The Denver Broncos have started the 2024 NFL season with a 1-2 record, but the three teams they’ve faced are a combined 8-1. That prompted Nate Davis to opine in his weekly power rankings: “Maybe they’re due a little more respect.”
In their season opener, the Broncos lost to the Seattle Seahawks (3-0) by six points (26-20) on the road. Through three weeks, Seattle’s defense is ranked fourth in points allowed (14.3 per game) and second in yards allowed (248.7 YPG).
In Week 2, Denver lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) by seven points (13-6) at home. Pittsburgh’s defense ranks first in points allowed (8.7 PPG) and first in yards allowed (229.7 YPG).
On Sunday, the Broncos handed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) their first loss of the season with a convincing 19-point victory (26-7). Tampa Bay’s defense was not nearly as formidable as the squads Denver faced in the first two weeks of the season. The Bucs rank 16th in points allowed (20.7 PPG) and 26th in yards allowed (371.3 YPG).
It remains to be seen if Tampa Bay will be a playoff contender in the NFC this season, but the Seahawks and Steelers appear to be legit, especially on defense. So, where does that leave the Broncos?
On deck this week is a road game against the New York Jets (2-1), who rank eighth in points allowed (17.3 PPG) and seventh in yards allowed (280 YPG). If Denver’s offense manages to move the ball and score points in New Jersey like it did in Florida, Broncos Country will have hope that 2024 won’t be a lost season.
