Predominantly Orange
FanSided

3 reasons why the Denver Broncos can win the AFC West

By Lou Scataglia

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates with linebacker Kenny Young (41) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) after scoring a touchdown on an interception in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates with linebacker Kenny Young (41) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) after scoring a touchdown on an interception in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Denver Broncos
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Las Vegas Raiders tackles running back Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Denver Broncos for a 4-yard loss as defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson #77 of the Raiders defends during their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 17-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

After six years of being mediocre, the Denver Broncos are back. Can they win the AFC West in 2022? Here are three reasons why they can.

The Denver Broncos are poised to, at the very least, make the playoffs in 2022.  In their first year with Russell Wilson under center, the 11th-year veteran is already making an impact on the entire roster.

Besides the huge addition of Russell Wilson, the Broncos also added several other key players to the team.

On defense, the third-ranked scoring unit from 2021 is poised to return its main core, plus the additions of Randy Gregory, D.J. Jones, and K’Waun Williams.

The offensive line was given some beef as well, with the additions of Tom Compton, Billy Turner, and the re-signing of Calvin Anderson.

Overall, Denver has hardly a single hole on their roster.  They may not have elite players at every position, but they have good to great players throughout the roster.

George Paton, plus the last few drafts under John Elway, have netted the Denver Broncos a loaded roster than can win the AFC West in 2022.

Three reasons Denver Broncos can win AFC West in 2022

1. Strength of schedule rankings

An important but perhaps not talked about enough point is the strength of schedule rankings.

Typically, teams who finish near the bottom of their division get the easier schedule, while teams who finish near the top of the division get the tougher schedule.

In 2022, Denver is set to have the easiest schedule of their three AFC West foes.

Sportingnews.com has a thorough outline of the strength of schedule rankings for 2022.

According to the article, the Chiefs have the 5th toughest schedule, the Raiders have the 7th toughest schedule, and the Chargers have the 10th toughest schedule.

In fourth place, with the easiest schedule in the division, the Denver Broncos sit at the 15th hardest schedule.

Their schedule in 2022 is about average, which is perfectly fine, especially compared to their division rivals.

Since the NFL is only a 17-game season, just one game can make the difference between the Denver Broncos making the playoffs or winning the division.

With their three rivals all sporting at least the ten toughest schedules, Denver should be able to take advantage of this.

Home/Broncos News