1 bold prediction for all 32 teams in 2023

Denver Broncos’ Bold Prediction – Sean Payton Leads A Top 10 Rushing Attack

Most pundits assumed that the hiring of Sean Payton would mean that the Denver Broncos would find a way to make Russell Wilson a Pro Bowler again. Payton had a ton of success in New Orleans with a smaller quarterback in Drew Brees, setting a reasonable bar that Wilson could bounce back from his worst season as a pro and have the Broncos in the playoff hunt.

While Brees did have excellent passing statistics in New Orleans, the Saints were often at their best under Payton when they were able to pair Brees with a strong running game. The Super Bowl-winning team in 2009 was headlined by the backfield tandem of Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush while the contenders late in Brees’ career had a dynamic duo of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara toting the rock.

The Broncos have the means to duplicate that formula with Javonte Williams, who was on his way to a breakout season before a torn ACL, and free agent pickup Samaje Perine as their 1-2 punch. The offensive line remains a strength for Denver when healthy so expect Payton to lean on the running game early in order to not put too much on Wilson’s plate at the start of the season.

Utilizing the run game also makes sense since Denver plays in the AFC West and will want to limit the possessions for strong offenses led by the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. A run-first offense led by Payton should easily land inside the Top 10 of the NFL for the 2023 season.