Since Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season, the Denver Broncos have ranked outside the top 20 in points scored every year, and in the bottom half in yards gained.

Last year, the Denver defense allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL, yet the team finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year.

Clearly, QB was the issue. Teddy Bridgewater went 7-7 as a starter with a QBR that ranked 20th. He had just 18 TDs in 14 games. Drew Lock started three games and the Broncos lost them all.

Bridgewater is an unrestricted free agent and unlikely to return. Lock is back, but it’s clear Denver would like to upgrade at the position for new coach Nathaniel Hackett, who was the offensive coordinator for the high-powered Packers offense in 2021.

Bookies.com oddsmaker Adam Thompson has analyzed the likely available QBs, their status this offseason, and calculated the projected NFL odds as to who will be under center for Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.

Denver Broncos QB Week 1 Starter

Odds above are projected and not currently available at legal sportsbooks or betting apps. This page will be updated should odds become available.

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Broncos Linked With Rodgers, Wilson

The Broncos really wanted Rodgers last summer when it was reported the multi-time MVP had issues with the Packers front office. Green Bay didn’t budge, so the Broncos were stuck with Bridgewater. That didn’t work.

This offseason, the Broncos hired the Packers’ offensive coordinator to be their head coach and their tight ends coach to be the offensive coordinator. If Rodgers is available, expect the Broncos to do their best to make an offer Titletown can’t refuse.

If Rodgers stays, Wilson becomes a nice consolation target. Wilson has reportedly been frustrated by Seattle’s inability to protect him in the pocket and with a defense that’s been historically bad on the other side of the ball. Denver’s sacks allowed rate was 19th but Bridgewater ranked sixth in longest time holding the ball.

Rodgers or Wilson vaults the Broncos into Super Bowl contender status.

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Garoppolo, Cousins to Denver?

Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t dynamic, but his 31-19 record is impressive. In his two full seasons as a starter, he’s helped guide the 49ers to a Super Bowl berth and an NFC Championship berth.

Kirk Cousins gets flak for not doing more with the Vikings, but he had 33 TDs and just seven INTs this year, and a 124/36 ratio the past four seasons. Minnesota parted ways with coach Mike Zimmer. Cousins comes with a big price tag, so it’s possible the team looks to revamp. If Cousins is on the block, he would still be a notable upgrade, especially in the vertical passing game.

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Drew Lock By Default

With Bridgewater an unrestricted free agent and unlikely to be retained, Lock becomes the incumbent. Most of the veterans on the chart would get the nod over Lock. But if Denver goes the rookie route, that gives a boost to Lock, who may start Week 1 until the rookie is ready.

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Will The Broncos Draft A QB?

Denver owns the No. 9 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. If it’s unable to use that pick to entice the Packers or Seahawks to move their semi-disgruntled stars, then perhaps this is the next best option.

At No. 9, the Broncos may have their pick of the QB litter. But who that is in an OK but not top-heavy class is the question. Matt Corral of Ole Miss, Desmond Ridder of Cincinnati, Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh and Carson Strong of Nevada – it could be any of them, raising the NFL betting odds for them all.