Broncos Defense Expected to Take Major Leap in 2021
By Peter Dewey
Injuries decimated the Denver Broncos’ defense in the 2020 season, as Von Miller, Jurell Casey, A.J. Bouye, Dre’Mont Jones and others missed the entire season or at least significant time.
The Broncos subsequently struggled, allowing the eighth-most points in the NFL on their way to a 5-11 season. However, Vic Fangio’s team has revamped its defense, as well as gotten Miller back from injury, and oddsmakers have taken notice.
WynnBET has the Broncos at +1400 odds to allow the fewest points in the NFL next season, which is tied with the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams for the fourth-best odds in the league.
That’s a huge leap for the Broncos, but the additions of Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby and rookie Patrick Surtain II in the secondary should go a long way for the Broncos in 2021. Miller’s return and the re-signing of Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons at safety should help the Broncos maintain some continuity among their best defenders as well.
Denver’s offense, which was among the worst in the NFL last season, will also play a major role in helping out the defense.
If Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater can make the Broncos serviceable offensively, it will help the defense stay off the field more often in 2021. The Broncos had the 11th-most plays run against them last season.
Fangio, who may be coaching for his job this season, will also need to keep his team disciplined this season. Denver was second in the NFL with 106 defensive penalties in 2020, which certainly makes it hard to get stops when you keep allowing free yardage.
Vegas is bullish on the Broncos’ outlook, but things are going to need to come together on both ends if the Broncos want to make the playoffs for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50.
WynnBET has the Broncos heavily favored to miss the postseason again under Fangio, as they are -210 to do so and just +155 to make it into the field.
Get in on the action with the WynnBET app.