Denver Broncos 2022 NFL Season Betting Preview (How High is Denver's Ceiling with Russell Wilson?)

After what feels like forever, the Denver Broncos finally have their quarterback.

The Broncos traded for Russell Wilson this offseason and hired Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to run the offense that held the team back from the postseason since they won Super Bowl 50.

Denver is in the toughest division in the NFL, the AFC West, with four worthy playoff teams, how does that impact their season long outlook? Here is our season preview with a look at the team's offseason, schedule and futures outlook:

Don't forget to check out the full list of team previews here. We'll release one each day until all 32 NFL teams are covered.

Denver Broncos Offseason Moves and Signings

• Hired Nathaniel Hackett as head coach from Green Bay Packers (offensive coordinator)
• Traded for Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson
• Signed defensive end Randy Gregor from Dallas Cowboys
• Drafted linebacker Nick Bonito with first draft pick (second round, No. 64 overall)

Denver Broncos 2022 Schedule

The Broncos open their season on the road against Wilson's former team, the Seattle Seahawks. This is the first of five total primetime matchups.

The other primetime games are Week 3 vs. the 49ers, Week 5 vs. Colts, Week 6 at Chargers and Week 14 vs. Chiefs.

Denver goes on their bye week in Week 9.

Denver Broncos 2022 Win Total Prediction

• OVER 10 (-110)
• UNDER 10 (-110)

The Broncos have a ton of talent on hand with Wilson under center, two capable running backs in Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, and a handful of wide receivers like a healthy Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy.

However, I don't have much interest in backing teams from the AFC West prior to the season, especially a team that has no evidence of success just yet. While the team may be the best in the AFC West, there's too much uncertainty to bet a double digit win total.

The Broncos also play an incredibly difficult schedule, and one team will inevitably struggle in this division. Why not Denver, who has a first time head coach in Hackett? Again, this team may be very talented, but I would shoot for bigger payouts than just -110 on getting to 11 wins.

I would lean towards the under strictly from a value perspective, but I really don't see much value in taking either side.

LEAN: UNDER 10 Wins (-110)

Denver Broncos 2022 Odds to Win AFC West, AFC, and Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: YES -145/NO +120
• Odds to Win AFC West: +260
• Odds to Win AFC: +850
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +1800

As I alluded to earlier, it's tough to project the Broncos with a new quarterback and coach in the toughest division, but I see myself eyeing more negative outcomes.

Denver technically plays a league average schedule, per prior team's records last season, but I think that is underrating how difficult the schedule sets up. The Raiders and Chargers will both be improved after their offseasons, and the Chiefs are always a tough out with Patrick Mahomes.

How does Wilson acclimate to a new roster after having his worst season of his career (mainly due to surgery on his finger). While the team could be dynamite on offense and still stout on defense, there are more questions on this roster in my opinion than the Chargers and Chiefs. Do all three make the postseason?

My favorite look is the NO on the Broncos making the postseason due to a difficult schedule and more negative outcomes than is being shown in this market.

LEAN: Broncos MISS the playoffs (+120)