Broncos-Raiders and Week 2 Picks!

The Broncos host the Raiders in Week 2, and Denver comes in at 1-0 after a comeback win over the Seahawks, and the Raiders come in at 0-1 after a Monday Night Football loss to the Rams. The Raiders just melted down in the second half of that game and they come in a wounded animal. Everyone is critical of Jon Gruden and how they handled the Khalil Mack situation and it didn't help that they got smoked by 20 the other night to the Rams. I would be careful here if I'm a Broncos fan. Denver looked very good at times, and then sloppy at others in the win over the Seahawks. We dominated the game, yet the Seahawks hung around and were winning the 4th quarter. I think this is a close game, and I would expect the Raiders to come ready the play. I'm a little wary about this game.

Oakland (+6) over DENVER
Final Score: Raiders-23 Broncos-22

Now, onto the picks for Week 2.............

Last Week's Record: 8-6-2
Overall Record: 8-6-2
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Indy (+6) over WASHINGTON: I think the Redskins will win the game, but I think Andrew Luck will keep it close and he is always dangerous for the backdoor cover. The Skins will get to 2-0.

Carolina (+6) over ATLANTA: I was disappointed in what I saw in Atlanta in the season opening loss to Philly. I think they win this game, but I like Carolina to keep it close. I think it comes down to a field goal at the end and close Atlanta win.

Minnesota (-1) over GREEN BAY: Aaron Rodgers is questionable, and even if he plays, I like the Vikings. Right now, I just Minnesota is the more complete team, and I like what I saw out of Kirk Cousins in his Vikings debut last week.

LA Chargers (-6) over BUFFALO: The Bills got killed in Week 1 by the Ravens, and they turn to Josh Allen to get his firs career start at home. The Chargers are 0-1 after a convincing loss at home to KC. I think the Chargers have to win this game and they are the better team, so I'll take them as road favorites.

TENNESSEE (+3) over Houston: This is a weird game for me to pick, and I'm not sure where to go with it. I have a feeling the Titans win at home, but I'm not confident in this pick at all.

Kansas City (+5) over PITTSBURGH: Why in the world are the Chiefs that big of an underdog in this game? The Steelers looked like crap in a tie last week in Cleveland, and the Chiefs looked like the second best team in the AFC. I like the Chiefs on the road here in an early statement win over the Steelers.

NY JETS (-2) over Miami: The Jets destroyed the Lions in Week 1, but let's slow down with the Sam Darnold hype. Everything went well for the Jets in that game. The Dolphins are 1-0 after beating the Titans at home, but the Jets usually have the Dolphins number. I'll take the Jets to get to 2-0 with a big home win.

Philly (-3) over TAMPA BAY: Tampa Bay shocked everyone with a big road win in New Orleans last week. The Eagles held off the Falcons at home, so both teams come into the game at 1-0. I think it goes back and forth, but I think the Eagles find a way to pull it out at the end.

NEW ORLEANS (-9) over Cleveland: The Browns tied the Steelers last week and they are off to their best start in years at 0-0-1. The Saints got shocked at home by the Bucs, and I can't see the Saints starting off 0-2. I think they bring it this week and put a whipping on the Browns at home.

LA RAMS (-11) over Arizona: The Rams might be the juggernaut of the NFC, and they took care of business at Oakland in Week 1. The Cardinals looked really bad in their defeat at the hands of Washington. I think the Rams will roll in their home opener and get to 2-0.

SAN FRANCISCO (-6) over Detroit: San Fran had a tough loss in Minnesota last week, but I think Jimmy G will rebound and I think they will pound the Lions at home. The Lions looked lifeless in Week 1 at home to the Jets, and I think their troubles will continue.

New England (-1) over JACKSONVILLE: The best game of Week 2 features the 1-0 Pats heading to Jacksonville to take on the 1-0 Jags. It is a tough game to call because I can see Jax winning the game and suffocating Tom Brady, but I usually get burnt when I go against the Pats. I think NE wins a very close game.

NY Giants (+3) over DALLAS: Both teams need a win after losing in Week 1 and someone is going to be 0-2 after this game on SNF. I think the Giants are more talented than the Cowboys, so I'll take the Giants to win outright and send Dallas to 0-2.

Seattle (+4) over CHICAGO: The Bears blew a 20 point lead in Lambeau Field last week and got beat by the Packers 24-23. Seattle got outplayed by Denver and still only lost by three. I think Seattle comes out and pulls off the upset in Chicago and Russell Wilson makes a play at the end of the game to win and get Seattle to 1-1 while the Bears fall to 0-2

Ravens-Benglas TNF Week 2 Pick!

CINCY (+1) over Baltimore

Broncos Outlast Seahawks 27-24 in Season Opening Win!

The Broncos got off to a victorious start to the 2018 season with a 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Denver on Sunday. It is always nice to start off the season with a win and Denver came back from a 24-20 deficit to win the game in the 4th quarter. It is still hard to tell what we have with this Broncos team, but to get a win in the first game is all that matters at this point. It was a good day for the Broncos and their fans. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....

1) The Broncos really dominated the game. With the exception of few big plays given up by the Denver defense, and the three Case Keenum picks, the Broncos should have run away with this game. They amassed 470 yards of total offense, had 25 first downs, and held the ball for over 35 minutes. They were the better team overall on Sunday and the fact that they were able to win the game after committing three turnovers is a good sign.

2) Case Keenum had a great debut despite throwing three picks. On the three picks, he simply made a bad read and that is expected in a new offense and new system. He finished 25-39 for 329 yards and 3 TDs and 3 INTs. He was efficient and accurate and I love how he brought the Broncos back down 24-20 in the 4th quarter and threw the game-winning TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. He best throw of the game was a 3rd and 10 completion to Jake Butt on that drive.

3) Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders were solid as well for the offense. Sanders finished with 10 receptions for 135 yards and 1 TD. That 43 yard catch and run TD gave Denver a 14-10 in the second quarter. Thomas had 6 catches for 63 yards and the game winning score. Courtland Sutton also had two big catches. The receiving corps looks to be a weapon once again for this offense. I was also really impressed by Bill Musgrave's gameplan and play calling. I think he did a good job all game and kept Keenum in comfortable situations.

4) The rookie RBs shined as well. Royce Freeman had 71 yards rushing and was huge in the 4th quarter as he helped move the chains and pick up some big first downs to kill the clock late. Philip Lindsay had a great debut. He had 71 yards rushing and another 31 receiving and he scored the Broncos first touchdown on a 29 yard catch and run in the flat in the 1st quarter to tie the game at 7. Both guys look like the real deal it will be fun to watch them compliment each other each week. We need a good nickname for this duo. Interestingly, Devontae Booker barely played in the game.

5) The defense played well despite a few big plays and missed assignments. We still have trouble covering the tight end as Seattle's Will Dissly had 3 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown that put Seattle up 7-0 after Earl Thomas picked off Keenum in the 1st quarter. The Broncos had 6 sack, three by Von Miller, and they harassed Russel Wilson most of the day. If we can shore up the few mistakes and tackle better, the Broncos defense will really start to be dominant once again. Bradley Chubb played well and had half a sack. Chris Harris was awesome with a big pass breakup in the 2nd quarter in the endzone and big sack late in the game.

6) Von Miller was all over the place. Not only did he have three sacks, he had two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was unblockable. It was nice to see that type of debut from him. We need him on that level every week-especially at home.

7) The Broncos special teams were fine yesterday and Brandon McManus made two long field goals. In a game that featured us giving up 3 turnovers, sloppy tackling, and a few big plays on defense, it was a great sign that Broncos came back down 24-20 and took the lead back and then the defense shut the door to finish the game. Good start to the year. The Broncos have plenty of work to do, but we got the win and are moving on. It is always good to start the year with a win and be 1-0. This week the 0-1 Raiders and Jon Gruden come to Denver to renew their old rivalry. It's Raiders Week and the Broncos have to shore things up to get to 2-0. Go Broncos!

Broncos-Seahawks and NFL Week 1 Picks!

There is excitement about this Broncos season that we didn't have last year. There is a lot of uncertainty and I think that makes for a good thing. Broncos fans feel more confident than they did at this time last year, and it will make for a fun year when it all gets rolling on Sunday. I like the vibes coming out of Denver heading into Week 1. I love the fact that they are opening at home in the late window on Sunday afternoon. I think Broncos Country will be fired up and I expect a very pumped up and loud crowd ready to get the new season going. I think the Broncos will come out and play well and hold off Russell Wilson in a close game and get the season off on the right foot.

Prediction: DENVER (-3) over Seattle
Final Score: Broncos-21 Seahawks-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season....

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Pittsburgh (-5) over CLEVELAND: Tyrod Taylor gets the start for Cleveland, but Big Ben and the Steelers will come in and take care of business on the road.

MINNESOTA (-4) over San Francisco: I think the Vikings and Kirk Cousins get off to a fast start to the year and beat up the Niners in Minnesota.

Cincy (+3) over INDY: I like the Bengals as a sleeper team in the AFC this year, and they will go into Indy and knock off the Colts in Andrew Luck's debut.

BALTIMORE (-5) over Buffalo: This is the lock of the week. The Ravens will smother the Bills in in Baltimore.

NY GIANTS (+4) over Jacksonville: This will be a fun game to watch in Week 1. How will that Jaguars defense defend OBJ and Saquon Barkley? I like the Giants as a home underdog.

NEW ORLEANS (-8) over Tampa Bay: This is the second lock of the week. The Saints at home will ambush the Bucs early and often.

Houston (+7) over NEW ENGLAND: The Patriots will win the game, but the Texans will take them to the limit. These two teams could be seeing each other again in January.

MIAMI (+3) over Tennessee: There is nothing I like about the Dolphins this year, but I think they will surprise everyone and play well and pull the upset as the home underdog over the Titans in Week 1.

LA CHARGERS (-3) over Kansas City: Great game in Week 1 in the late window. Two AFC contenders battle in a divisional matchup. I'll take the Chargers in a nailbiter.

CAROLINA (-3) over Dallas: I don't like the Cowboys at all this year, and I think they will run into a buzzsaw with Cam Newton and the Panthers taking it to them in Carolina.

Washington (+1) over ARIZONA: I love the Redskins and Alex Smith on the road in this game. Look for a convincing win for the Skins.

GREEN BAY (-7) over Chicago: Interesting SNF matchup with a classic rivalry. The Bears just traded for Khalil Mack, so that gives this game some added excitement. I think it is close for awhile, but the Packers will pull it out in the end.

NY Jets (+7) over DETROIT: I'm higher on the Jets than most people, and I'm down on the Lions this year. I think Sam Darnold gets a win in his first career start on the road in the MNF opener.

LA Rams (-2) over OAKLAND: The Rams spoil Jon Gruden's first game, and I think the Rams will take care of Raiders in a fairly easy manner.

Season Opener TNF Pick!

Atlanta (+4) over PHILLY: Nick Foles gets the start because Carson Wentz is still not ready as the Eagles kickoff the season celebrating their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. The Falcons come to Philly trying to spoil the party and for the second year in a row, the defending Super Bowl Champs will be defeated to start the year. I'll take Atlanta getting the points.

2018 Denver Broncos 53 Man Roster

Ladies and Gentlemen.....your 2018 Denver Broncos...........

QBs:
Case Keenum, Chad Kelly, Kevin Hogan

RBs:

Devontae Booker, Royce Freeman, Philip Lindsay, Andy Janovich

WRs:

Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, Daesean Hamilton, Isaiah McKenzie, Tim Patrick (Jordan Taylor-PUP)

TEs:

Jake Butt, Jeff Heuerman, Matt Lacosse (Troy Fumagali-IR)

OL:

Matt Paradis, Ron Leary, Connor McGovern, Sam Jones, Billy Turner, Max Garcia, Garrett Bolles, Jared Veldheer, Elijah Wilkinson

DEs:

Derek Wolfe, Adam Gotsis, Shelby Harris, DeMarcus Walker

DTs:

Domata Peko, Zach Kerr

LBs:

Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Shane Ray, Shaq Barrett, Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, Josey Jewell, Keishawn Bierria, A.J. Johnson, Joe Jones

CBs:

Chris Harris, Bradley Roby, Adam Jones, Tramaine Brock, Isaac Yiadom

S:

Darian Stewart, Justin Simmons, Will Parks, Dymonte Thomas (Su'a Cravens-IR and Jamal Carter-IR) 

K: Brandon McManus

P: Marquette King

LS: Casey Kreiter

2018 Denver Broncos Training Camp Preview

The Denver Broncos return to training camp this weekend looking for a fresh start in 2018. Last year was a disaster and the 5-11 season was one of the worst in recent Broncos history. Now, the new year begins and the Broncos have a chance to get back to where they belong-in playoff contention. Here are some tidbits as we kick off training camp.

Where We Left Off: The Broncos were defeated by the Chiefs in the season finale in Denver to finish 5-11. There were a lot of questions about Vance Joseph returning as head coach and a lot of questions about the QB position. It was the end to a very dreadful 2017 campaign.

What Happened Since? The Broncos decided to keep VJ as head coach, but they made changes to the offensive staff and special teams. Denver went out and signed Case Keenum to be their new QB. Trevor Siemian was traded to Minnesota. Aqib Talib was traded to the Rams, and instead of drafting a QB in the top 5, the Broncos snagged Bradley Chubb with that pick.

Position Battles at Camp: On offense, it looks like RG is a position to watch with Connor McGovern battling it out with Max Garcia. It is imperative that the Broncos get better there in that spot. I would also keep an eye on the backup QB job between Paxton Lynch and Chad Kelly.

Surprise Cuts: I would not be surprised to see TE Jeff Heuerman get cut. Jake Butt is back healthy at TE and the Austin Traylor has flashed some potential in camp so far. I don't know if it would be a surprise but look out for Isaiah McKenzie or Carlos Henderson to get cut a year after getting drafted. On defense, it wouldn't surprise me to see Darian Stewart's name come up if the other safeties continue to develop.

Out of Nowhere Players: He isn't totally out of nowhere but look for DE Jeff Holland to be a guy that everyone is talking about. He comes out of Auburn and was undrafted, but he looks like he could be a guy that could make an impact this year.

Biggest Questions That Need To Be Answered: The biggest questions for the Broncos are if Vance Joseph can right the ship and improve as a HC in his second year. He has to get better in all areas of coaching this year. The other question is can this defense get back to a level that they aspire to be. The final question will come down to Case Keenum. If Keenum can play like he did last year in Minnesota, the Broncos will have a good chance at a winning season and getting back into the playoffs.