When it goes sideways, and man did it go sideways in the Mile High City, fans need someone to blame. Here’s where it got tricky in Denver, where the Broncos fell under the “Quarterback Curse.”
John Elway, the greatest player in franchise history and one of the Top 10 quarterbacks of all-time, took it upon himself to find the next great quarterback. As is often the case with players who have mastered their position like few others, Elway couldn’t deliver.
Ten players started at QB for the Broncos from 2015 until 2021, most of whom might be the answer to a Jeopardy question.
The Broncos think they have finally vanquished The Curse.
They pulled off one of the biggest trades in NFL history by acquiring nine-time Pro-Bowler Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks.
He led the league in passer rating (2015), passing touchdowns (2017) and won the coveted Walter Payton Man of the Year of the Award 2020. If Wilson continues his spectacular play, don’t be surprised if upon his retirement, one of the Rocky Mountains is named, Mount Wilson.
BET BETTER WITH BETBASICS: The Broncos have one of the best RB duos in Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III. Gordon III rushed for 918 yards last season. Williams rushed for 903. There was a lot of hype that both could break 1,000 yards but that was before the Wilson trade.
Gordon opened at 25/1 to lead the league in rushing; Williams, 50/1. A New Jersey bettor put $1,000 on Williams at 40/1. Meanwhile, Gordon III is at 80/1. If Williams get hurt, and man does he run in search of collisions, Gordon III, who has four seasons of 900 or more yards rushing, would be a killer bet at 80/1.
The Broncos are +900 to win the AFC (POINTSBET is offering +1000) and +1800 to win the Super Bowl. A Colorado bettor put 15K on the Broncos at +1600 to win it all.
What we like better is Wilson for MVP. There are three playoff teams in the AFC West – Denver, K.C. and Los Angeles. KC’s Patrick Mahomes is +800 to win MVP. L.A.’s Justin Herbert is +850. Wilson is at +1400. Sweet.
ACE IN THE HOLE
In prior seasons the Broncos were known for a terrific defense and a pedestrian offense. Wilson changes that. But playing in the AFC West means facing some terrific offenses with Mahomes and Herbert. Which means a defense better be able to get after the passer.
The Broncos brought in former Cowboys DE Randy Gregory, signing him to a five-year, $70 million deal. He could team with Bradley Chubb to give Denver a dynamic pass-rushing duo. But Gregory has never had more than six sacks and never played more than 14 games in a season.
If he has a career-year, the Broncos can win the West.
MUST-WATCH TV: The Broncos open the season in Seattle, where Wilson played the first 10 years of his career. “I mean, Russ has done so much for this community,” said Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett.