The wait is almost over.
On multiple fronts when it comes to the Denver Broncos.
There is only one preseason game left, and head coach Vic Fangio has announced Teddy Bridgewater his starting quarterback for the 2021 season.
With the last preseason game is set for Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams at Mile High, it makes total sense for Fangio to make the announcement now.
Now that Bridgewater gets the starting role, save for injury or horrid play, that could spell the end for Drew Lock in Denver. But since no decision has been made, either quarterback could get the starting nod.
At the very least, the Broncos regular-season opener at the New York Giants is almost here.
Rams vs Broncos odds
Given how well Denver has played in its first two preseason games, it’s no surprise it’s a huge favorite. The Broncos betting odds have them as the heavy favorite against Los Angeles.
Since most of the starters more than likely won’t play for either team, it’s all about the depth. A few of the Denver starters could see a few snaps, but Saturday’s game is for fringe roster guys leaving one last impression to make the final roster.
For those betting on the NFL preseason, the under has been hitting at a consistent clip. Since most of the starters won’t play, that’s something to keep in mind if you place a wager on Saturday’s game.
What to look for in Saturday’s game
Since most of Denver’s roster is set, it’s all about locking up the roster. Two dates to mark: this Tuesday and Aug. 31. The Broncos need to cut their roster to 80 by Tuesday, and then the final 53 the following week.
The most important is edge and secondary, followed by offensive and defensive line and linebacker.
The best way for guys on the bubble to standout is on special teams. The last five years, that aspect for the Broncos has been anything but special. Until proven otherwise, that unit for Denver should be called “teams.”
After the second preseason game against the Seahawks, Fangio told the media about the deficiencies in the “teams:”
“The coverage units in particular. They had a nice kickoff return there on us. They had another one that didn’t go quite as far, and obviously the deflected punt is, as good as we were playing, those are things that can ruin a game for you.”
The other fascinating roster decision is at receiver.
Both Trinity Benson and Kendall Hinton have had their moments over the course of training camp and in both games. Have they done enough to make their way into the receiver room? We know the top four is Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. How many wide outs do the Broncos keep and who will be a fascinating roster decision.
As for the returner, current incumbent Dionate Spencer appears to be the favorite, but both Benson, Hinton and Hamler have gotten reps. If special teams coordinator Tom McMahon and the coaching staff roll with someone other than Spencer, that could impact the receiver depth.
Now that Bridgewater has been announced the starting QB, all that’s left is to play the final preseason game on Saturday.
Bring on the regular season.
