The Broncos are not done yet.
Denver won two straight games before the bye week, leading to the decision to stand pat at the trade deadline and attempt to make a postseason push in the second half. The Broncos have a 5% chance of making the playoffs, according to the New York Times, so the odds are slim.
Since Denver (3-5) plans to fight until the bitter end, let’s try to predict how the rest of the season could play out.
at Buffalo Bills (Nov. 13)
Let’s get wild. The Broncos are motivated, and the week off shouldn’t take away that fire. Buffalo is 2-2 in its last four games, while each matchup has been decided by six points or fewer. The Bills have not been the best at defending the run, allowing 122 yards per game. Denver will pound the football, and the defense will force Bills quarterback Josh Allen to throw a couple of interceptions. Prediction: Win
vs. Minnesota Vikings (Nov. 19)
The Vikings have won three straight after starting the season at 1-4. But they recently lost quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Star wideout Justin Jefferson has missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury.
Rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison has been a stud, but it will be interesting to see how the Vikings’ offense operates under Joshua Dobbs, who was traded from Arizona following Cousins’ injury. This game will come down to the wire, but expect the best quarterback to come out on top. Prediction: Win
vs. Cleveland Browns (Nov. 26)
Cleveland’s gamble on quarterback Deshaun Watson hasn’t gone as planned. But the Browns will bring Denver back to reality with their physical defense. Cleveland is first in the league in total yards allowed (260). Defensive end Myles Garrett might have a field day against Denver’s offensive line. Prediction: Loss
at Houston Texans (Dec. 3)
First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans has the Texans competing. Houston has won three of its last five games, while rookie C.J. Stroud has looked like a franchise quarterback. Stroud has thrown for 1,800 yards with nine touchdowns and a pick. The former Ohio State star will put up some impressive numbers against the Broncos as Denver drops to two games below .500. Prediction: Loss
at Los Angeles Chargers (Dec. 10)
The Broncos have lost three straight games to the Chargers on the road and expect that streak to continue. Denver and Los Angeles have been two of the worst passing defenses in the league. The Chargers have allowed a league-worst 297.4 passing yards per game. This game has the makings of a shootout, with Los Angeles getting the upper hand in Round 1. Prediction: Loss
at Detroit Lions (TBD)
The Lions are legit. They are second in total offense (390.6), and quarterback Jared Goff is fourth in passing yards (2,154). Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta have already made an impact.
Detroit’s run defense has been solid, allowing 100-plus rushing yards in one game this season. Denver’s losing streak will continue in an ugly way. Prediction: Loss
vs. New England Patriots (Dec. 24)
Life would be so much better if the NFL didn’t schedule the Broncos to face New England in prime time on Christmas Eve. Led by quarterback Mac Jones, the Patriots have been dreadful to watch (31st in scoring at 14.8 points per game).
Denver will give Broncos Country something to cheer about before the holiday by pulling off a win that will match the vibes of its matchup against the Packers in Week 7. Prediction: Win
vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Dec. 31)
Denver and Los Angeles have split their two divisional games each of the past three seasons. That trend will continue after the Broncos get their revenge on the Chargers with a victory at home. Prediction: Win
Las Vegas Raiders (TBD)
The Broncos should’ve won their matchup against Las Vegas in Week 1. The Raiders are a mess, and things got even worse when they fired head coach Josh McDaniels, general manager Dave Ziegler and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. Interim coach Antonio Pierce announced the team will move forward with rookie Aidan O’Connell as the starting quarterback instead of Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Raiders offense is broken, ranking 31st in total offense (268.3) despite having wide receiver Davante Adams and running back Josh Jacobs. Denver will end its seven-game losing streak to Las Vegas but also likely finish outside the playoff picture. Prediction: Win
Final record: 8-9