Bold Predictions: How will the Broncos fare in 2019?

How will the Broncos fare in 2019? Well, it depends on who you ask.

Most of the predictions from national media members have been pretty dire, with the NFL Network’s Adam Rank leading the charge by picking Denver to finish an abysmal 2-14. Meanwhile, the local media tends to be a little more optimistic, influenced by the inside knowledge that comes from seeing the team on a daily basis.

Which group is right – the naysayers or the optimists? Well, here’s how the hosts at 104.3 The Fan broke down the upcoming Broncos season:

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SCHLERETH AND EVANS | M-F | 6A-9A

Mark Schlereth
Broncos Record: 8-8
The Broncos lack the requisite depth and playmakers on offense to truly take advantage of a really talented defense.

Mike Evans
Broncos Record: 7-9
The season proves once and for all that the problem in recent years has been John Elway’s draft failings and not just coaching.

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ORLANDO AND SANDY | M-F | 9A-12P

Orlando Franklin
Broncos Record: 9-7
Joe Flacco provides better quarterback play than we’ve seen in the past few years. The offensive line should be better, as well. Vic Fangio provides an aggressive coaching style that drives the team.

Sandy Clough
Broncos Record: 7-9
The Broncos offense isn’t good enough to consistently put points on the board. The defense is good, but they can only do so much.

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STOKLEY AND ZACH | M-F | 12P-3P

Brandon Stokley
Broncos Record: 6-10
With so much change happening – head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator – it’s hard to win in the NFL. The bad drafts leading up to the last couple of years are still going to cost them. They’re heading in the right direction, especially with the last two drafts, but it’s not going to happen this year.

Zach Bye
Broncos Record: 8-8
Not good enough to be good, but not bad enough to be really bad.

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THE DRIVE | M-F | 3P-7P

DMac
Broncos Record: 8-8
It’s a better team on offense and defense that will win some close games and likely lose a couple they shou’ve won. Most importantly, they will be in every game and keep things exciting to the end. They will build toward a better season next year.

Nick Ferguson
Broncos Record: 12-4
No matter how much we build up these so-called elite QBs, there’s only one card that trumps everything else – defensive edge pressure. That’s Cloak and Dagger (Von Miller and Bradley Chubb). Any questions?

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THE CECIL LAMMEY SHOW | M-F | 7P-9P

Cecil Lammey
Broncos Record: 8-8
This team is too average on offense to get more than eight wins. Their defense is elite and should be near the league leaders in turnovers and sacks, but they can’t do everything. The offensive line has to keep Joe Flacco from getting banged up like he has in each of the last two years. With the current state of the O-line, that might be difficult.

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THE FAN LATE NIGHT | M-F | 9P-12A

Shawn Drotar
Broncos Record: 7-9
A recharged defense under new head coach Vic Fangio will keep the Broncos in plenty of games. They will steal a couple of games that no one expects, but it won’t be enough to return them to the playoffs.

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1043THEFAN.COM

Johnny Hart
Broncos Record: 8-8
Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell will have Denver ranking among the top defenses in the NFL and Joe Flacco is certainly an upgrade over Case Keenum. But the Broncos need to prove they’re head and shoulders better than the 2018 and 2017 squads before I can feel comfortable putting them above .500.

James Merilatt
Broncos Record: 10-6
Vic Fangio is an upgrade over Vance Joseph and Joe Flacco is an improvement from Case Keenum. That alone turns four close losses in 2018 into wins this season. It won’t always be pretty, but the results will be better.

Kendall Valenzuela
Broncos Record: 9-7
A rejuvenated defense under Vic Fangio will propel the Broncos this season, even if the offense has some growing pains with a new veteran quarterback in Joe Flacco. The Broncos will win a few coin-flip games and finally give Broncos Country something to cheer for after a painful past couple seasons

Follow @jamesmerilatt