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The Denver Broncos are favorites to win 8 regular season games or fewer in 2017.
In regard to the offensive line, Bill Barnwell or ESPN.com writes:
The Broncos' offense was done in last season by a porous line, which failed to open holes in the running game or give Denver's quarterbacks enough time to get the ball out in Gary Kubiak's slow-developing passing attack. Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch were pressured on 31.5 percent of their dropbacks last season, which tied Denver with San Diego for the sixth-highest rate in the league. The Broncos' rushing attack, meanwhile, finished 30th in rushing DVOA, which was the worst ranking for a Kubiak-led running game since the 2009 Texans.
While the pass defense was excellent last season, the run defense was mediocre at best. That should change according to Barnwell.
(John) Elway shot in during the offseason by swapping out nose tackle Sylvester Williams for longtime Bengals stalwart Domata Peko. If Peko can hold up for 500 snaps, the Broncos should get an anchor to help solidify their rushing defense. (Derek) Wolfe and Jared Crick will have more depth; they'll be backed up by a pair of second-rounders in 2016 draftee Adam Gotsis and rookie DeMarcus Walker. The Broncos passed on re-signing Vance Walker in March, but with his market nonexistent, they might be able to bring their former starter back into the fold.
Unfortunately losing Wade Phillips might hurt but Denver hopes replacing him with Vance Joseph could suffice.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
