Denver fans are feeling hopeful about Bo Nix and the Broncos in 2024, and for good reason. If you like the analysis here, consider signing up for our free newsletter to get can’t-miss NFL news and insights straight to your inbox every week.
- 2023 finish: 8-9 (third in AFC West); missed playoffs
- Over/under: 5.5 wins
Notable additions
QB Zach Wilson, WR Josh Reynolds, OT Matt Peart, C Sam Mustipher, DL John Franklin-Myers, DL Malcolm Roach, DL Angelo Blackson, LB Andre Smith, CB Levi Wallace, S Brandon Jones
Notable losses
QB Russell Wilson, WR Jerry Jeudy, TE Chris Manhertz, OT Cameron Fleming, C Lloyd Cushenberry III, DL Mike Purcell, DL Jonathan Harris, LB Josey Jewell, LB Ben Niemann, CB Fabien Moreau, S Justin Simmons, S Caden Sterns
2024 draft class
QB Bo Nix (1.12), OLB Jonah Elliss (3.76), WR Troy Franklin (4.102), CB Kris Abrams-Draine (5.145), RB Adric Estimé (5.147), WR Devaughn Vele (7.235), C Nick Gargiulo (7.256)
Projected starters
QB: Bo Nix (R)
RB: Javonte Williams
WR: Courtland Sutton
WR: Marvin Mims Jr.
WR: Tim Patrick
TE: Greg Dulcich
LT: Garett Bolles
LG: Ben Powers
C: Luke Wattenberg
RG: Quinn Meinerz
RT: Mike McGlinchey
DL: Zach Allen
DL: D.J. Jones
OLB: Baron Browning
ILB: Alex Singleton
ILB: Cody Barton
OLB: Jonathan Cooper
CB: Pat Surtain III
S: P.J. Locke
S: Brandon Jones
SCB: Ja’Quan McMillian
CB: Riley Moss
2024 outlook
They are obviously exhibitions, but it’s funny to see people realize how good Bo Nix is after his undeniable talent has been on display through two preseasons games; and under the direction of Sean Payton, it shouldn’t take long for the No. 12 overall pick to dismantle every false narrative about him during the pre-draft process. We had Nix right with Caleb Williams as the top prospects in the 2024 class, and his blend of arm talent, instincts, intelligence, mobility, and poise gives Denver the franchise quarterback they have been searching for since Peyton Manning’s retirement.
In general, the offense will be a heavy spread-the-wealth attack under Payton, and Nix is the perfect quarterback to operate the system with an extremely quick release and the mind to pair with it. An extension with Dallas sounds likely, but I would love for the Broncos to make a play for CeeDee Lamb if possible, as getting a superstar No. 1 wideout would give the Broncos enough firepower to immediately compete with Kansas City in the AFC West. Still, the running game should be improved with Javonte Williams healthy, the offensive line is one of the better groups in the league, and Nix has shown a strong connection with Courtland Sutton and others.
On the other side of the ball, Denver played much better down the stretch in 2023 after a very slow start under Vance Joseph, and the entire team appears to have brought in as a tough unit that will fly around the field. A pass rush is needed to compete with top AFC opponents, so the improved rotation by adding John Franklin-Meyers and rookie Jonah Elliss—along with Baron Browning primed to make a leap if he can stay healthy—needs to get home; similar to wide receiver, there’s just a concern about not having that star-level finisher, but they are obviously difficult to find.
Position battle to watch: No. 2 cornerback
Pat Surtain II should have one side of the field locked down for the most part, and Ja’Quan McMillian came out of nowhere to be one of the NFL’s best slot defenders in 2023. That leaves the other outside cornerback spot, which is close to being decided in a competition between Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, and Levi Wallace. The momentum is probably in favor of Moss (a third-round pick in 2023) getting the job, and he brings playmaking upside to the position.
Breakout candidate: WR Marvin Mims Jr.
Mims hasn’t started either preseason game and has played into the second half with Courtland Sutton and the veterans resting, but part of me believes the second-year wideout is being hidden by Sean Payton leading up to the regular season. At the very least, Mims has said the new kickoff rule is a “hidden gem” for Denver a year after he was a Second-team All-Pro kick returner, but I also think he can be a difference-maker at wide receiver as a speed complement to the big-bodied Sutton.
Circle on the calendar: Week 1 (@ SEA) | Sunday, September 8 – 4:05 PM ET
All the matchups in the AFC West should be circled (especially the Chiefs and Raiders), but I’m most excited to see how Bo Nix looks in his real debut in Week 1. Seattle is loaded on both sides of the ball and a difficult place to play, so Nix and the Broncos—currently 4.5-point underdogs—starting off with a victory would be a tremendous sign about things to come in 2024 and beyond.
Bottom line
The Broncos being one of the worst projected teams in the league doesn’t make sense to me, as both sides of the ball should be better than a season ago when they went 8-9. I believe Denver could earn a wild card spot if Nix plays up to expectations.