2008 Denver Broncos NFL Predictions

The Broncos were a major disappointment in 2007, finishing with a 7-9 record, just the second losing season in head coach Mike Shanahan's 13 seasons with the Broncos. Will Denver be able to pull off a quick fix and get right back to playing winning football? Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Denver Broncos predictions and season preview will show you the way.
 

Bet on Football Using Your Credit Card

Offense

Jay Cutler is Denver's QB of the future, but he doesn't look like John Elway yet. Still, he has just 21 career starts under his belt, and he has already made great strides in terms of leadership and reading NFL defenses. Cutler's strong arm should eventually make him a Pro Bowl QB.

The Broncos faltered largely because their running attack wasn't nearly as potent as it has been. Travis Henry was brought in to be the next Denver workhorse but knee, rib, and ankle injuries slowed him considerably. Selvin Young stepped right in and rushed for 729 yards while spelling Henry. The team wants to keep him as a change of pace back and give Henry another crack at the starting job.

Brandon Marshall became just the third second-year receiver in NFL history to catch more than 100 balls. Unfortunately, a fluke offseason accident could keep him from being as effective in 2008. While wrestling with his brother on a family vacation, Marshall's arm went through a television screen, and he suffered lacerations to an artery, vein, nerve, two tendons and three muscles. The Broncos do expect a full recovery. Brandon Stokley is a great slot receiver, and he will be a big part of the offense as well.

Injuries and age have forced the Broncos to rebuild the line. Ideally, teams would like to bring young QB's in with an established group up front, but Denver is developing its QB and line simultaneously. The Broncos drafted Boise State's Ryan Clady with the 12th overall pick. He will be their left tackle of the future to protect Cutler's blind side.

Defense

Elvis Dumervil has established himself as a top pass rusher. Now the Broncos need ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder to help him out. The tackle spots look solid with Dewayne Robertson and Marcus Thomas. Veterans John Engelberger, Ebenezer Ekuban, and Alvin McKinley will add depth.

The linebacker corps needs an overhaul after its 2007 performance. Signing Niko Koutouvides to play middle linebacker so that D.J. Williams can once again excel on the weak side appears to be a good move. Boss Bailey was signed to start on the strong side.

Champ Bailey is the best in the business at cornerback and he'll be playing against Dre Bly once again. The two form one of the better tandems in the league. The safety spots are unsettled as no players here are clearly better than the other. Veteran John Lynch, a fan favorite, will be among those competing.

Special Teams

Losing longtime placekicker Jason Elam could hurt. The Broncos won seven games last season and Elam kicked game winners in four of those. Matt Prater is supposed to replace Elam. If he can't do it Garrett Hartley - a rookie from Oklahoma, will. The team is very excited about incoming rookie Eddie Royal as their punt and kickoff return specialist.

Prediction – 2nd AFC West

Shanahan has only had two losing seasons in 13 years with the Broncos so I don't see him putting together back-to-back losing squads. Denver does not have the talent of the Chargers, but it does have more pieces in place than the Chiefs and the Raiders.

Making money betting the NFL will be a cinch with World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd calling the shots. Make sure you sign up for one of his NFL picks packages this season to let your man have it week after week.

Check out the official site of the Denver Broncos and for more information.

July 2nd, 2008