That's now how Seth Walder of ESPN sees it. In an article discussing teams' future power rankings, analysts were asked to make a bold prediction for the future. Here was Walder's bold prediction for the Broncos:

"The Broncos look like they have a solid starting quarterback in Bo Nix and have arguably the NFL's best offensive line and best defense, led by star cornerback Pat Surtain II. What a turnaround for coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton," wrote Ben Solak, who discussed Denver's reasons for hope.