NFL Predictions 2009: The Denver Broncos had a battle with the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs this off-season over which franchise could create the biggest upheaval. It is difficult to say who won, but the Broncos are certainly a contender after showing longtime Head Coach Mike Shanahan the door and sending their starting quarterback to the Chicago Bears. BetUS.com and the betting public seem to be counting the changes against Denver as the under 7 on their season win total is a -125 favorite in the online bookmaker's Denver Broncos NFL Predictions 2009 — Super Bowl Odds 2010.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen made New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels the youngest head coach in the league this off-season, tabbing the 32 year old to be the team's new leader. McDaniels, who had a plethora of weapons with which to work in New England, will find the cupboard a little more sparse in Rocky Mountain country.
However, there are still a number of offensive talents on the Denver roster, including wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal as well as new drafted running back Knowshon Moreno. Bowlen also signed or traded for a number of players that have been productive players in the past or at least had the potential to be solid contributors. That list being quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, running backs J.J. Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, and LaMont Jordan, and wide receiver Jabbar Gaffney.
It is likely that Orton will get the nod at quarterback after Denver sent the unhappy Jay Cutler to Chicago in exchange for the former Purdue Boilermaker. Orton has seen both ends of the spectrum in terms of performance at the NFL level and to call him an uncertain commodity would not be a stretch.
Where McDaniels really has his work cut out for him is on the defensive side of the ball. Last season the Broncos were 29th in yards per game allowed, 27th in rushing yards allowed, 25th in passing yards allowed, and 30th in points allowed.
Most of that unit, with the exceptions of Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, Boss Bailey, and Elvis Dumervil, was sent packing. Additions include free safety Brian Dawkins, defensive end Darrell Reid, cornerback Renaldo Hill, and linebacker Andra Davis.
Mike Nolan was brought in to be the new defensive coordinator. A switch to the 3-4 scheme that Nolan employed in Baltimore as well as San Francisco should help the unit. This group may not be a powerhouse in 2009, but they should improve on last year's numbers.
BetUS.com Denver Broncos NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010
Denver Broncos Regular Season Wins:
Over 7 (-105)
Under 7 (-125)
Denver Broncos Odds to Win the AFC West Division:
+400
Denver Broncos Odds to Win the 2010 AFC Championship:
+2500
Denver Broncos Super Bowl Odds 2010:
+5500
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