The Broncos are one of the few teams with a meaningful QB competition this preseason. After last year’s Russell Wilson disaster, they enter 2024 with Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix competing for starting job. While neither has emerged as the clear leader to start Week 1 , at least we have an idea of what to expect in the next few weeks, thanks to coach Sean Payton.
Stidham was listed first on the Broncos’ unofficial first depth chart, but Payton took a page from the Bill Parcells playbook and listed no rookies on the two-deep. Offseason addition Zach Wilson was even listed ahead of Nix, yet it’s now clear that Nix and Stidham are both ahead of Wilson in the quest for playing time.
Last season, Stidham started the final two games of the regular season for Denver. He threw for 224 yards and a touchdown in a 16-9 win over the Chargers in Week 17, but lost the following week to the Raiders while throwing for 272 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
In announcing that Stidham will start this Sunday vs. the Colts, Payton said, “I just think right now, certainly he’s been here, he’s experienced. Next week it will be Nix. But we’re focused on this game.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but it does indicate he’s still in the mix for the starting job. In their matchup against Indy, the Broncos are one-point underdogs and available at +100 on the moneyline.
The Broncos drafted Nix out of Oregon with the No. 12 pick this offseason. The rookie has had a good training camp and seems to be settling into the offense, according to offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi in this quote from earlier this week.
Nix has more long-term upside and is expected to be more of a part of the Broncos’ future plans, but it remains unclear if he’ll start Week 1 or work his way into the starting role later in the season.
In Week 1, the Broncos take on the Seahawks in Seattle, and they are currently +4.5 underdogs. In Week 1 DFS contests, Stidham has a $5,100 salary, while Nix is only $5,000 and could be a sneaky bargain play if he plays well in the preseason and earns the job. The over/under for the team is 5.5 wins with the under currently favored at -125. Coming into the preseason, the Broncos have the second-longest odds of any team in the NFL to make the playoffs this year at +700, with only the Patriots a longer shot to make the postseason.
If you’re a big believer in Nix, he’s available at +500 to lead all rookies in passing yards and +1600 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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