2015 Season Predictions: AFC West Preview

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end

(81) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos:

Key Additions: TE Owen Daniels, G Shelley Smith, DT Antonio Smith, FS Darian Stewart, OLB Shane Ray 

Most of the acquisitions the Broncos made barely deserve the “key” label, but they might have a bigger impact than one will think. Daniels seems to follow Gary Kubiak around wherever he goes, but figures to only be the No.2 TE. Smith isn’t more than a decent guard at best, but he will likely start which should be a worry in Denver.

Smith is past his prime and will simply contribute depth to the Broncos defensive line. Stewart is a decent free safety who will also most likely start. He will be the weakest part of the secondary, but the rest of the secondary is very good. I think Ray will be a bust in the NFL, though he may not be on the field enough this year to be one due to the Miller and Ware.

Key Losses:  TE Julius Thomas, G Orlando Franklin, DT Terrance Knighton, ILB Nate Irving, FS Rahim Moore

The Broncos really lost some key players this year that are hard to replace. Julius Thomas was Manning’s biggest red zone target last year, when healthy, and he is skill set is not replaceable in Denver. Franklin was a solid guard on an offensive line that had some trouble last year, and Smith doesn’t make up for the loss of Franklin.

Knighton was a great presence in the middle of the defensive line and while Williams is also very good, “Pot Roast” is not that easy to replace. Losing Irving will simply hurt the depth at ILB, which might play a factor. Moore was an underrated part of the safety and Stewart doesn’t completely make up for him, and that could weaken the secondary.

June 9, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback

(18) prepares to pass during the start of mini camp activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

The Broncos didn’t add any high-caliber players and lost quite a few. A big change will also be the offense under Gary Kubiak, and that might have an effect on the play of the offense. Manning will be forced out of his comfort zone a bit through the under center offense and many question, if his collapse at the end of 2014 might have been due to age and not simply the injuries he revealed later on.

Losing J. Thomas will hurt, but D. Thomas and Sanders are still a great combination. Green and Latimer will be keys for the Denver passing game as well. I think C.J. Anderson will break out in the Kubiak offense and will have a monster season. The offensive line will be the trouble for the Broncos offense.

On defense, the loss of Knighton will be evident, but as mentioned before, Williams is a very good replacement and the rest of the defense line is good as well. Miller and Ware are an extremely dangerous combination of pass rushers and will make the life of opposing QB’s hell.

Trevathan and Marshall are good inside linebackers, but Trevathen had some injury issues last year and the depth at the position is very weak. The secondary is very good. Harris. Jr and Talib might be the CB duo in the NFL and Roby is a good option in the slot as well. Ward is one of the best strong safeties in the NFL. Stewart will be the weak link, but is still a decent option.

June 9, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back

(22) performs drills during mini camp activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: 

Best Case Record: 14-2

Worst Case Record: 8-8

Prediction: 12-4

Team’s Offensive MVP: RB C.J. Anderson

Team’s Defensive MVP: OLB Von Miller

Rookie Standout: T Ty Sambrailo

On paper the Broncos could be the most complete team in the league, but this season their schedule is very difficult. Best case scenario is they only drop one game in division and then only lose one game out of the division against the AFC North, NFC North, Indy and New England. Worst case is that Peyton Manning wasn’t all to hurt at the end of last season and plays about on that level and the strong schedule deals the Broncos eight losses. Their defense is very good and outside of their offensive line they really don’t have many holes on their roster and therefore are a legit threat to contend.

Next: Final Standings and conclusion