Head coach Mike Shanahan always has his team ready to play and the 2008 NFL Season should be no different. Oddsmakers consider the Denver Broncos long shots, however, and have listed their odds to win the 2009 Super Bowl at 35/1.
The Broncos added one of the more respected wide receivers of this generation in former Seahawk and 49er Darrell Jackson. Although he’s aging, he can still be productive if he stays healthy. Denver also added free safety Marlon McCree (Chargers) to their defensive backfield, as well as former Lions’ linebacker Boss Bailey.
Pundits seem to be causations with the Broncos’ expectations this year after they had a disappointing 7-9 finish in 2007. NFL enthusiasts like Denver’s talent level, but they’re not sure if they can hold their own in a division that boasts the San Diego Chargers, too.
No matter where you look, Denver is considered a long shot at all of the major bookmakers. Current prices on the Broncos’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 35/1 at SBG Global, to 45/1 Bodog, to 50/1 at Sportsbook.com.
Oddsmakers have also set the Broncos’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 7.5, but clearly think Denver will win more than 7.5 games considering the over pays out at –160 compared to +130 for the under.
The Broncos certainly have the talent on both sides of the ball to compete this season. Champ Bailey is arguably the best cornerback in the game and Dre Bly is steady on the other side. Denver should once again have a solid running game and quarterback Jay Cutler is entering his third season as a starter, and should continue to improve. The Raiders and Chiefs are expected to once again have down years, so if the Broncos can transfer the talent they have on paper on to the field, they have a good shot at winning the AFC West and making a deep playoff run.
Denver Broncos Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 35-1
Bodog 45-1
Sportsbook.com 50-1
Denver Broncos 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Denver Broncos Over 7.5 Wins (-160)
Denver Broncos Under 7.5 Wins (+130)