Denver Broncos Expectations Lowered After Two Losses? Not So Fast

Yesterday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers marked the second loss for the Denver Broncos. It also was the second time that the Broncos’ offense failed to perform and the first time I saw a Bronco fan base sell out to give up a great home field advantage.

One thing there is plenty of right now is Bronco bashing. Fans are worried and analysts are in a feeding frenzy.

But let’s not get carried away. The Broncos are 6-2 and have made it through what will probably end up the hardest games of the regular season.

Realistically, Bronco fans can expect at least four more wins (one against Washington, Oakland, and two against Kansas City). If anything, those are teams in which the Bronco defence alone could win against.

That leaves four games that are currently up in the air: San Diego, New York Giants, at Indy, and at Philly.

If the offense can find some footing, wins against the struggling Giants (just beat by the Chargers) and mediocre Eagles should be possible. Also, a resurgence in the offence could top a Chargers team that already lost at home to the Broncos.

This week’s game between the Colts and Patriots will tell a lot about the Colts’ true potential as they have few convincing victories and have yet to play an elite team.

After considering it all, it seems like a 12-4 final record is definitely possible for the Denver Broncos. While it does hinge on a revamped coaching effort and offensive production, don’t count this team out but rather getting a reality check midway through the season.

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Denver Broncos Week Four Fantasy Options

Along with you, I am a fantasy football fanatic. I started playing last year, won my league, and am off to a 3-0 start this year. I credit much of my success this year to some solid fantasy points from my Denver Broncos.

First, here is a brief list of the viable fantasy options on the Broncos along with the ESPN projected points:

• Kyle Orton (19)
• Knowshon Moreno (12)
• Correll Buckhalter (14)
• Brandon Marshall (7)
• Brandon Stokely (5)
• Eddie Royal (2)
• Jabar Gaffney (13)
• Tony Sheffler (0)
• Daniel Graham (9)
• Matt Prater (4)
• Broncos D/ST (6)

Now, I currently have Kyle Orton, Knowshon Moreno, Matt Prater, and the Broncos D/ST on my team and am starting all of them.

After watching the first three games, I feel like 19 points for Kyle Orton is a little high, but if history tells us anything, we can expect 300 yards and a touchdown from him.

ESPN credits the high projection to Dallas’ defense giving up yardage on the dump-offs the Broncos love to run. One other consideration is that Orton has been reported as playing without his glove so we could possibly see some deep balls and an overall better performance.

Moreno and Buckhalter should face a stronger run defense this week but I see both backs having at least 75 yards and a touchdown each. Both are decent flex plays this week.

The Broncos’ receivers have been nothing like what we all expected. With a new offensive scheme that spreads the ball around and the lack of a need to run the score up, Royal and Marshall have been major disappointments so far. This week I think the passing offense will perform well but it is near impossible to determine which receiver will get the touchdowns.

Tight ends have been most affected by the loss of Jay Cutler. Tony Sheffler and Daniel Graham have had two touchdowns and less than 150 yards combined. Graham is projected to get 9 points this weekend but unless you have a tight end with a bye, he’s not worth the start.

On the weekend following his award for AFC Special Teams Player of the Month, Matt Prater has been projected to score 4 points. This is a guy that has been a major victim of skepticism, but overall has been a productive kicker. If you agree that Denver will be able to move the ball, Prater is a decent option for a starter.

Lastly, I am very pleased with the Denver D/ST. This unit was upgraded in a major way this offseason and is still under the radar. Start ’em if you’ve got ’em.

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Denver Broncos’ Schedule Looking Softer After Three Games

Three weeks into the 2009 NFL season and the Broncos are 3-0.

Personally, I fully expected a 3-0 record after games against the Bengals, Browns, and Raiders based on past performance from these teams, but the way the Broncos beat each team was very impressive.

During this preseason, many professional analysts predicted that the Broncos would struggle greatly through the regular season. Most notably, John Clayton from ESPN predicted that the Broncos would finish this year with a 3-13 record.

I think we can all agree that the Broncos are not about to finish out the season 0-13.

Let’s take a look at the schedule that lies ahead for the Broncos:

Dallas @ Denver – I have watched all of the first three games for Dallas and with the Broncos boasting the No. 1 defense in the NFL, I find it hard to believe that Tony Romo and crew can eke out another victory.

New England @ Denver – The Pats are 2-1 and could easily be 1-2 after the Bills failed to finish the job on MNF. This game will be huge as McD will meet his old boss. New England has had Denver’s number lately and I think this game could go either way.

Denver @ San Diego – The Chargers’ only loss has come at the hands of the Ravens, but this is another team that could easily be 1-2. San Diego will easily be the favorite for this game but the Broncos are playing inspired football and if they can enter this game 5-0, I have no doubt the Broncos could take care of business.

Denver @ Baltimore – So far, Baltimore is 3-0 and ranked #1 on the power rankings. When you look at who they have beaten, the only team of any quality is San Diego. They may be good, but giving up 24 points to the Chiefs says overrated! Home field may tip this game in their favor though.

Pittsburgh @ Denver – This is not the same team that dominated last year. Losing back-to-back games to Chicago and Cincinnati on the road lets me like the Broncos’ chances of putting another mark in the win column.

Denver @ Washington – Who just lost to Detroit? Denver should win this game easily if things don’t change for the Skins.

San Diego @ Denver – I’ve picked Denver to win on their visit to San Diego and because of that, I am cautious in picking Denver again. Sure they are at home, but San Diego always seems to get one to split the series.

New York Giants @ Denver – While the G Men are 3-0 right now, I am not overly impressed with their play. Beating the Skins by less than a touchdown and barely squeaking a win out of Dallas makes me pick the Broncos in this one.

Denver @ KC – Who knows how far Matt Cassell and the Chiefs will have progressed by now, but this is a no-brainer.

Denver @ Indianapolis – The Colts looked great against Arizona and are on a roll. By this game, the Colts might only have two losses to Baltimore and New England. Both those games are toss ups and I think this is another. I give the edge to the Colts.

Oakland @ Denver – By this time, Jeff Garcia might have turned this sad team into a team worth preparing for. Or Al Davis might have decided to play QB. Either way, Broncos should handle with ease.

Denver @ Philadelphia – McNabb is out and Kolb is rolling. I see no reason to stop his momentum but who knows where the Eagles will be by this game. Either way, they are a respectable team but I think Mr. Dawkins will have a little more motivation this game that should be the edge.

Kansas City @ Denver – By this game, the Broncos should be locked in for the playoffs. A loss here due to sitting starters is very possible, but the second team might just get a win against this terrible team.

Overall, I think it is reasonable to expect the Broncos to go 12-4 this year. We will be able to tell a lot more after the Dallas game, but with a +46 point differential, the No. 1 defense, and the No. 9 offense, I am feeling very positive.

Let me know what you think!

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