Denver Broncos 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

The Denver Broncos finished 2017 at 5-11 and matched the franchise’s longest losing streak (eight). The Broncos signed free agent quarterback Case Keenum, who led the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship last season. Keenum threw 22 touchdown passes and seven interceptions for the Vikings in 2017.

The defense for the Broncos finished No. 22 in points allowed and sacks as they spent too much time on the field due to too many turnovers by the offense and the poor play of special teams.

Coach Vance Joseph returns for his second season, but with six new coaches. The Broncos goal is reach the playoffs for the first time in two seasons and avoid their first back to back losing seasons since 1972.

Denver started strong a season ago at 3-1, but finished 2-10. The passing attack or lack thereof was one of the biggest reasons why. The Broncos quarterbacks threw a combined 22 interceptions with only the Browns throwing more.

The Broncos hope to establish a running game giving Keenum more time in the pocket to throw. Keenum’s top two targets will be wide outs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Jake Butt or one of two rookie draft picks will see the most action at tight end and become Keenum’s option on third downs. Denver running back C.J. Anderson was released and the coaching staff is betting big on Devontae Booker. Just behind Booker is De’Angelo Henderson in the depth chart. However, rookie Royce Freeman may end up with plenty of action for his physical style of running.

The Broncos offensive line will feature the return of Garett Bolles at left tackle and Jared Veldheer at right tackle. Ron Leary will become the left guard, while Connor McGovern and three others will battle for the right guard position. Depth here is a big concern.

Not even the Denver defense could hold up to so much time spent on the field last season. The Broncos sacked the QB just 33 times or 19 less than in 2015 and were 22nd in points allowed, while forcing just 17 turnovers. Von Miller will be the leader of the defense and the linebacker/pass rusher will be the key to its success.

The Broncos pass rush should be better this season with the drafting of Bradley Chubb an outside linebacker. Shane Ray will help the front line. The Broncos need both Clinton McDonald, a free agent signing, and DeMarcus Walker to step up while Chubb becomes accustomed to the NFL game. Stopping the run begins with Domato Peko, but he needs help for the others.

The Denver secondary returns just Chris Harris from last season. Aqib Talib was traded and Bradley Roby is expected to see more time while veteran Tramaine Brock could be the nickel corner the defense needs. Justin Simmons has not reached star status at safety but is close. Su’a Cravens was acquired from Washington and the safety is expected to play as a “hybrid” linebacker and cover tight ends on a regular basis.