The Denver Broncos entered the offseason with a palpable cloud of disappointment following a dismal 2022 season. Amid criticisms and calls for change, the Broncos’ management responded by bringing in an experienced winner, Sean Payton, as the new head coach. However, even with this fresh injection of leadership, their predicted win total of 8.5 for the upcoming season remains debatable.
Let’s dive into the Broncos win total prediction and betting recommendation below.
Broncos Win Total Prediction 2023: Under 8.5 Wins
In the 2022 season, the Broncos were a punchline in the NFL. Their performance on the field was woeful and was, unfortunately, matched only by Russell Wilson’s off-field controversies. First-time head coach Nathaniel Hackett, for his part, proved a disappointing leader, his strategies failing to deliver results, leading to his dismissal mid-season. Denver’s decision to replace Hackett with Payton, a proven strategist, came at the cost of a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick, exchanged with the New Orleans Saints for Payton and a 2024 third-round pick.
Sean Payton’s record as a head coach speaks for itself, boasting a .631 winning percentage in the regular season, and a Super Bowl win to his name. His consistent performance, having won at least seven games in each of his 15 seasons as a head coach, brings a new level of stability to Denver’s shaky foundations. However, questions still remain about whether this will be enough to bring about a drastic improvement in the Broncos’ standing, especially in the face of stiff competition in the AFC West.
Last season, the Broncos ranked 29th in offensive DVOA, 28th in PFF’s offense grade, and a concerning 32nd in scoring offense. This staggering offensive deficit is a significant obstacle in their quest for dominance in their division. Coupled with a slightly tougher-than-average strength of schedule ranking 23rd, and a difficult crossover with the strong AFC East, the journey ahead appears daunting.
How will this division shake out? Check out our AFC West predictions and best bets for 2023.
Where To Bet: DraftKings Sportsbook
While the entrance of Sean Payton has fueled optimistic whispers of a sleeper season for the Broncos, it’s important to maintain a realistic perspective. As beneficial as Payton’s presence may be, it’s likely to yield greater dividends in the longer term, say in the next 2-3 years, rather than an immediate turnaround. It’s worth noting that a team’s turnaround is seldom an overnight phenomenon, but rather a gradual process that requires patience, consistency, and a little bit of luck.
Considering the mountain the Broncos must climb, the odds suggest a conservative approach to predicting their win total for the 2023 season. Therefore, while the excitement around Sean Payton’s appointment is valid, it may be prudent to bet under 8.5 wins. With all these factors at play, it seems likely that the 2023 season will be one of growth and improvement, rather than instant gratification for the Denver Broncos. The rebuilding phase has begun, and only time will tell how high the Broncos can soar under Payton’s leadership.
Our pick for the Broncos is under 8.5 wins for -110 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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