Over the past eight seasons, the Denver Broncos have failed to obtain a winning record, with the last one being in 2015 where they went 12-4. According to ESPN, they do not think the Broncos will be getting any better this season either, or any time soon.
In an article conducted by ESPN Senior Writer Mike Clay, Clay listed out his 2024 predictions, as well as power rankings and Super Bowl predictions. Within the power rankings, he lists the Denver Broncos as giving up the second-most points in the league (only ahead of the Arizona Cardinals).
At an astonishing 423 points, Clay not only thinks that the Broncos' defense will be horrific, but he also believes Denver will be amongst the bottom barrel of NFL teams, placing them in the 28th spot:
"This is a tough one considering a Sean Payton-led team has never won fewer than seven games," Clay wrote, "but Denver is among the bottom six on both sides of the ball and will need to hit the jackpot with rookie QB Bo Nix to get out of the basement in the AFC".
ESPN projects the #Broncos defense to allow 423 points this season, second-most in the NFL.
— Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) September 4, 2024
Denver surrendered 413 points in 2023. pic.twitter.com/bX2Nq4pTnl
Last season, the Broncos ranked 29th in total defense, 22nd in passing defense, and 30th in rushing defense. Of course, much of the current rankings largely take into account the team's performance from the season prior.
However, with the new extension of Pat Surtain II, the signing of LB Kristian Welch and adding PFF Preseason All-Rookie Jonah Elliss, the Broncos defense is looking much different compared to last season.
However, only time will tell if Denver's defense will surpass or meet expectations as the Broncos take on the Seahawks for their first game of the season on Sunday, September 8 at 4:05 PM EST.
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