Kansas City Chiefs: 2016 NFL Preview And Predictions
By Ben Almquist
AFC West
Denver Broncos: 12-4 in 2015 (1st in AFC West)
The Denver Broncos are coming off of a Super Bowl championship, but will be a much different team in 2016. Gone are both quarterbacks, Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler. The defense that helped carry the team is also much different. Danny Trevathan, Malik Jackson, and Antonio Smith all left in Free Agency. Veteran defensive end Vance Walker was injured in Training Camp, adding to the changes. Denver is putting a lot on the shoulders of a totally unproven quarterback in Trevor Siemian. There is still a lot of talent on this roster though, both offensively and defensively. So fans should not simply discard this team. The Broncos will remain very competitive in most of their games. However, 2016 will test the Broncos ability to deal with multiple offseason losses as they seek to defend their title.
BA: “Broncos fans seem to think their quarterback doesn’t matter after Peyton’s stinker in 2015. However, Denver won six games last year with late offensive drives. Good luck getting that from Trevor Siemian!”
Prediction: 8-8 (3rd in AFC West)
CL: “The defending Super Bowl Champions don’t have much of a quarterback. Trevor Siemian gets the start for the Donkeys. The defense is still great but should wear down this season due to the amount of playing time the unit will be on the field. Look for the Broncos to take a step back this season.”
Prediction: 10-6 (2nd in AFC West)
JW: “How far can the defense carry this team? That is the big question. The Broncos have a lot of talent at wide receiver but can anyone get them the ball? Are the running backs good enough to take pressure off the passing game, and can the line give Trevor Siemian enough time to deliver accurate passes?”
Prediction: 8-8 (3rd in AFC West)
Next: Oakland Raiders