The case for Denver Broncos optimsim
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Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Bo Nix's return from injury Monday night will be a baptism by fire at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium. If he emerges unscathed, look out for Denver this season.
Why it matters: A win over the Chiefs to start the season would amplify Super Bowl buzz in Denver.
Behind the scenes: Some sportswriters and pundits expect the defending AFC West champs to regress this season, especially with a brutal schedule ahead.
- Denver starts off with a 20-to-1 chance at winning a Super Bowl, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yes, but: Fans aren't buying it. What they are buying: season tickets, with renewals hitting a record 99.5% rate this year after the team reached the AFC title game last season.
State of play: Entering his third year, Nix has shown he can perform when the lights shine brightest, becoming Denver's first signal caller since Peyton Manning to lead the team to back-to-back playoff berths.
- Newcomer Jaylen Waddle has fans salivating over his star power at wide receiver, while Courtland Sutton remains a top receiving target.
- And don't forget the defense: Cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss are critical stoppers, and linebacker Nik Bonitto plans to hunt down opposing quarterbacks all season.
Between the lines: Linebacker Jonathon Cooper's ongoing domestic violence case cast a shadow over the roster and raised questions about whether he will — or should — play at all this season.
- Head coach Sean Payton reportedly said he was "proud" of the personal work Cooper had done since his June arrest, including a counseling program the team required as part of his return.
The bottom line: In Nix We Trust. Denver's Super Bowl hopes may hinge on whether he and Payton can conjure some more Mile High magic.
What's next: Denver takes on the Chiefs at 6:15pm Monday on ABC and ESPN.