Broncos out to buck the odds

In 2009 the Denver Broncos were two totally different teams. There was the team that started off 6-0 and the team that lost eight of the remaining 10 games, failing to make the playoffs.

This season will be difficult and given the gauntlet of tough games to start the schedule, Denver fans should not anticipate another 6-0 start.

The start of the season is at Jacksonville then Week 2 is the home opener versus Seattle. A 2-0 start is really necessary as the next four games are against very strong teams in hosting Colts, at Tennessee, at Baltimore and hosting the Jets. They also have the London trip versus San Francisco and it is quite evident that teams who have this date in London suffer in the following weeks.

TheGreek.com has Denver lined at 7½ total wins and bettors are supporting the NFL odds ‘under’ bet laying minus 125. I like the ‘over’ as the second half of the season is quite favorable.

San Diego is lined as a big-time minus 900 favorite at Bookmaker.com to win the AFC West, and for obvious reasons. The remaining three teams – Kansas City, Seattle and Denver – are all at between plus 820 and plus 895 and I think Denver is the best team of those three.

To win the AFC crown, Denver is a long shot at 30/1 and ranks 10th of the 16 AFC teams.

Gone from last year’s team are defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and WR Brandon Marshall. Many observers strongly believe that the Broncos will be better off with without Marshall’s off the field problems and the team focused its draft on replacing him.

Denver selected Demaryius Thomas out of Georgia Tech, and he certainly possesses the athleticism and speed to replace Marshall. Quarterback Kyle Orton is coming off a year where he set career highs with 21 touchdowns, a 62 percent completion percentage and 3,802 yards passing. So, with a veteran QB throwing to him, Thomas’ NFL learning curve will be fast and he will make a big impact almost immediately.

Don Martindale was promoted to DC from the linebackers coach position he held last season. He will continue to run the 3-4 defense that ranked very high in the NFL. Management used free agency to rebuild the defensive line and have added DT Jamal Williams plus ends Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green.

The Achilles heel of this defense was allowing too many yards per rush ranking 27th at 4.50 yards per rush. The Broncos surrendered 128.7 yards per game on the ground, 26th in the NFL, and with a revamped defensive line this will be one of the best units in the league.

Despite having a career year, Orton will have to do a better job on the opponents' side of the 50-yard line and in the red zone. Evidence of this is that Denver ranked third with 30 made field goals, but made just 85.7% of the kicks which ranked 12th. Denver 326 total points in 2009 was 10th in the AFC.

They certainly have depth at the QB position with Brady Quinn and ever popular Tim Tebow.