NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

Brandon Gdula  —  @gdula13 Jul 20th, 2017
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow

8. Denver Broncos, 2.41 nERD

Everyone knows the Denver Broncos' identity: defense.

They were first in Adjusted Defensive NEP for two straight seasons, as well as first in passing defense. Their rush defense slipped from 5th in 2015 to 28th in 2016, but stopping the run is secondary in importance to stifling the pass, especially when you do it as well as Denver does. They posted the 13th-best pass defense since 2000, per our metrics.

It's just up to the offense to come through. Denver finished 25th in Adjusted NEP per play in 2016 and still has offensive line concerns.

Pair that with a grimace-inducing quarterback battle between Trevor Siemian (0.06 Passing NEP per drop back on 517 passing plays) and Paxton Lynch (0.02 on 92), and it's looking unlikely the Broncos make the most of their stellar defense.

They've had a top-10 nERD for five straight years, and that should continue, but with the third-toughest schedule in the league, they have no margin for error.

Prev Next