Pritchard: With win vs Ravens, Broncos go from pretender to contender

Are the Denver Broncos pretenders or contenders? It depends, says “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Mike Pritchard.

Right now, Pritchard said Friday, the Broncos are certainly contenders for an AFC West divisional crown after starting 2-0 in 2018.

But are they contenders for a Super Bowl? No. Not yet, at least.

“What’s the context? Contender for a Super Bowl championship? Well, no. They’re not there yet. Contender for an AFC West divisional championship? Yes, absolutely. I think the Broncos are a contender for that,” Pritchard said. “It’s within sight. You can reach out and grab it. You just have to have a great year.”

Whether people consider the Broncos a “contender or pretender” hinges on perception about its roster and the quality of the wins thus far this season, Pritchard said.

Take, for example, the Los Angeles Rams, considered by many a Super Bowl contender, who had started the season off 2-0 as well. Both the Broncos and Rams have defeated an 0-2 Oakland Raiders team with L.A. beating an 0-2 Arizona Cardinals squad and Denver an 0-2 Seattle team as well.

“There’s no difference in the win-loss column between the Denver Broncos and the Rams,” Pritchard said. “I get it. I understand that. I don’t think the roster is set yet for a Super Bowl like it is for the Rams.”

But, if the Broncos can go into Baltimore, a road game in which they’ve traditionally struggled (1-4 all-time), and win, then perception about Denver could start to change, Pritchard said.

“Does perception change if you go 3-0? Absolutely. You’re no longer a pretender in people’s eyes. You instantly become a contender,” Pritchard said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.