Pamela Maldonado from ESPN isn’t pulling any punches, predicting the Denver Broncos will crash to an 0-2 start after Week 2, a brutal forecast that could put their entire 2026 season at risk. Talk about a gut punch after just one game!
Week 1 Was a Disaster, And It Could Get Worse
The Broncos got absolutely rocked by the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. It was a blowout, plain and simple, and it immediately raised uncomfortable questions about a team that supposedly has a difficult schedule ahead. Maldonado didn’t mince words, writing, “Denver’s offense hasn’t shown enough to justify laying points.” And honestly, can you blame her? That offense produced a measly 176 yards total and only 3.6 yards per play against the Chiefs. That’s just not going to cut it in the NFL. While the Broncos might technically be favored for their home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, that Week 1 performance was anything but reassuring.
The Jaguars Are Bringing the Heat
Why are the Jaguars such a threat? Because they’ve been red-hot for a while now, playing some seriously great football. They didn’t just beat the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, they demolished them. And it wasn’t just their offense doing the damage; the Jaguars’ defense was lights out, shutting down the Browns for almost the entire game and only allowing a long garbage-time touchdown to Cleveland. Maldonado’s assessment is spot-on here: “Defense makes the Broncos the favorite, but the Jaguars have the more trustworthy offense to win outright.” Considering how awful Denver’s offense looked in Week 1, it’s not a stretch to think this Jaguars defense could absolutely lock them down.
An 0-2 Start Is a Nightmare Scenario
If Maldonado’s prediction comes true and the Jaguars upset the Broncos, sending Denver to an 0-2 record, the doubts will start piling up fast. We’re talking questions about Bo Nix, the defense, Jaylen Waddle, Davis Webb, Head Coach Sean Payton, and the entire front office. After what was a near Super Bowl trip last season, an 0-2 start would be an incredibly rough way to kick off the year. It wouldn’t mean the season is over, but it would leave the Broncos with practically zero margin for error moving forward. Given that difficult schedule, that 0-2 start would genuinely put their 2026 season in serious jeopardy. Watch out for Week 2, Broncos fans, because it’s a huge one already.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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