Denver Broncos record prediction: Picks for every game in 2020
By Samuel Teets
Week 14: at Carolina Panthers
Carolina signed new head coach Matt Rhule to a seven-year deal because there’s no way he turns around this train wreck in two or three years. Even with the addition of Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback, the Panthers project as a bottom-five team in the league. Maybe Christian McCaffrey and company surprise some people in 2020, but that seems unlikely.
As long as Denver’s defense finds a way to keep McCaffrey from exploding for over 200 yards from scrimmage, the Broncos should pick apart Carolina’s rebuilding team.
Prediction: Win
Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s ceiling comes down to how Josh Allen plays in 2020. The young quarterback crumbled in the playoffs last season and continues to be a liability on a team that otherwise looks ready for a deep playoff run. If the Broncos find a way to exploit Allen and his poor decision making, then Denver could sneak out a win in Week 15.
However, Buffalo’s defense is menacing. Tre’Davious White is one of the best corners in the game, and the defensive line received reinforcements this offseason in the forms of Mario Addison and A.J. Epenesa. This game will certainly be closer than Denver’s Week 12 matchup against the Saints, but I still think the Broncos come up short.
Prediction: Loss
Week 16: at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are too talented to lose both games against the Broncos. It doesn’t matter if Herbert or Taylor starts for Los Angeles, the Chargers have one of the ten best rosters in football. If the Chargers don’t win at least eight games with the amount of talent they accumulated, Anthony Lynn could lose his job.
Prediction: Loss
Week 17: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
While the Broncos and Chargers got significantly better this offseason, the Raiders only made some slight improvements. The Cory Littleton signing was a fantastic defensive move, but I don’t think Damon Arnette and Henry Ruggs III give the team legitimate top options on both offense and defense.
There’s an enormous talent gap between Las Vegas and the rest of the AFC West. After going 7-9 in 2019, Jon Gruden’s team could take a significant step backward in 2020.
Prediction: Win