Big Al predicts Broncos go from ‘worst to first’ … with one caveat
Dec 13, 2017, 2:43 AM | Updated: 2:50 am
Downtrodden Denver Broncos fans need not worry any longer about what lies in store for the club after missing the postseason for a second-consecutive year.
On Wednesday, “The Drive” host Alfred “Big Al” Williams predicted the Broncos will go from “worst to first” next season … with one caveat.
“If we get any help from the veteran quarterbacks out there in free agency, we go from worst to first,” Big Al said. “Because you know what happens when you have a terrible year? You get an unbelievable easy schedule the following year.
“It’s something to look forward to Broncos fans.”
The upcoming offseason could be unprecedented in terms of free agent quarterback talent — from New Orleans Saints gunslinger Drew Brees to Washington Redskins play-caller Kirk Cousins.
But perhaps more importantly, Denver will benefit from a last place schedule should they hold steady in the AFC West cellar — a change of pace from the seasons in the recent past.
Heading into the 2017 season, the Broncos had statistically the toughest strength of schedule, with opponents combining for a .578 win percentage (147-107-2) in 2016. And through Week 14 of the NFL season, Denver ranks fifth in the AFC in terms of strength of schedule (.509) and has yet to win a road game (0-6).
“Look at it. Buffalo, pretty tough team. Chargers, leading the division with the Chiefs. Philadelphia, maybe the best team in the NFC. Oakland, not such a good year but no pushover. And then you’ve got Miami, who just beat New England at home,” said “The Drive” co-host DMac.
“It’s a tough road schedule.”
However, the Broncos will have road games next season against the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and likely either the New York Jets or Miami Dolphins — all teams with .500 or worse records though mid-December.
The Broncos will also play six game against AFC West opponents Kansas City, Oakland and Los Angeles, who combined with Denver have the second-lowest win by division in the NFL.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.
