NFL Futures on the Broncos to win it all are currently at 18 to 1.
Fade the team. Consider the following:
- Their starting QB is Mark Sanchez. Their backup QBs are unproven --
Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch.
- Aquib Taleb is one of their best players and is essential to their pass defense. In the off-season, he accidentially shot himself. There are health concerns. Will he be the same player?
There are also legal concerns. Taleb might be charged with a felony as the gun was unlicensed. He also might be suspended for multiple games by the NFL as he had an unlicensed weapon in public at the place that serves alcohol.
- The AFC West is a tough division. KC made and won a game in the playoffs last year. They just signed Nick Foles giving them depth behind Alex Smith at QB. The Raiders are almost everyone's favorite AFC dark-horse team. The Chargers have Phillip Rivers and - whether or not first round pick Bosa signs - are always a threat for an upset or 8-8 record.
- Finally, there is the issue of a Super Bowl hangover. Many teams have been complacent after winning. There has not been a repeat champion for several years. Moreover, Gary Kubiak still has not been head coach of the team for a meaningful period of time. He might not wear well - as evidenced by his problems with now former QB Brock Osweiller. The situation is uncertain.