Prediction: The Broncos Will Win The AFC

After embarrassing the Baltimore Ravens on opening night last season, the Denver Broncos quickly took the league by storm. Seeing Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense go to work every week was something special to watch. Unfortunately for Denver, a record-breaking season came to a screeching halt when they met the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 48. Seattle went on to win the game 43-8, dominating the Broncos in every aspect.

The loss showed that despite their incredible amount of talent, they needed to improve. As a result, general manager John Elway did his best in filling out the remaining holes on the team. Although New England or Indianapolis will put up a fight, the Denver Broncos will claim the Lamar Hunt Trophy at the end of the season and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

Aside from their depth on offense; in large part, Denver will make it back to the big game because of one man, Peyton Manning. Despite throwing for record numbers in 2013, Manning missed out on the opportunity to win a second ring. At the age of 38, you would think Manning would show signs of aging, right? Wrong. Heading into his sixteenth season in the NFL, the expectations for Manning are even greater, as this is one of the deepest teams he has played on.

Of course, the loss of Wes Welker for the first four games may hurt Denver initially, but ultimately, they’ll survive. While you never want to lose one of the league’s elite slot receivers, Denver still has plenty to work with. To go along with Demaryus and Julius Thomas, Denver added receiver Emmanuel Sanders. His ability to play both inside and outside, mixed with his great speed will go a long way in ensuring the loss of Welker is not severe. The Broncos are expecting Sanders – who is coming off a career year – to step in and immediately play a pivotal role in the offense.

Another thing Denver did this offseason was dramatically improve the defense. With signings such as Demarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward, the Broncos will have one of the tougher defenses in the league.

A healthy Von Miller, paired with Demarcus Ware, gives the Broncos a great one-two punch when it comes to getting to the opposing quarterback. Coming off a season in which he accounted for a career low in sacks (6), Ware will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Luckily for him, being matched with a premiere pass rusher should open up some lanes to get to the quarterback. It will be interesting to see how teams prepare for Ware now that he is no longer the number one option.

And of course, it’s hard to forget about Denver’s secondary, which could potentially be the best in the league. The offseason acquisitions of T.J. Ward and All-Pro cornerback Aqib Talib will do wonders in improving the pass defense. Last season, the Broncos finished twenty-seventh in the league in pass defense. On paper, there is no denying Elway did a nice job at improving the secondary. The team also spent their first pick in the draft on Ohio State standout Bradley Roby, who will see an abundant amount of playing time.

A much improved defense, mixed with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time will help the Broncos reach their goal, winning a Lombardi Trophy. While Denver can expect a challenge from New England and Indianapolis, the Broncos will be able to make their second straight trip to the Super Bowl.

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