Denver Broncos Predictions 2008
August 8, 2008
The 2008 Denver Broncos are seeking a return to the postseason after their first losing season in 5 years. Head coach Mike Shanahan is on the hot seat and he cut some throats in an economic off-season. Denver, and Shanahan, are banking on their franchise QB Jay Cutler to lead them to the promise land in what should be a pressure filled 2008 season. The Denver Broncos NFL predictions have the Broncos at 25-1 odds to win the 2009 Superbowl.
Despite playing half the season unknowingly with diabetes, Jay Cutler was still an above-average NFL QB with a cannon for an arm. This season Cutler has put back on the 30 Lbs. he lost with the medical issue resolved and is poised for a breakout year. Cutler is a gunslinger in the mold of Brett Favre and should emerge as a top-10 NFL QB in his second full year as a starter. Cutler knows how to command offense that relies on Denver’s vaunted power running game that will feature Selvin Young and Michael Pittman. The second-year player Young is coming off a strong season when he gained 729 yards for 5.2 yards per carry in 8 starts. The 6’0 210 Lb. Young has great cuts and has worked to get stronger with a rigorous off-season weight training program. Unfortunately the Broncos running backs will be working behind an O-line that is a far cry from the Broncos usual dominant units. The Broncos will need #12 overall pick LT Ryan Clady 6’6″ 319 to contribute immediately to help patch up some leaky blocking from an aging crew.
Jay Cutler’s go-to receiver Brandon Marshall will be suspended for the first 3 games off the season, leaving the Broncos without a true #1 wideout. Keary Colbert and Brandon Stokely will be the starters until the Broncos All-Pro WR returns. When on the field, Marshall is a big track star with soft hands coming off a breakout 102 catch season. Athletic TE Tony Scheffler has 4.55 speed at 6’5″ 250 Lbs and is a downfield threat with reliable hands. AFC West Denver Broncos predictions have them at +400 odds to win the division.
The leaders of a team that ranked #19 in total defense last season is led by CB Champ Bailey and LB D.J Williams will return 9 starters. New defensive coordinator Bob Slowik will be the 3rd coordinator in the past 3 years and will be counted on to fix a run defense that allowed 4.6 yards per carry in 07″. The Denver front four has a stud pass-rushing threat in stocky DE Elvis Dumervil who recorded 12.5 sacks last season. The line has ability to clog the middle with some big-bodies but needs a playmaker to help Dumervil. 2007 #1 pick Javaris Moss 6’6″ 265 Lb. will be counted on to step up after playing in only 8 games as a rookie.
The linebacking core lead by speedy (4.50) Outside Linebacker D.J Williams has added ultra-athletic Boss Bailey from Detroit to replace the departed Nat Webster. The blue-chip athlete Boss joins his All-Pro brother Champ Bailey. Champ Bailey is still one of the top-3 cornerbacks in the NFL, allowing the Broncos 4-3 defense to do different things with his coverage ability. Opposite of the All-Pro 6’0″ 192 lb. Bailey is short playmaker Dre Bly’ 5’9″ 188 Lb. Bailey and Bly’ are a potent cover tandem that is one of the NFL’s 5 best. Nickel corner Karl Paymah is also solid and will be joined by lighting quick rookie Jack Williams. Safety has good depth but lacks a playmaker. Special teams took a big hit as Denver lost clutch Kicker Jason Elam. New Kicker Matt Prater has impressed in camp with range of to 65-yards on field goals. 2nd round pick WR\KR Eddie Royal (4.40 speed) has some explosiveness that makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
The AFC West 2008 Denver Broncos are an above-average team that didn’t land enough upgrades to get them back to the postseason in the tough AFC. Expect another average 8-8 season that will smart from the early loss of Brandon Marshall. The NFL predictions Denver Broncos season win OVER\UNDER is at 7.5 WINS with the OVER at -175.
2007 Denver Broncos Betting Record: 5-11 ATS
2008 Denver Broncos NFL Predictions Power Ratings
Coaching: 7
Quarterback: 8
Running Backs: 7
Offensive Line: 6
Wideouts: 7
Defensive Line: 6
Linebackers: 7
Secondary: 7
Special Teams: 7
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