Based on media polls, outlook less than rosy for Broncos
The national vibe is that the Broncos will be in no-man’s land this season, waffling somewhere between lousy and mediocre.
Sports Illustrated, for example, predicts Denver will finish 7-9, third in the AFC West. Fox Sports forecasts the same, but has a few positive things to say: “One huge bright spot: the apparent gains QB Kyle Orton has made in his second year in (Josh) McDaniels’ offense, both in accuracy, demeanor and overall knowledge.
The team also appears better equipped to handle things defensively, where the defensive line appears stronger and the secondary is the best position, top to bottom, on the field.”
The Sporting News is not as kind. TSN predicts the Broncos to finish 4-12, last in the AFC West behind the Chargers (12-4), Chiefs (9-7) and Raiders (5-11). The Sporting News also asked 32 NFL reporters to vote for the best team in each division. The Chargers received 30 votes, the Broncos two.
In this month’s ESPN Magazine, a computer formula was used to spit out this: The Broncos will finish third in the AFC West with an 8-8 record, in front of only the Raiders (5-11). ESPN’s computer picks the Chiefs — yes K.C. — to win the division with a 9-7 record.
For more go to denverpost.com/sports
