Denver Broncos<\/a>Team Preview\/Predictions
\n2011 Record: 8-8
\nATS Record: 7-9
\n2012 Broncos Futures
\nSuper Bowl Odds: 16\/1
\nConference Odds: 7\/1
\nAFC West Odds: 17\/10<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nNevertheless, this team went on an incredible run in the middle of last season a year ago, winning six in a row at one point, and putting themselves in position to secure a playoff spot. Actually going on to knock out the Pittsburgh Steelers, before having their run ended at the hands of Tom Brady and those dreaded Patriots.<\/p>\n
It was a wild ride for sure, and this season could be more of the same, as the Broncos head into the 2012 campaign beaming with confidence and optimism.<\/p>\n
Offense<\/h3>\n
Denver waved goodbye to heralded QB Tim Tebow as he “jetted” to New York, then turned around and acquired future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who was released by the Colts earlier in the off-season.<\/p>\n
While there was little debate that Manning would land in Mile High from the onset, the question remaining is how healthy he really is. But even if he remotely comes close to former self, the Broncos passing game is on course to be the best it’s been since John Elway led Denver to back-to-back Super bowls in 1998-99.<\/p>\n
That’s good, as the Broncos ranked 31st in passing in 2011, but led the league in rushing at 165 YPG, as Willis McGahee experienced a re-birth, running for 1,200 yards, and Tebow ran for 660 yards from the QB position.<\/p>\n
And while the rush may regress numbers wise, because they will actually pass the ball this season, the running game should be much more efficient as it breaks out from its one-dimensional mold. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n
Along with McGahee, the Broncos also return former first-round pick Knowshon Moreno, who will round out a solid two-pronged rushing attack.<\/p>\n
Defense<\/h3>\n
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Denver was just another AFC West team, with just another very mediocre defense.<\/p>\n
The Broncos lost several players on defense over the off-season, including a couple of DTs, a CB and S Brian Dawkins.<\/p>\n
The remaining unit however, still possesses the potential to be good with playmakers at all three levels, including Elvis Dumervil up front, D.J. Williams in the middle, and veteran Champ Bailey in the defensive backfield.<\/p>\n
If they each play up to their ability, the Denver defense should be a lot better in 2012.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no secret that with the addition of Manning, many feel that this team is the favorite to take the division.
\nThere really isn\u2019t much of a reason to dispute that train of thought.<\/p>\n
The Broncos were the team that went out and really tried to improve themselves this offseason, and if Manning is healthy, I expect those improvements land them Denver their first Conference Championship in 14 seasons.<\/p>\n
2012 Broncos Predictions<\/h3>\n
Place they\u2019ll finish in AFC West: 1st
\nPlace they\u2019ll finish in AFC Conference: 3rd<\/strong><\/p>\n