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Denver’s defense is ready to support a better record, with Patrick Surtain II and a deep front giving Sean Payton dependable answers. The Broncos remain No. 9 because Bo Nix still needs a consistent explosive option when the defense does not create short fields. Denver needs an offense that can create its own margin instead of protecting a close game every week.
Denver starts the regular season with a 84.7 PFM Team Score and the No. 9 spot in PFM’s NFL rankings. Movement will appear after the first published weekly ratings update.
Bo Nix and Jaylen Waddle need to create more easy yards so Denver is not asking every scoring drive to stay perfect. The bigger obstacle is proving the offense can create enough explosive plays when the defense does not control the game.
Pick the winner.
Denver owns one of the tougher schedules in the league because San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks form the hardest part of it. PFM has the schedule No. 9 with an opponent average of 81.4 and 9 games against current top-10 teams. The road is not difficult from start to finish, but the stretch around San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks leaves little room for an off week.
Toughest remaining opponent: 
Seattle Seahawks at 91.1 PFM.
The NFL placed Jonathon Cooper on the Commissioner's Exempt List, making him unavailable to practice or play.
Cooper has recorded at least eight sacks in each of the last three seasons, so Denver is losing a proven edge starter opposite Nik Bonitto for an undefined period.
Jonah Elliss is expected to move into the starting role. PFM should will review the Defense Rating and Roster Strength because this is a real change to the Broncos' pass-rush rotation, not just an off-field story.
Shared profile: Offense and Coaching Direction.
Denver gets on-schedule throws from the offensive line, while Los Angeles Chargers use the offensive line to control early downs and avoid obvious passing situations. The closest football connection comes from two important parts of the roster, with each team reaching it through its own personnel. QB Stability is the main separator, with Los Angeles Chargers carrying more dependable current support in long-yardage situations.
Where they separate: QB Stability. Chargers hold the stronger current rating.
Kansas City remains the AFC West standard when Patrick Mahomes is healthy, and the Chargers still have Justin Herbert. Denver's defense can shrink either matchup, but Bo Nix and Jaylen Waddle have to supply the explosive plays that keep the Broncos from settling for close losses.
Denver owns 3 Super Bowl titles from 8 trips, with the latest coming in Super Bowl L in 2016.
