5 NFL teams that could surprise people in 2018

Denver Broncos

All right, let’s look at the Broncos team, that hoisted the Super Bowl trophy in 2016. They won with a dominant defense, a downhill rushing attack and timely quarterback play with two very good receivers. Well, I think Denver could have exactly those things once again this upcoming season.

Defensively, things started with Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware wreaking havoc off the edges. Miller has steadily been one of the elite players in the game since earning that MVP trophy in the big game and the Broncos just drafted the premier defensive prospect in N.C. State’s Bradley Chubb to go alongside him.

While they don’t have an interior rusher like Malik Jackson, Derek Wolfe is still demanding attention and with Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett in the rotation, they can move guys around the line. I think Todd Davis has been solid next to Brandon Marshall, replacing Danny Trevathan and having Bradley Roby as their third corner was an immense luxury.

Tremaine Brock could turn out to be an excellent addition and already advocated last January that the Broncos need to find a way to bring Justin Simmons onto the field, whom I really liked coming out of college due to his high football IQ and range. Whoever wants to argue that the Super Bowl team had Peyton Manning at the helm, I would strongly advise to go back and watch the five-time NFL MVP during that season.

He had the worst stretch of his career with nine touchdowns compared to 17 INTs thrown, when his body started to break down before he was benched and was out with an injury. Even though he played very well in a few games, it was Brock Osweiler who won quite a few games for them. When Manning returned, he came through when the team really needed him, but they didn’t depend on him airing it out.

Instead, it was the bruising running style of C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman changing up the pace. With their current set of backs and a much-improved offensive line, I see them reproducing that ground success and I certainly believe Case Keenum can come up big for them in those crucial moments after what I saw from him last year. Even though they might have declined a little, Demaryius Thomas Emmanuel Sanders are still there and Denver drafted two receivers I really like. SMU’s Courtland Sutton should a beast in the red-zone and DeSean Hamilton understands how to create separation with his route-running. I really like the Chargers and the Raiders should bounce back from a disappointing 2017 campaign, but I can’t count the Broncos out right now.