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The Denver Broncos are coming off a disappointing 2007 season finishing 7-9 and missing the playoffs. Oddsmakers have set the Denver Broncos projected win total for the 2008 season at 7 1/2 wins.

Schedule:

Playing the AFC West the Broncos have 2 games each with Kansas City, Oakland and San Diego. The AFC West plays the AFC East and NFC South this season. They draw a break hosting Buffalo.

Offense:

Jay Cutler played with type 1 diabetes last season and didn’t know it. He was diagnosed in the offseason and has begun taking insulin. Cutler has gained 25 pounds in the offseason and looked good in minicamps throwing the football. Cutler has a strong arm and is growing in the position. He was a top 10 passer in passing yards and yards per attempt in 2007. Brandon Marshall had a breakout season in 2007 and his 549 yards after the catch ranked him second in the league. Marshall is tough to take down. Brandon Stokely comes over from Indy and will play in the slot. Running back Selvin Young figures to get most of the carries entering the season. Rookie fifth round pick Ryan Torain out of Arizona St got some people talking. If Torrain has a good camp he will get carries this season. Torrain hits the hole hard and contributed in the passing game for the Sun Devils in 2007.


Defense:

Stopping the run will need definite improvement after the Broncos gave up an average of 143 yards per game and an average of 4.6 yards per rushing attempt in 2007. The tone has to be set in training camp. The Broncos will have 6 new starters on defense. The defensive line must do a better job of stuffing the run so their linebackers can make plays. The cornerback duo of Champ Bailey and Dre Bly are outstanding. They will be more effective this season, as the Broncos will do a better job of stopping the run. They will go to an 8 man front with new defensive coordinator Jim Slowik taking over. It will work since the Broncos two solid cover bookends at corner.

And now to my Selection:

After missing the post season in two straight seasons Mike Shanahan will feel great pressure to get this team contending for the post season. His track record has been excellent following losing seasons. Four of Shanahan’s teams have produced losing seasons and in the following year have bounced back. The 4th easiest schedule will also help. The scheme on defense is much better and their player turnover is a positive change on defense. Play Denver over 7 ½ wins.

Play Denver Broncos Over 7 ½ wins for the 2008 season.