Nearly everyone seemed to write off Vic Fangio and the Broncos last season after starting 0-4 and quickly removing themselves from the playoff conversation. Consider this your first warning of how dangerous they may be in 2020.
With a historically strong defensive foundation in place, the Broncos have gradually invested in offensive skill positions and stepped on the gas this past offseason. Joining an already talented unit - which consists of Cortland Sutton, Philip Lindsay, Royce Freeman and Noah Fant - are rookie wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler and free agent running back Melvin Gordon.
It's an enormous amount of talent, arguably even more than the division rival Chiefs. But turning that talent into production is almost entirely contingent on the success of second-year quarterback Drew Lock, who the Broncos selected in the second round of last year's draft.
After opening the 2019 season with a record of 3-8, the Broncos turned to Lock to replace veteran Joe Flacco. In their five remaining regular season games, Lock led Denver to a 4-1 record, including an impressive win at Houston in Week 14. He ended the year with a respectable 1,020 yards passing, 7 touchdowns, 3 interceptions and an 89.7 QB rating.
Lock now enters a situation similar to that of Jimmy Garoppolo in San Francisco last season, able to benefit greatly from a strong offensive supporting cast and lean on an experienced head coach (Vic Fangio) for in-game management.
To begin the 2020 season, Lock will face two difficult defenses, Tennessee and Pittsburgh, consecutively, followed by last year's top defense, the New England Patriots, in Week 5. After that, however, the Broncos get a break from defensive-minded opponents, which could be the window that Lock and the Broncos need to establish a new offensive identity and build momentum on that side of the football.
With the reigning champs in the division, winning the AFC West seems ambitious. But, if they can stay healthy, the Broncos can position themselves their first postseason trip since winning the Super Bowl in 2016. Expect them to fly under the radar early in the 2020 season and, if Locks rises to the challenge, nab one of three AFC wild card spots in January.
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