week 1 @ Oakland
Win - the game tonight will tell a lot about the 2019 Broncos. The offense has been under wraps in the preseason - how effective will the Broncos offense be under new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello? How will Joe Flacco do after very limited action in the preseason? How will the offensive line hold up? Will it be better under new offensive line coach Mike Munchak? The offense has the biggest questions marks.
On defense there's no doubt the Broncos pass rush will be good, with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb forming the best pass rush duo in the league. The inside linebackers are a question mark. I'll be watching how the Broncos limit the Raiders running game. Forcing the Raiders to pass, with the Broncos strong rush and good secondary and with Raider QB Derek Carr prone to mistakes, will be the key to the defense tonight.
I initially was going to call this game a Raider win (it'll be a tough environment tonight with this being the last season opener in Oakland before the move to Las Vegas next year). And the Raiders are a stronger team this year with adding players from three first round draft picks and some key free agent signings. But with the Antonio Brown circus in the past week I now pick the Broncos. The Raiders will miss Brown in their passing attack.
week 2 Chicago
Win - the Bears almost made the Super Bowl last year so this will be another good test. The Broncos are always tough to beat at home, though, and Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky was shaky in the season opener. I think former Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will come up with a good game plan to beat his former team.
week 3 @ Green Bay
Loss - It's tough to beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in Lambeau.
week 4 Jacksonville
Win - This game got a lot easier with Jaguars starting QB Nick Foles out for a few weeks with a broken collar bone. Jacksonville has a good defense, but Vic Fangio's Bronco defense should shut the Jaguars down with the Broncos offense producing enough points for the win.
week 5@ Los Angeles
Loss - The Broncos had a surprise win here last season. Not this year.
week 6 Tennessee
Win - This will be one of those swing home games. Tennessee on paper is probably the better team, but I think the home field advantage gives the Broncos the win.
week 7 Kansas City
Loss - The home field won't save the Broncos this year against the Chiefs. I do expect a close game like the Broncos gave the Chiefs last year.
week 8 @ Indianapolis
Loss - Historically the Broncos have never played well in Indianapolis. The Colts have a strong team even with the loss of QB Andrew Luck.
week 9 Cleveland
Win - The Broncos lost at home to the Browns last year. Not this year.
week 10 Bye
week 11 @ Minnesota
Loss - this along with the Green Bay game will be the Broncos toughest road test out of the division. I hope I'm wrong with this pick as this is the game I will be in attendance for my annual Bronco road trip.
week 12 @ Buffalo
Win - another swing game. Playing a late season game in Buffalo is always difficult. I'm betting on Vic Fangio's Bronco defense getting some turnovers against the inexperienced Bills QB Josh Allen
week 13 Los Angeles
Win - a big victory against a tough divisional opponent keeps the Broncos in the playoff race.
week 14 @ Houston
Loss
week 15 @ Kansas City
Loss
Two difficult late season road games knock the Broncos out of playoff contention.
16 Detroit
Win
17 Oakland
Win
The Broncos close out the season on a high note with two wins against weaker opponents.
Overall record: 9 wins 7 losses, no playoffs but signs of improvement heading into 2020.
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