NFL execs rank Broncos 7th in AFC

In a story by The Athletic’s Mike Sando, five anonymous NFL front-office members ranked the best teams in the AFC. The Denver Broncos checked in at No. 7.

Some question if new quarterback Russell Wilson can turn the Broncos into an AFC West contender in a division with the Chiefs (ranked No. 2), Chargers (4) and Raiders (8). One executive told The Athletic, “I watched a lot of Seattle last year, and I don’t think Russ is a player you ride…unless he can find lightning in a bottle.” Wilson missed three games last season with an injured finger on his right hand, and Seattle finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs.

Wilson may have more weapons in Denver with promising, young running back Javonte Williams and receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. Sutton believes Wilson is already changing the team’s culture, giving them a chance to climb back into the AFC’s elite. “He demands excellence out of himself and everybody around him,” Sutton told Broncos writer Ellie Kinney. “Him being here has brought excitement and has brought a new level of expectations."

Wilson has 104 wins since 2012, the second most among active quarterbacks.