The Denver Broncos started the 2018 NFL season with two straight wins, but followed that up with four straight losses. However, where do the Broncos stand after Thursday night’s 45-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals? Are they contenders or pretenders?
First, let’s look at the schedule they have played thus far. After wins over the Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders the first two weeks, Denver lost to the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and Los Angeles Rams.
Prior to last week, the Chiefs and Rams were the only undefeated teams remaining in the NFL. And while Kansas City’s run of perfection ended at the hands of the New England Patriots, the aforementioned four teams currently have a combined record of 18-6.
Entering the season, the Broncos were projected to have the NFL’s fourth-easiest schedule. Things certainly haven’t played out that way so far, though, as evidenced by the combined record of their opponents.
It’s also important to point out that the Chiefs and Rams defeated them by a combined seven points. With wins in those games, the Broncos would be 5-2 right now and in first place in the AFC West.
Still, after Thursday night’s dominant victory, people are talking about Denver once again and wondering if it has what it takes to reach the playoffs. It was a win over the hapless Cardinals, but 35-point wins don’t occur very often anymore.
Personally, I feel that the Broncos are playoff contenders. Here are three reasons to believe in them.
Next Page: No. 3
