10 bold predictions for the 2020 NFL season

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on prior to Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 29: Denver Broncos offensive players, including Courtland Sutton #14, Dalton Risner #66, Drew Lock #3, and Austin Schlottmann #71 prepares to go onto the field to play against the Oakland Raiders during a game at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

10. Stunningly, the Broncos will emerge as AFC West champions

Peek at how the Broncos’ roster has bloomed. Since Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 Super Bowl victory, Denver is the owner of the NFL’s eighth-best defense via points allowed. It hasn’t been impenetrable, but it has been quite good. Yet, Denver has been lousy on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncos rank 30th in points scored since 2016.

It’s taken several years, but it appears bossman John Elway has finally repaired his offense. 2019 draft selection Drew Lock gave off exciting rookie vibes down the stretch last season. That was aided by a young playmaking nucleus of wideout Courtland Sutton, tight end Noah Fant and running back Phillip Lindsay.

The Broncos have since added more horsepower with the additions of rookies Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler and then veteran tailback Melvin Gordon.

The defense is available at beck and call. Why? Denver’s head coach is a defensive mind that transferred over from the Chicago Bears last season. If Vic Fangio can guide Mitchell Trubisky to a 12-4 record, he can concoct a defense that aptly complements Drew Lock.

To predict a Chiefs hangover seems far-fetched, but anything can happen. The $500 million man, Patrick Mahomes, could encounter injury as he did in 2019. Or, the Chiefs could take a small step backward.

In any event, the Broncos have the coaching and playmakers to win the AFC West. Watch for it.

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