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: QB Bo Nix, WR Josh Reynolds, OT Matt Peart, OG Calvin Throckmorton, C Sean Mustipher

Key Losses: QB Russell Wilson, WR Jerry Jeudy, OT Cameron Fleming, C Lloyd Cushenberry

It will be a completely different looking offense for Payton this season. He clearly wanted to move on from Wilson and was able to do so late last season. The Broncos held a Top 15 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and used it on Oregon product Bo Nix. The rookie was named the starting quarterback and there is a new era in Denver.

Nix will have a thin group of receivers to work with this season. Courtland Sutton returns as the No. 1 option but the Broncos traded Jerry Jeudy after a lackluster tenure. This leaves Tim Patrick as the second option. The Broncos also feature Marvin Mims but he has yet to prove that he is anything other than a speed option.

The offensive line also features some major question marks, especially with the loss of Lloyd Cushenberry at center. Luke Wattenberg seems like the short-term option to replace Cushenberry in the middle. Quinn Meinertz is the best returning starters along the offensive line for the Broncos.

There is not many expectations for the Broncos this season as Payton continues to rebuild from the ground up. He believes he has his quarterback and if this is true, it is a major benefit early on.

Defense

Key Additions: DT John Franklin-Myers, DT Malcolm Roach, LB Cody Barton, S Brandon Jones

Key Losses: LB Josey Jewell, S Justin Simmons, S Kareem Jackson

In recent years, the Broncos have had their defense to lean back on. This was not the case last season as the group finished 29th in the league. It will not get much better this year as the defense, especially the secondary, lost some important pieces.

The Justin Simmons saga continue on for the Broncos and it led to him being a free agent. The secondary will be led by Patrick Surtain II, who is arguably the best cornerback in the league.

A lackluster secondary will look to get help from a strong pass rush. Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto combined for 16.5 sacks last season. The duo is expected to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks once again. Denver also added John Franklin-Myers from the New York Jets. This is a thin group along the interior but the line hopes to be able to get to the quarterback.

The Broncos had one of the best defenses in football over the years and are hoping to return to that production.

Schedule

Week 1: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 3: at Tampa Bay Bucs

Week 4: at New York Jets

Week 5: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Week 6: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 7: at New Orleans Saints

Week 8: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 9: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 11: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 12: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week 13: vs. Cleveland Browns – Monday Night Football

Week 14: BYE WEEK

Week 15: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 16: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 17: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 18: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Record Prediction: 5-12