Denver Broncos As Favorite Betting Trend

The Broncos' struggles as favorites stem from a fundamental disconnect between market perception and on-field execution during their post-Manning era. Denver's reputation as a historically strong franchise often inflates their lines beyond what their actual roster talent justifies, particularly when facing divisional opponents who know their tendencies well. The team has consistently shown an inability to impose their will against inferior competition, often playing down to weaker opponents' levels rather than asserting dominance. Denver's coaching instability and quarterback carousel since Peyton Manning's retirement has created a franchise lacking the leadership necessary to handle favorite pressure. Teams expecting to win often struggle with motivation and focus, and the Broncos have repeatedly demonstrated poor game management in situations where they should control tempo. Their defense-first identity also creates variance issues - when their offense sputters early, they're forced into uncomfortable positions trying to generate points against opponents content to play conservatively. The most profitable spots to fade Denver as favorites occur in divisional games and when they're laying more than a field goal against teams with nothing to lose. These situations amplify their tendency to underperform expectations while providing maximum line value for contrarian bettors.