Denver Broncos record prediction: Picks for every game in 2020

Week 5: at New England Patriots

The Patriots are led by arguably the greatest coach of all-time in Bill Belichick. However, not even the six-time Super Bowl champion can turn New England’s roster into a winning football team. Between deficiencies at quarterback, skill positions, and on the defensive side of the ball, New England looks like a 3-to-5 win team.

Unless Jarrett Stidham turns into the next Patrick Mahomes, the Patriots don’t pose a significant threat. It’ll be interesting to see how Belichick approaches the 2020 season with his depleted roster.

Prediction: Win

Week 6: vs. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins took several steps in the right direction this spring. While the team made some suspect draft selections, Miami did significantly improve as a football team. By Week 6, I expect Tua Tagovailoa will take over for Ryan Fitzpatrick as the team’s starter. Except for his injuries, Tagovailoa is one of the best quarterback prospects in the past decade.

However, even if the Dolphins do play significantly better in 2020, the team is still a year away from competing for the playoffs. The Dolphins are where Denver was last year, which gives the Broncos an advantage in Week 6.

Prediction: Win

Week 7: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

It’s too soon. We’ve only seen Lock play five games, and one of those was a 2-23 loss against Kansas City in snowy Arrowhead Stadium. During that game, Lock completed fewer than 50.0% of his pass attempts and threw an interception. He posted a 50.8 passer rating. Even if Lock plays significantly better in 2020, he’s still far from performing at a level where he can compete with Patrick Mahomes.

Until proven otherwise, Kansas City has an insurmountable edge over Denver.

Prediction: Loss

Week 8: Bye Week

Denver enters its bye week with a 4-3 record. The Broncos benefit from a timely bye week. With the season divided into seven and nine-game stretches, Denver can take stock of its situation near the midpoint of the 2020 season. It’s also an excellent time for getting players back from injury.

Denver should use its bye week wisely because the team’s schedule grows significantly more difficult in the second half of the season.

Week 9: at Atlanta Falcons

As a franchise, the Falcons continue trending in the wrong direction. Unless Atlanta makes the playoffs next year, which seems unlikely in their competitive division, Dan Quinn will lose his job. Besides the uncertainty at head coach, the Falcons reached in the 2020 NFL Draft to fill team needs instead of selecting the best available players.

If Matt Ryan gets back on track in 2020, he and Julio Jones still pose a big problem for defenses. A.J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan will have their hands full dealing with Atlanta’s dynamic duo. However, the Falcons still have a lot of holes in their defense. Denver’s offense should put the Broncos over the top in Week 9.

Prediction: Win