Denver Broncos 2023-24 Season Guidebook

While the summer season brings much enjoyment to the average person, for an NFL fan, it represents a desolate wasteland where Sundays just aren't quite as vibrant as in the autumn months.  However, with each passing day, we inch closer to the beginning of the 2023 NFL season, which officially kicks off on September 7 this year.

Whether you've had your favorite team's tweet notifications turned on all summer or if you've decided to tune out all football news entirely, you'll be able to learn everything you need to know about your team going into the 2023-24 season right here.
 
In today's article, I'll be discussing the Denver Broncos.

I wrote a guidebook for every team in the NFL heading into the 2023 season.  To check out an article for another team, click the link below:
https://www.bucketsquadsportsreports.com/nfl

2022 Season Recap

The Broncos had high hopes going into the 2022 season under new quarterback Russell Wilson.  But despite those aspirations, Denver fell far short of them.  They finished 5-12 in the regular season which was good for last place in the AFC West for the third season in a row.
 
Denver was dead last in points scored per game, as they relied on their defense to keep them in most of their contests.  The defense was above average, but wasn’t as dominant as Broncos fans are used to over the past several years.  It’s likely that the defense was stressed and exhausted each game due to the offense’s futility.
 
The Broncos will try to put last season’s woes behind them and regroup for the 2023 campaign.
 
Significant Roster Moves

Denver lost four offensive linemen who played significant minutes last season, along with a few other guys on the defensive line and secondary.  They also moved on from kicker Brandon McManus, who spent nine seasons in Denver.
 
The offensive line was rebuilt in free agency with four signings who will serve as either starters or backups.  They added two beasts at defensive end with Zach Allen and Frank Clark, as well as a few offensive skill players to fill depth at receiver and running back.  Former Patriots and Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham was brought in to become Russell Wilson’s backup for 2023.  Wil Lutz will take over kicking duties this season.
 
2023 Draft Class

The Broncos had only five draft picks this year following the massive Russell Wilson trade package they sent to Seattle, with their first selection coming at 63 overall.  Receiver Marvin Mims Jr. will enter the regular season as the team’s third overall receiver and will surely help get the offense moving through the air.  Drew Sanders and Riley Moss should both see decent playing time at linebacker and cornerback, respectively, while the remaining two picks will attempt to work their way into the 55-man roster.
 
Season Schedule

The Broncos will take on the AFC East and the NFC North in 2023 to go along with their six divisional games.  Their other three opponents are the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans.  With an opponent prior season win percentage of .517, Denver has the 12th hardest schedule in the NFL.

Denver’s primetime games include one Thursday night game at Kansas City, two Sunday night games versus Minnesota and New England, and one Monday night game at Buffalo.
 
Depth Charts

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

The Broncos return 15 of their 22 offensive and defensive starters from last year.  Defensively, Denver should be just fine.  However, their success will depend on how Russell Wilson and the offense can perform in Sean Payton’s new system.  As long as everyone can stay healthy – something that hasn’t occurred in recent seasons – I think there’s nowhere to go but up for this Broncos offense, and the team in general.
 
Coaching Staff

Sean Payton was hired on February 3, 2023 to become the 20th head coach of the Broncos after a tumultuous season under the leadership of Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired mid-season.  Payton essentially cleaned house and brought in his own staff, with each of the following coordinators also beginning their first season in Denver: Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, and Special Teams Coordinator Mike Westhoff.
 
Betting Odds

Oddsmakers have set the regular season win total for Denver at 8.5 games.  As of right now, the Broncos are the 3rd most likely team to win the AFC West and are tied for the 10th most likely to win the AFC as a whole.  At +4000 to win Super Bowl LVIII, they are 17th among all teams in the league.
 
Bucket Squad Predictions

Bucket Squad Sports Reports predicts the Broncos to finish 9-8 in 2023 for 3rd in the AFC West and 9th in the AFC.  They’ll end up a game outside of a potential tiebreaker for the final spot in the postseason.

What do you think?  Will Denver be better or worse than I'm projecting?  What offseason moves made by the Broncos surprised you the most?  Leave a comment down below and be sure to check the "NFL" section of the website for more NFL team guidebooks as I finish them.

Written by Nick Swatson
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