5 bold predictions for Broncos in 2019

The Broncos believe they’re a playoff team in 2019, but betting on Joe Flacco is dangerous. Here are five bold predictions for John Elway’s franchise. 

It’s fair to say John Elway has struggled to find a franchise quarterback from the Broncos after Peyton Manning. He’s hoping that Joe Flacco will be the answer in 2019. That’s a precarious branch to hang playoff hopes on.

Fortunately, first-year head coach Vic Fangio has superstar talent on defense. If the Broncos do qualify for the postseason, expect them to lean heavily on the deadly combination of their pass rush and high-quality secondary. The group took a step back in 2018, but Fangio’s arrival should give them a much-needed shot in the arm.

The bottom line for the Broncos this season is they’ll need everything to go right if they want to make the playoffs. Not all of the following five predictions will be positive. That means Denver is unlikely to crash the postseason party this year.

5. Noah Fant will lead the team in catches

This prediction is both a nod to Fant’s talent and an indictment on the wide receivers on the Broncos roster. Emmanuel Sanders led the team with 71 receptions last season, but he’s unlikely to repeat that number in 2019. The coaching staff hopes Courtland Sutton will emerge as a true No. 1 wide receiver, but he might not have that kind of talent.

That leaves the door wide open for a versatile receiver like Fant to have a big rookie season. It also shouldn’t be overlooked that Flacco really likes to lean heavily on his tight ends. Fant isn’t much of a blocker, but he can be a real weapon in the slot. Look for him to come out of the gate really strong with Flacco at the helm. The question will be whether or not he can remain a productive receiver after NFL defenses get some tape on him.