While We’re All Making Predictions

Denver Broncos running back Selvin Young recently predicted a 2,000 yard rushing season for himself.  Days later, wide receiver Brandon Marshall just announced his intent to repeat last year’s 100-catch performance.

Since everyone’s in a prognosticating mood, I figured I’d join in the festivities and offer my June predictions.  It’s only June – I completely reserve the right to change these, and fully intend on doing just that as the regular season approaches and I give my “final” predictions.  Here we go…

The depth chart was challenged last year as injury after injury sent productive veterans to the bench, and the Broncos didn’t respond well.  The depth chart was backed up by late round players who had yet to see extensive game time – players like Chris Myers, Chris Kuper, and Hamza Abdullah.  All were inconsistent (not just these players), playing well and playing poorly at different times.

Now, we’ve added veteran players through free agency to back up some of the biggest positions of question.  Behind Tom Nalen we have Casey Wiegmann.  Behind Ben Hamilton we have Dylan Gandy.  Behind John Lynch we have Marlon McCree.

For this reason, I believe the Broncos have improved.  Veterans, with game experience, are now backing up our Broncos instead of players who were a little too green. Injuries are a part of football, and while the Broncos have gotten stronger just by seeing injured studs return to the field, the added depth will surely help the team survive the annual training room migration.

The Prediction: The 2008 Denver Broncos will go 10-6, finish 2nd in the AFC West, and enter the playoffs as the fifth seed.  They’ll win one playoff game, giving Jay Cutler valuable playoff experience and then prepare for a “real” run in 2009.

That’s where I’m at right now.  Dish it out in the comments.