Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Denver Broncos

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Denver Broncos

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Gary Kubiak
Offensive Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Defensive Coordinator: Wade Phillips

Key Additions

• QB Paxton Lynch (1st round)
• LT Russell Okung
• RB Devontae Booker (4th round)
• RT Donald Stephenson

Key Departures

• LB Danny Trevathan
• DE Malik Jackson
• QB Brock Osweiler
• RB Ronnie Hillman
• G Evan Mathis

Preseason Power Ranking - No. 4

Bradley Roby bragged the Broncos could defend their title with George Bush at quarterback, and the defending champions face their toughest challenge yet after Peyton Manning retired. More...

Projected Starting Lineup

*defensive lineman Vance Walker (ACL) will miss season on injured reserve

Questions to Answer

• Can Siemian handle the pressure of leading the defending Super Bowl champs?
• Will Kubiak be able to properly implement his offense with Manning gone?
• Who will step up to replace the departed defensive playmakers?
• Can the makeshift offensive line hold up and drive the running game?

Best-case Scenario

Despite the losses at quarterback and on the defensive side of the ball, Denver still boasts one of the league's most complete rosters. A repeat of the Broncos' 12-4 record and AFC West title is more than realistic if Siemian plays within himself and the running game explodes in Kubiak's system, allowing the defense to continue its historically dominant streak.

Worst-case Scenario

The Broncos have too much talent to fall below .500, but if the quarterback position turns a back-and-forth between Siemian and Lynch, they could lose their place atop the division. The Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers could all realistically challenge for the crown. It's unusual for No. 1-ranked defenses to play at the exact same level the following year, and any significant drop-off could result in a 9-7 record for the Broncos and a fight for a wild-card spot.