Fansided

Broncos have promise, optimism behind Drew Lock

By Travis Wakeman

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 08: Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws a pass during the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans on December 8, 2019 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 08: Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws a pass during the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans on December 8, 2019 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos haven’t reached the playoffs since 2015, but with an explosive offense led by second-year quarterback Drew Lock, hope has returned.

Best-case scenario

Because the Broncos play in the AFC West, they will still be chasing a very strong Kansas City Chiefs squad, one that they are unlikely to leapfrog this season. However, the Broncos have made enough additions to be a Wild Card contender, especially since an extra Wild Card slot was added to the playoff format.

In this scenario, Drew Lock takes the next step and finds receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy early and often.

Worst-case scenario

Lock taking a backward step and the team losing all faith in him. This would force general manager John Elway to start the search for a new franchise quarterback once again, a spot that has remained empty since Peyton Manning’s retirement. Regardless of this season’s win-loss record, the Broncos need for Lock to play well and show that the franchise is moving in the right direction with him.

Biggest offseason move

Jurrell Casey. The Broncos pulled off what many feel was one of the biggest steals in many years when they sent a seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Casey. The new defensive lineman not only greatly strengthens the defensive line as a whole, but his presence should help free up pass-rushing lanes for Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.

Draft pick who makes the big impact

Jeudy. The Broncos were fortunate to have Jeudy fall to them with the No. 15 overall pick in the first round. He gives the team a legitimate No. 2 wide receiver and with the talent to be a No.1 guy. The Broncos should be able to threaten defenses at every level with the passing game and Jeudy will be a huge part of that.

Overall expectations

The Broncos have the ability to be a nine or 10-win team this season, certainly much-improved from the past several years. I would expect to see a well-balanced team that plays tough on both sides of the ball. The offense should score many more points than it did last season and the defense, in its second year under the direction of Vic Fangio, should be as stingy as just about any in the league.

In the end, expect to see the Broncos qualify for the playoffs as a No. 6 or 7 seed and make their first trip to the postseason since winning Super Bowl 50.