Fansided

NFL: 10 teams that are better (or worse) than their records indicate

By Luke Dahlgren

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) is tackled by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) is tackled by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

WORSE: Denver Broncos (6-0)

Watching the Denver Broncos in the past few seasons, it is easy for fans of the AFC West’s other three teams to use their rival’s success as evidence of an uncaring universe.

If the first six games of 2015 have taught them anything, it has demonstrated that this notion is totally wrong. The universe cares, and it wants them to suffer.

The Denver Broncos have used perhaps the least sustainable method possible to climb to an early 6-0 record. While Peyton Manning and the offense have been stuck inside a 20-yard box, the defense has feasted on turnovers and tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The defense already has forced 17 turnovers, four of which have been returned for touchdowns, while still registering 26 sacks. All of these lead the league.

Denver has needed almost every single one of their turnovers.

  • Week One’s victory against the Ravens included an Aqib Talib pick-6, and was won in the final minute off of a Darian Stewart end zone interception. 19-13 Broncos
  • Week Two was salvaged by a timely (or untimely if you live near Kansas City) fumble by the Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles with under a minute to play. It was picked up by Bradley Roby and taken the distance. 31-24 Broncos
  • Week Five against the Oakland Raiders was highlighted by a fourth quarter Chris Harris, Jr.’s pick-6, which ended up as Denver’s only touchdown in a one score game. 16-10 Broncos
  • Week Six went into overtime against the Browns in Cleveland. Another Talib pick-6 gave the Broncos the necessary 10-0 cushion before the Browns came back, and enabled them to win in overtime. 26-23 Broncos

In short, they cannot keep getting away with these wins.

Final record: 11-5

This prediction is a call for a return to normalcy. The Broncos defense will assure that they are a playoff team, but the limitations of the offense combined with fortune’s inevitable spin downward will have Denver playing .500 football for the remainder of the season. Incoming matchups include visits from fellow undefeated squads in Green Bay, New England and Cincinnati, so it makes sense that the team’s performance will dip as it’s competition rises.

Next: Seattle Seahawks

Home/NFL