Denver Broncos Already in Next Year’s Super Bowl Talk

Super Bowl 51 is barely in the rearview mirror, but already the Denver Broncos are in next year's Super Bowl talk.

Fresh off yet another Super Bowl championship, the New England Patriots have been installed as 5-1 favorites to win Super Bowl 52 by Bovada LV. Please say it isn't so.

The Denver Broncos, meanwhile, one year removed from a Super Bowl championship and coming off a playoff-less season have been given the sixth best odds at 16-1 to win next year's Super Bowl. Ahead of the Broncos are teams like the Falcons, Cowboys, Packers, and Steelers.

Just to be in the conversation is pretty remarkable, given the way the 2016 season unfolded for big orange.

Getting back into Super Bowl contention starts with upgrading the offensive line. Of course, even a brainless scarecrow knows that. We have questions at quarterback, but we can't even begin to answer the question until the line gets an overhaul.

Here's a big question going into next season - what about that highly-touted defense that will be without its creator, Wade Phillips? My gut tells me that if we can get some help up front in the middle, the defense will be good enough. We just witnessed two Super Bowl teams whose defenses pale in comparison to Denver's.

So, that sends us back to the offensive side of the ball. Aside from revamping the line, let's get a speedy wide receiver and an athletic tight end, and then let's see if Trevor Siemian can lead us back to the promised land. If not, I have a feeling (cough, cough) Brock Osweiler will be available after next season.

What say ye all in Bronco Country? Do we dare get our hopes up for next year's big game?