When getting ready for any NFL season, fans are going to want to look at their team as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. That should be the ultimate goal for every team. But is it a realistic one?
In the case of the Denver Broncos, a team that has missed the playoffs in eight straight seasons, it's not realistic, at least not at this moment. But several other things — short of winning it all — can result in a season being seen as successful.
The Broncos need to hit on these five goals in 2024 and if they do, the season will be a success and one that can be built upon moving forward.
Denver Broncos 5 most realistic goals for the 2024 season
Beat the Raiders
It starts here. The Broncos have lost eight games in a row to their bitter rival and though they ended a streak against the Kansas City Chiefs last season that was twice as long, this one is just as ugly because the Raiders are not perennial Super Bowl contenders.
The Broncos face the Raiders in Week 5 (October 6) and then again in Week 12 (November 24). They need to win at least one of those games.
Establish a strong running game
What are the Broncos going to get out of this position this season?
Javonte Williams may not have fully recovered from the devastating knee injury that ended his 2022 season when he got back on the field last year but he has to be better and more explosive this year.
The team has Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin, who both have plenty to add, but rookies Audric Estime and Blake Watson should be watched closely as well. Both of those players could hold the key to turning this Denver offensive backfield around.
Find an effective pass rush
The Broncos have several serviceable pass rushers, but in today's league, you need to be above-average if not elite in that area. The Broncos don't have an elite pass-rusher as they once did with Von Miller so someone is going to need to step up.
A look here at #Broncos RB picture. Tons to sort out. My biggest questions:
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) May 29, 2024
1. Will Samaje Perine make the team? (shaky)
2. Can Javonte Williams, 2 years removed from ACL tear, regain form that made him No. 35 pick in 2021 draft?
3. Is the Blake Watson hype our typical May UDFA… pic.twitter.com/YpoHewSefu
Third-round pick Jonah Elliss will get the chance to do that but he's a rookie. Nik Bonitto, Baron Browning or Jonathon Cooper need to have a big season and it would be huge for the team if more than one of those guys put up double-digit sack numbers.
Create success for Bo Nix
When you think success for the rookie first-round pick, don't think in terms of passing yards or whether or not he opens the season as the starter.
Success for Bo Nix will look like him having complete command of the offense, making the right reads, avoiding negative plays and being the guy that Sean Payton wants, which was not Russell Wilson. Success for Nix will look like taking what the defense gives him and building off each performance, getting stronger and more confident as the season progresses.
NFL reporter @JamesPalmerTV
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 29, 2024
says the #Broncos season is ultimately about answering ONE question... 👀
"Was Bo Nix at pick 12 the RIGHT play?" @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/9LReYyZIdH
When assessing the season for Nix once it concludes, statistics will not be as important as having a quarterback who completely understands the offense and facilitates it. The Broncos have to know exactly what they have in Nix and it needs to lead to a feeling of extremely high hopes going into 2025 based on what he was able to accomplish as a rookie.
Compete for a Wild Card
The Broncos don't have an easy schedule and they play in the same division as the reigning champs. Many fans are going to predict this team to win 10 games or more, but there is nothing to base that on aside from high hopes.
In reality, the Broncos don't appear to have a strong roster and will have their work cut out for them in 2024. Throw in the fact that the AFC is loaded with good teams and a playoff spot will be tough to come by.
If all of the four other goals listed above are reached and the team is playing for a Wild Card spot in the last week or two of this season, then fans would have to see that as a major step in the right direction.
