The Broncos ranked third in the league last year with 18.9 points allowed per game.

Analysis: Despite keeping opponents off the scoreboard, the Broncos were mediocre for fantasy purposes with 36 sacks (18th) and 19 turnovers (21st). Their pass rush could improve a bit after they signed LB Randy Gregory, though he's still a downgrade from Von Miller. The key to this defense will be CB Patrick Surtain, who showed flashes in 2021 and could take a massive step in his sophomore campaign. Last season, Surtain posted 14 pass breakups and four interceptions, including a pick-six.

The Broncos recorded no sacks or takeaways in the 34-13 loss to the Chargers in Week 17.

Analysis: The Chiefs are aiming for the No. 1 seed and won't be resting any of their players. Meanwhile, the Broncos won't have starters CB Ronald Darby (shoulder), CB Patrick Surtain (calf) and S Kareem Jackson (back) in the fold. You simply can't forfeit that much secondary help and have a chance against the Chiefs at full strength. This defense was excellent this season overall, but that should stop in Week 18.

The Broncos recorded three takeaways and two sacks in the 17-13 loss to the Raiders in Week 16.

Analysis: The Broncos' defense did its job once again, holding its opponent to fewer than 18 points for the seventh time in nine games. This unit leads the league with 17.3 points allowed per game, but it ranks in the middle of the pack in sacks (35) and takeaways (19). The Week 17 matchup against the Chargers will be difficult nonetheless. The Chargers have scored 27.2 points per game (eighth) while coughing up 20 turnovers (15th). The Broncos held them to 13 points at home back in Week 12, but this…read more

The Broncos posted three sacks in the 15-10 win over the Broncos in Week 15.

Analysis: The Broncos have allowed 22 or fewer points in four straight games, and they rank second in the league with 17.4 points allowed per contest. They're fairly healthy, and the matchup against the Raiders should provide some optimism because TE Darren Waller (knee/back) is trending toward another absence. That should provide a decent floor for the Broncos because the Raiders are already just 18th with 21.4 points per game. However, the Broncos' ceiling will likely depend on their pass rush, which…read more

The Broncos recorded two sacks and two takeaways in the 38-10 win over the Lions.

Analysis: The Broncos' defense has been quite sturdy all year, albeit with a lower ceiling. It ranks second in the league with 17.5 points allowed per game, 17th with 16 takeaways and 15th with 30 sacks through 13 contests. Meanwhile, the Bengals have posted at least 22 points in 11 of their final 12 games, but they've also totaled 16 giveaways in that stretch. QB Joe Burrow has also been sacked 41 times this season. This will be a high-risk, high-reward unit in Week 15.

The Broncos recorded a sack and an interception in the 22-9 loss to the Chiefs in Week 13.

Analysis: The Broncos' secondary has been outstanding this season, helping lead the team's defense to third in the league with 18.2 points allowed per game. It also has helped the team stack up 28 sacks, which is tied with the 49ers and Packers for 14th. Their Week 14 opponent -- the Lions -- give off major letdown vibes off their first win. They've averaged just 15.6 points per game (29th) this year while coughing up 16 turnovers (15th), and QB Jared Goff has been sacked 30 times in 11 games. The…read more

The Broncos recorded three sacks and two interceptions in the 28-13 win over the Chargers in Week 12.

Analysis: The Broncos shut down one of the top quarterbacks in the league last week, recording their third multi-turnover performance in four games. They now rank third in the league with 17.8 points allowed per game, though their 13 takeaways are 15th and their 27 sacks are 13th. This matchup isn't favorable, though. The Chiefs have endured some struggles this year, but they're still ninth with 25.5 points per game, and now RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire should be fully healthy. Most of their turnovers have…read more

The Broncos recorded two sacks and an interception in the 30-13 loss to the Eagles in Week 11.

Analysis: The Broncos have given up 16.6 points per game, the third-best rate in the league. However, they haven't provided much fantasy upside this season with 11 turnovers in as many games despite adding a solid 2.4 sacks per contest. Stay away this week, though. The Chargers have given up just 10 turnovers (sixth) this season, and they've averaged 26.0 points per game (11th). The Broncos pass rush isn't the same without Von Miller (traded to the Rams), either, so this unit is a longshot for fantasy…read more

The Broncos posted two sacks and an interception in the 30-16 win over the Cowboys in Week 9.

Analysis: The Broncos had a shutout heading into the fourth quarter, so the only points they gave up were in garbage time. They may be without CB Patrick Surtain (knee) this week against the Eagles, but CBs Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller won't be much of a dropoff. Broncos D/ST probably doesn't have a high ceiling this week. Jalen Hurts doesn't get sacked much (5.2 percent of dropbacks), and the Eagles have posted at least 21 points in all but one game while coughing up just seven turnovers (third-best in…read more

The Broncos recorded five sacks and two interceptions in the 17-10 win over Washington in Week 8.

Analysis: This was a massive performance for the Broncos, but they just traded LB Von Miller -- their best pass rusher -- to the Rams. It seems like they're in sell mode, but it doesn't matter this week anyway. The Cowboys should get QB Dak Prescott back this week, and they rank third in the league with 32.1 points per game. The Broncos carry substantial risk in Week 9 as a result.

The Broncos recorded a sack and no turnovers in the 17-14 loss to the Browns in Week 7.

Analysis: The Broncos will likely be without LB Von Miller (ankle) this week, and LB Malik Reed (groin) is trending in the wrong direction, too. Those two provide a bulk of the Broncos' pass rush. Still, the competition isn't too daunting against Washington, who has averaged just 20.8 points per game while recording two giveaways in three straight games. The Broncos' secondary has the talent to take advantage of QB Taylor Heinicke's lapses, so this defensive unit should be considered a steady option in…read more

The Broncos allowed 426 total yards and recorded two sacks in the 34-24 loss to the Raiders in Week 6.

Analysis: The Broncos are tied for 10th in the league with 14 sacks through six games, though they've put up just six takeaways in that stretch. They receive an intriguing matchup against the Browns in Week 7 on Thursday night. The Browns will be without RB Kareem Hunt (calf), while both QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) and RB Nick Chubb (calf) are uncertain. The Browns lean heavily on the run game, and without Mayfield under center, they'll turn to 33-year-old Case Keenum who hasn't started since 2019. The…read more

The Broncos allowed 391 total yards and forced a turnover in the 27-19 loss to the Steelers in Week 5.

Analysis: The Broncos rank second in the league with just 15.2 points allowed per game, 11th with six turnovers and 10th with 12 sacks. They'll host the Raiders in Week 6 for their first AFC West showdown of the season. The Raiders have averaged 22.6 points per game this year, but QB Derek Carr has been sacked 15 times so far. The Broncos are set up well to take down Carr in Week 6, and there's a decent floor considering the Raiders have averaged 22.6 points per game (19th).

The Broncos gave up 406 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 23-7 loss to the Ravens in Week 4.

Analysis: The Broncos allowed a combined 26 points through the first three weeks against the Giants, Jaguars and Jets. The Ravens are a couple of tiers above the Broncos' previous opponents, and their Week 5 opponent -- the Steelers -- are likely closer to the Group of 3 than the Ravens. Through four weeks, the Steelers have averaged 16.7 points per game while turning the ball over seven total times.QB Ben Roethlisberger has also been sacked 10 times. The Broncos certainly have the talent to take…read more

The Broncos forced two turnovers and recorded five sacks in their 26-0 win over the Jets in Week 3.

Analysis: The Broncos dominated the rookie QB, but they'll get their toughest test yet when QB Lamar Jackson and the Ravens come to town. The Ravens have averaged 27.3 points per game this year. Jackson has been sacked eight times, and the team has coughed up the ball five times. The Broncos have five turnovers through three games, tied for seventh in the league, and they've generated another eight sacks. There's a ceiling to chase here, but Jackson can break a game open, so it's not without risk.

The Broncos gave up 189 points and forced two turnovers in their 23-13 win over the Jaguars.

Analysis: The Broncos have allowed exactly 13 points in each of their first two games against the Giants and the Jaguars, adding three takeaways and three sacks along the way. They could face some regression moving forward with LB Bradley Chubb (ankle) out 6-to-8 weeks, but that shouldn't matter for a matchup against the Jets, who have produced just 20 total points and five turnovers through two weeks.

The Broncos gave up 314 total yards and forced a turnover in their Week 1 win over the Giants.

Analysis: The Broncos also sacked QB Daniel Jones twice. However, they'll be without CB Ronald Darby (knee) for the foreseeable future. They'll face rookie QB Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars in Week 2. Although he's considered a generational talent, Lawrence showed vulnerability in the opener, tossing three interceptions. The Broncos' defense is certainly better than the Texans', and rookie CB Patrick Surtain may be able to hold his own. Chase the upside here, as the Broncos D/ST should have a steady…read more

LB Bradley Chubb (ankle) returned to practice Tuesday and is expected to play Sunday against the Giants.

Analysis: Chubb and Von Miller are a menacing duo for opposing offensive lines, and their secondary was bolstered this offseason with the likes of CBs Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby and first-round pick Patrick Surtain. Last year, QB Daniel Jones struggled with ball security, and the Giants ranked 20th in the league with 22 turnovers. RB Saquon Barkley isn't expected to be 100 percent yet either, so there's significant upside for this Vic Fangio-led defense.

LB Bradley Chubb (ankle) recorded a sack in Denver's second preseason game.

Analysis: Chubb stated he was at "98 percent" in the middle of the week, and his ability to get on the field for live reps signals that he's at full speed once again. The tandem of Chubb and Von Miller is feared by NFL quarterbacks, as the duo combined for 26.5 sacks in 2018 when they both played a full season. The secondary is loaded, too, as it will roll out CBs Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby, Patrick Surtain and Bryce Callahan. With Vic Fangio conjuring up the scheme, this unit should be considered a…read more

The Broncos will closely monitor LB Bradley Chubb (ankle) during training camp.

Analysis: Chubb underwent minor ankle surgery in May and missed OTAs as a result, so the Broncos are going to ease him back into work. Meanwhile, Von Miller (ankle) is back to full health, meaning the two edge rushers should both be healthy for Week 1. The last time they played a full season together, they combined for 26.5 sacks. Their tandem is a lot to handle for opposing offensive lines, and quarterbacks may struggle to find openings in the secondary after the offseason additions of free-agent CBs…read more

The Broncos signed CBs Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby and selected CB Patrick Surtain ninth overall this offseason.

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The Broncos gave up 316 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 19-16 loss to the Chargers in Week 16.

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The Broncos allowed 534 total yards and forced a turnover in the 48-19 loss to the Bills.

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The Broncos let up 370 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 32-27 win over the Panthers in Week 14.

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The Broncos let up 447 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 22-16 loss to the Chiefs in Week 13.

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The Broncos gave up 292 total yards and forced a turnover in the 31-3 loss to the Saints in Week 12.

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The Broncos let up 223 total yards and forced a turnover in the 20-13 win over the Dolphins in Week 11.

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The Broncos allowed 357 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 37-12 loss to the Raiders in Week 10.

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The Broncos allowed 363 total yards and forced a turnover in the 34-27 loss to the Falcons in Week 9.

Analysis: The Broncos' defense has let up 30 or more points in three straight games, so the four turnovers it forced in that stretch weren't enough to salvage fantasy relevance. Now, they'll go on the road to Las Vegas in Week 10. The Raiders have surprised this season, as their ground game has been predictably good, but QB Derek Carr has been extremely consistent with 7.8 yards per attempt and a 16:2 TD:INT ratio. There's low upside here for Broncos D/ST, especially if A.J. Bouye (concussion) or Bryce…read more

The Broncos allowed 485 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 31-30 win over the Chargers in Week 8.

Analysis: The Broncos also added two sacks to bring their total on the season to 20 through seven games, seventh in the league. This pass rush continues to dominate even as it loses pieces, partially because its pass coverage has been relatively strong at 236.6 passing yards allowed per game (16th in the league). The Broncos' defense could get some relief if Calvin Ridley (foot) is unable to suit up, but otherwise, there's little upside with Broncos D/ST, as the Falcons rarely turn the ball over (seven…read more

The Broncos allowed 286 total yards and forced a turnover in the 43-16 loss to the Chiefs in Week 7.

Analysis: The Broncos D/ST was pinned with a special-teams touchdown, but QB Drew Lock accounted for a pick-six that doesn't land as a defensive responsibility. Nevertheless, the offense's inconsistencies -- four turnovers -- made it a tough day for the Broncos' defense to get a break. The matchup against the Chargers will be tough as well, as QB Justin Herbert is the real deal, averaging 300 passing yards per game and posting a 10:1 TD:INT ratio over the past three outings. He takes some rookie sacks,…read more

The Broncos allowed 288 total yards and forced three turnovers in an 18-12 win over the Patriots in Week 6.

Analysis: The Broncos held QB Cam Newton to just 157 passing yards, although he did scamper for a season-high 76 yards on the ground. This was a promising performance by the Broncos' defense, but it's time to cut the unit loose in fantasy with the Chiefs coming to town. The Chiefs have turned the ball over just four times this year, while QB Patrick Mahomes has been sacked just seven times over six games. There's minimal upside for the Broncos and a major risk, as the Chiefs have posted at least 23…read more

The Broncos allowed 321 total yards and didn't force a turnover in a 37-28 win over the Jets in Week 5.

Analysis: The Broncos should be well-rested, as they had a Thursday game in Week 4 and a Week 5 bye, and it looks like A.J. Bouye (shoulder) could return this Sunday against the Patriots. That would be a major boost against QB Cam Newton, who has averaged 7.8 yards per attempt this year. Newton's goal-line ability may be a bigger concern, as he's scored four touchdowns through three games. However, the Broncos are strong in the red zone, allowing opponents into the end zone on just 46.2 percent of trips…read more

The Broncos allowed 321 total yards in a 37-28 win over the Jets in Week 4.

Analysis: The Broncos swarmed QB Sam Darnold and sacked him six times, but they didn't force him into any major mistakes. It was still enough to salvage a respectable fantasy day considering they allowed 28 points. Their viability in Week 5 against the Patriots depends almost entirely on whether QB Cam Newton (positive for COVID-19) suits up. If Newton suits up, it's best to leave Broncos D/ST out of your lineup. But if he sits out and Brian Hoyer starts, it's a prime opportunity to start the unit since…read more

The Broncos allowed 353 total yards in Week 3's 28-10 loss to the Buccaneers.

Analysis: The Broncos' defense suffered from some tough field position due to two turnovers and a safety from their offense, but they managed to stay afloat and even sacked QB Tom Brady twice. The matchup is far better in Week 4 on Thursday night against the Jets. QB Sam Darnold tossed three picks -- two were run back for TDs -- in Week 3 against the Colts, and the offense managed just 260 total yards. Even with the Broncos banged up all across the defense, this unit is a top-tier play with the Jets…read more

The Broncos allowed 410 total yards and forced two turnovers in Week 2's 26-21 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: The Broncos' defense hasn't been the same without LB Von Miller (ankle) and CB A.J. Bouye (shoulder), as it has recorded just two sacks and two turnovers through two weeks. QB Tom Brady and the Buccaneers are coming to town with a 1-1 record and five offensive turnovers, but Brady has been dropped just three times. He'll get WR Chris Godwin (concussion) back this week, though, and the Buccaneers' weapons are quite intriguing. As a result, Broncos D/ST is only viable in deep leagues, as it…read more

The Broncos allowed 377 total yards in Week 1's 16-14 loss to the Titans.

Analysis: The Broncos's defense did a decent job of containing the Titans' passing attack in the first half, but after CB A.J. Bouye dislocated his shoulder, it showed some vulnerabilities. Bouye was placed on IR, which is a bad sign with the Steelers up next. The Steelers have a strong receiver corps with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington, and QB Ben Roethlisberger proved to be effective despite last year's elbow injury. We should see how the Broncos' respond to Bouye's absence…read more

LB Von Miller (ankle) is expected to miss the 2020 season.

Analysis: This is a major blow to the Broncos' defense, as LB Bradley Chubb missed the last 12 games last year with a torn ACL and could log limited snaps Sunday. Chubb and Miller are one of the most lethal tandems in the league when they're both healthy, so the secondary will need to step up in a big way. It replaced Chris Harris with A.J. Bouye, and while CB Bryce Callahan hasn't played since 2018, he showed intriguing potential with the Bears. The pieces are there, but it'll be a difficult matchup…read more

LB Bradley Chubb (knee) is expected to be ready for the 2020 season, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The Broncos' secondary took a hit with the departure of CB Chris Harris, but it brought in viable replacements in A.J. Bouye, and now Bryce Callahan is healthy for the 2020 season. Even if the secondary takes a step back, the return of Chubb -- who combined with Von Miller for 26.5 sacks the last time they both were healthy for 16 games -- should hurry quarterbacks enough to cover up the blemishes. This unit has the upside of finishing in the top-10 for fantasy purposes.

The Broncos allowed 17 points and 191 total yards to the Lions in Week 16's loss.

Analysis: The Broncos have been picked up their ball-hawking skills since the bye week, posting nine turnovers over six games. Their red-zone percentage (41.5) leads the league, while the Raiders rank 21st at 56.3 percent. The Raiders still have a possible playoff chance, albeit a longshot, so they won't be holding back. The Broncos' run defense is their Achilles heel, but Josh Jacobs (shoulder) is considered doubtful, so they do have some additional upside. There's limited upside since Derek Carr is…read more

The Broncos allowed 23 points and 419 total yards to the Chiefs in Week 15's loss.

Analysis: Holding the Chiefs to just 23 points on the road is something to brag about, and they forced a turnover as well. That marks five straight games with a turnover. They'll now host the Lions, who will roll out undrafted rookie David Blough. The youngster will make his fourth start, and the team has averaged 14.6 PPG with him under center while committing six turnovers. It's essentially the B Team for Detroit, as Kerryon Johnson (knee) could return but Marvin Jones (ankle) remains on IR. The…read more

The Broncos allowed 24 points and 414 total yards to the Texans in Week 14's win.

Analysis: The Broncos' defense was utterly dominant in this game despite the high yardage and points, as it recorded three sacks and three turnovers, running one back for a score. This AFC West rematch could be tough, however, as the Broncos allowed 30 points to the Chiefs earlier this year despite Patrick Mahomes missing most of the game. Besides the backfield, the Chiefs are healthy again, and they rank fourth with 288.7 passing YPG and fourth with 28.5 PPG. Don't hang your fantasy fate on Broncos D/ST.

The Broncos allowed 20 points and 359 total yards to the Chargers in Week 13's win.

Analysis: The Broncos continue to be excellent in the red zone, allowing opponents to score on only 39.4 percent of red-zone opportunities -- best in the league -- but they'll face a tall task from the Texans' offense, which ranks sixth in the category (65.0 percent). The Texans just put up 28 points on the highly-touted Patriots defense despite registering just 276 total yards. The Broncos will likely have Von Miller (knee) back in the fold, which would raise their ceiling since Deshaun Watson is sacked…read more

The Broncos allowed 20 points and 424 total yards in Week 12's loss to the Bills.

Analysis: The Broncos allowed Josh Allen to scamper for 56 yards while tossing two touchdowns. They'll find a similar amount of upside in a matchup against the Chargers, but they haven't been able to capitalize much this year. Philip Rivers has a 3:7 TD:INT ratio over the last two games, and the Chargers have struggled to make the most of their opportunities this year with a 47.5 red-zone scoring rate (26th). The Broncos match up well against that with a "bend but don't break" defense, posting the…read more

The Broncos forced two turnovers and allowed 27 points to the Vikings in Week 11's loss.

Analysis: The Broncos entered halftime with a shutout in tow, but they blew a 20-point lead in the second half. It was clear that they sold out to stop Dalvin Cook, but that revealed glaring weaknesses in their secondary, as Kirk Cousins posted 316 yards and three touchdowns. They won't need to zone in on a particular running back against the Bills, but where Josh Allen lacks as a passer (6.8 YPA), he makes up for on the ground with seven rushing scores -- the best among QBs. The Broncos haven't faced a…read more