3 best and worst QBs Broncos will face in 2024 schedule feat. Deshaun Watson

New York Jets v Cleveland Browns
3 best and worst QBs Broncos will face in 2024 schedule feat. Deshaun Watson

The Denver Broncos know which teams they will face in the 2024 NFL season. As such, analysts, fans and pundits have spent the last few days dissecting and processing the information. With the fog lifted on the schedule, let's look at the best and worst quarterbacks the Broncos will face in 2024.

The best quarterbacks the Broncos will face

#1 - Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes at Inter Miami CF at Sporting Kansas City
Patrick Mahomes at Inter Miami CF at Sporting Kansas City

Not only do the Broncos have to face the best quarterback in the NFL, but they have to do so twice. Patrick Mahomes is the reigning Super Bowl champion for the second time in two years, and his offense may have gotten even better. With the quarterback still in his 20s, there appears little hope for a falloff.

The quarterback had arguably the worst season of his career in passing touchdowns and interceptions. But that didn't seem to matter as the quarterback finished with a 10-6 record, a record quarterbacks would rank as their best.

#2 - Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow at Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Joe Burrow at Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Burrow's health notwithstanding, the Bengals quarterback is one of the best in the league. Burrow remains the only starting quarterback in the AFC to reach a Super Bowl since Patrick Mahomes.

Bo Nix will have his hands full even with Sean Payton in his ear as he attempts to face Burrow. In Burrow's last full season, he threw for 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

#3 - Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert at Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert at Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers

Bo Nix will have to face the best quarterback in the NFL and one of the best in the AFC: Justin Herbert. Herbert has never thrown for less than 20 touchdowns in a season. And with him now paired with Jim Harbaugh, expectations are sky-high for the quarterback.

At his peak, Herbert threw for 38 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. If Harbaugh lives up to his college abilities, the expectation should be similar for Herbert in 2024, which is bad news for Denver.

The worst quarterbacks the Broncos will face:

#1 - Bryce Young

Bryce Young at Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young at Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers quarterback may see a Jared Goff-like second-year revival in 2024 but don't bet on it. The quarterback heads into the 2024 season with 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and under 60% of his passes completed.

The quarterback went 2-14, lending plenty of reason to brace for another similar struggle in 2024. Luckily for the Broncos, they will get a shot at perhaps the easiest opponent in the NFL.

#2 - Anthony Richardson

Anthony Richardson takes questions at a press conference
Anthony Richardson takes questions at a press conference

Anthony Richardson is stuck in no man's land in the NFL rankings. However, to prove oneself, one must show up. Unfortunately for Richardson, he managed to play in just four games last season. At this point, any rookie season attendance issues set a chilling tone for any player's career. Richardson appears to be one of the most enticing matchups for the Broncos.

Richardson threw for three touchdowns and one interception, completing 59.5% of his passes. With a big performance this season, he could elevate himself well away from this list, but he needs to prove it.

#3 - Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson at Wild Card Round-Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson at Wild Card Round-Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson is another quarterback with a history of questionable availability and questionable recent statistics. In his last two seasons, he has managed to play in just 12 games. In 2022, he completed under 60% of his throws and threw for seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

In 2023, he completed 61.4% of his throws for seven touchdowns and four interceptions. While his record was outstanding at 5-1 in those games, the credit for the record went to Nick Chubb and the rest of the fantastic roster. The Broncos may struggle to beat the Browns, but not because of Deshaun Watson.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now