In the 10th of a 32-part series, we will feature all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Today we will look at the Denver Broncos.
Key Off Season Acquisitions
There is no doubt the Denver Broncos made one of the most high profile transactions in the NFL during the offseason when they acquired nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks for three players and three draft picks. Wilson will be trying to follow in the footsteps of John Elway and Peyton Manning, and bring a Super Bowl to Denver.
On defense, the Broncos signed defensive ends D.J. Jones and Randy Gregory. Jones signed a three year contract worth $30 million from the San Francisco 49ers, and Gregory signed a five-year deal worth $70 million. The Broncos also signed cornerback K’Waun Williams from the 49ers to a two-year deal.
Fantasy Stars
There is a strong link between the Broncos’s offseason acquisitions and fantasy stars. The defense is ranked second in the NFL heading into the season, only behind the 49ers. However don’t forget that Jones and Williams were with San Francisco last year.
Meanwhile, Wilson is ranked sixth at quarterback. Last season he completed 259 passes in 400 attempts for 3113 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions. On the ground, he had 43 rushes for 183 yards and two touchdowns.
Prediction
The Broncos have a solid D and improved immensely at quarterback. Is it enough to compete against the big boys and win the AFC West? At first glance, the answer is no. The AFC West is loaded with the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers who are very formidable opponents. Remember the Seahawks had Wilson last year and could not make the playoffs with a record of seven wins and 10 losses. My pick here is a third place spot for Denver in the division.
