The Denver Broncos are off to the worst start imaginable, and their hopes of ending a playoff drought could be all but shattered just three weeks into the season.
The 2-0 Miami Dolphins, who have yet to play a home game, are set to host the 0-2 Broncos on Sunday, a team that has yet to play on the road. It’s evident that the Broncos are the underdogs in this matchup, and if Denver were to lose, it could spell the end of their playoff aspirations for this year. According to ESPN, since 2002, only one out of 99 teams that started the season 0-3 has managed to make it to the playoffs. Expanding the scope to the current 14-team playoff format, only the 2018 Texans and the 2013 Steelers have accomplished this feat, making teams that start 0-3 in a 14-team playoff bracket an abysmal 2-97 in terms of reaching the playoffs.
The Broncos currently sit at the bottom of the struggling AFC West, suffering losses to the Las Vegas Raiders and the Washington Commanders. In contrast, the Miami Dolphins have defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots. The Broncos will have to face the high-flying ‘Fins attack led by Tua Tagovailoa, with the Broncos offense, spearheaded by Russell Wilson, looking to match up.
Here are the odds for the upcoming Broncos game and their Super Bowl prospects:
Denver Broncos odds
- Week 3: Denver +6.5
- Super Bowl: +10,000 (down from +5500)
What the Broncos’ odds mean
Oddsmakers indicate that the Broncos are expected to lose to the Dolphins by approximately a touchdown, with a final score prediction of around 28-21 based on the over/under total. Given that Miami is in contention for a playoff spot. At the same time, the Broncos appear to be teetering on the brink of a downturn, experts believe that Denver’s potential saving grace in keeping the game close is the fact that their four losses under coach Sean Payton, so far (including preseason) have all been by one or two points.
This matchup will mark the 21st meeting between these conference rivals. The Dolphins hold a 12-7-1 record against the Broncos, with one playoff victory by Denver. The Broncos won the last encounter between these teams, with a 20-13 victory in Denver in 2020, and they have won three out of the four meetings against the Dolphins since 2010.
Following this game, the Broncos will be on the road again, traveling to face the Chicago Bears in Week 4.
