2017 Record - 5-11-0
Head Coach - Vance Joseph
2017 Offensive Ranking - 17th (324 ypg, 18.1 points per game)
2017 Defensive Ranking - 3rd (290 ypg, 23.9 points allowed per game)
OFFENSE - The Broncos will have a new quarterback in town this season as Case Keenum comes over from the Minnesota Vikings after a dream season in which he threw for 3,547 yards along with 22 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions. Paxton Lynch will be the backup.
The running game is also getting an overhaul as Devontae Booker (299 yards, one TD), De'Angelo Henderson and third round pick Royce Freeman (Oregon) will carry the ball this season following the release of C.J. Anderson, who led the team in rushing last year.
Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are the top wide receivers again this season. Thomas had 83 receptions for 949 yards and five touchdowns last season while Sanders grabbed 47 passes for 555 yards and two scores. The tight ends are Jeff Heuerman (9, 142, two TD) and Jake Butt. Rookie draft picks Courtland Sutton (SMU), DaeSean Hamilton (Penn State) and tight end Troy Fumagalli (Wisconsin) will look to make an impact as well.
DEFENSE - Linebackers Von Miller (ten QB sacks) and Brandon Marshall (three sacks) lead the way for this top flight unit, which was third in the NFL a year ago, giving up just 290 yards, including a meager 89 rushing yards per game. Derek Wolfe, Domata Peko and Shelby Harris (5 1/2 sacks) man the front line.
Look for first round pick Bradley Chubb (North Carolina State) to make an impact on the end spot/outside linebacker. He should be a big help as an edge rusher to aid Miller.
Darian Stewart had three interceptions and Chris Harris had two picks and head up the secondary.
OUTLOOK - After finishing in the basement of the AFC West last season, Broncos Head Coach Vance Joseph will look to the new faces on offense to make an immediate impact as they seek to get back to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
Quarterback Case Keenum will be the key after a huge season with Minnesota, in which he helped lead them to the NFC Championship Game. The new running backs will have to prove themselves to help take the pressure off the passing game.
The defense is solid and should be even better with rookie Chubb coming on board to help All-Pro linebacker Von Miller put the heat on opposing quarterbacks.
The division is a tough one as Kansas City, the Los Angeles Chargers and Oakland all have the means to win the crown. Denver has to score more this year as only four other teams scored less in the 2017 season. The reality for this season is likely no playoffs again and a struggle to get out of the division cellar. Look for a 6-10 finish this season.
2018 TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. Seattle
Week 2 - vs. Oakland
Week 3 - at Baltimore
Week 4 - vs. Kansas City
Week 5 - at NY Jets
Week 6 - vs. LA Rams
Week 7 - at Arizona
Week 8 - at Kansas City
Week 9 - vs. Houston
Week 10 - Bye
Week 11 - at LA Chargers
Week 12 - vs. Pittsburgh
Week 13 - at Cincinnati
Week 14 - at San Francisco
Week 15 - vs. Cleveland
Week 16 - at Oakland
Week 17 - vs. LA Chargers
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