The Denver Broncos have limped to a 1-1 start after two games. How will the next five contests go for the undisciplined team? The team has 15 games remaining on their schedule, and I’d guess that they need to go 8-7 at least to clinch a playoff spot.
While we can’t look that far ahead, we can look a few weeks ahead and try to project their next five contests. The next few games are going to be extremely crucial for the team. Putting themselves in a losing position after seven games as the schedule gets progressively harder might prove to be a hole too big to dig out of.
Nathaniel Hackett and the rest of the coaching a staff will need to clean it up in the coming weeks. The problems that plagued Denver in week one also plagued them in week two. If week three goes the same way, I think we have a legitimate problem on our hands. Right now, I think we have a small problem that has a chance to develop into a big one.
So, how will the next five games go for the Denver Broncos?
Predicting the next five games for the Denver Broncos
Week 3- San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are dealing with their own injuries but did put a sizeable beatdown on the Seattle Seahawks in week two. The biggest story to come out of that game was the team losing Trey Lance for the rest of the season.
While Jimmy Garoppolo is clearly the better player, losing Lance puts a huge wrench in his development as a passer. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is a master at offensive scheming, and their defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans, is very good at his job.
I think the Broncos are going to be easily beaten here.
Record: 1-2
Predicting the next five games for the Denver Broncos
Week 4 – Las Vegas Raiders
If nothing else, the Raiders being 0-2 and having the worst quarterback in the division is a nice thing. They blew a massive lead to the Cardinals on Sunday, capped off by Hunter Renfrow fumbling in overtime, which led to a Cardinals’ return touchdown.
I actually like the way the Broncos match up with the Raiders. The Raiders’ secondary is not good, and the Broncos should hopefully have Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and KJ Hamler to help. Their offensive line also could be better, and I think Denver’s pass rush has shown a strong ability to create pressure.
This game will be tough because of it being played in Las Vegas, and the AFC West rivalries run deep, but I do think the Denver Broncos can end up winning a close game.
Record: 2-2
Week 5 – Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are 0-1-1 after two disgusting performances against their week one opponent, the Houston Texans, and their week two opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Matt Ryan looks more washed than Howie Mandel’s bald head, and the defense hasn’t really been as advertised.
If there was a team with high expectations that has faltered worse than the Broncos thus far, it’s been the Indianapolis Colts. Denver should be able to win this game at home.
Record: 3-2
Predicting the next five games for the Denver Broncos
Week 6 – Los Angeles Chargers
I am worried that the Denver Broncos‘ offense won’t figure it out in time to take on the Chargers in week six. Los Angeles hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboard so far, but Justin Herbert is an elite quarterback who has thrown over 30 touchdown passes in each of his first two seasons.
The Chargers defense is also re-loaded, boasting Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa up front, and Derwin James and Asante Samuel Jr on the backend, along with Bryce Callahan and JC Jackson. The Chargers’ roster might be the best in the NFL, but they’re 1-1 with the Denver Broncos and did squander a lead in their last game against the Chiefs.
I think Denver gets convincingly beat in this matchup.
Record: 3-3
Week 7 – New York Jets
The Broncos play the New York Jets in week seven at home. The Jets are 1-1 after a wild come-from-behind win against the Cleveland Browns. I would still say that the Jets are a weak team overall, close to the Seahawks and Texans. They might have Zach Wilson back by this time, but he was very inefficient last year.
I do think the Broncos can come close to replicating their 2021 performance against the Jets. Denver simply has too much talent on their roster to not win this game. I think by this time in the season, they are a bit more disciplined and are able to close out games better.
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Record: 4-3
4-3 might be the best-case scenario here, and I don’t think I could be mad about this record.