2006 Denver Broncos Predictions

Despite making it to the AFC Championship Game, last season was a disappointment for the Denver Broncos. QB Jake Plummer again proved he couldn't be counted on to win the big games as he threw two critical interceptions and had a 66.4 QB rating in the loss to the Steelers. The Broncos made a couple of decent moves in the offseason to help both now and in the future, but their team looks a lot like last year's version, which wasn't quite good enough to get to the Super Bowl.

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Key Additions: DE Kenard Lang, LB Nate Webster, WR Javon Walker, QB Jay Cutler (rookie), TE Tony Scheffler (rookie), DB Willie Middlebrooks.

Key Subtractions: DE Trevor Pryce, TE Jeb Putzier, RB Mike Anderson.

Sportsbook Odds: The Broncos are still legitimate Super Bowl contenders. If they can make it through the tough AFC West, they will have a say the AFC playoff picture. WagerWeb.com has Denver as +$110 to win the AFC West, +$550 to win the AFC championship and $1200 to win Super Bowl XLI.

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Player To Watch: The addition of Walker should be a big boost for Plummer. Walker had 89 catches for 1,382 yards and 12 TDs for the Packers in 2004 before missing almost all of last season with a torn ACL. He should be ready for the start of the season and will make a nice tandem with Rod Smith for Plummer to look for. Plummer did have an efficient, if not outstanding, regular season last year, tossing only 7 interceptions and at one point throwing 229 consecutive passes without an INT. He's looking to be even better this season. "I know I had one of my best years last year," Plummer said. "I look to improve on that. I didn't expect to throw that little amount of interceptions, but I would like to do the same again this year. I want to up the touchdown passes (from 18) and our third-down conversions, and make it tough for teams to get our offense off the field."

Outlook: Denver will employ the running back by committee process again. The Broncos' philosophy is that they can plug in good runners into their system, and their zone-blocking scheme on the offensive line will make any running back they give the ball successful. This year they are touting undrafted rookie Mike Bell. Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne will also be in the mix. Denver will count on a strong running game and a strong defense against the run to control games like it did last season. Plummer will have to be better if he wants to keep heir apparent Cutler from taking his job sooner rather than later. Look for the Broncos to battle the Chargers and Chiefs for the AFC West division crown again, but ultimately to fall short of their goal of reaching the Super Bowl again and possibly not even make the playoffs.

By Mike Brody of WagerWeb