The Denver Broncos had an ultimately forgettable 2020 NFL season. Injuries and poor performances led to a 5-11-0 record and the organization missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Now, the Broncos are hoping that the 2021 campaign treats them better. However, there is one big question that needs to be answered before the new season begins: who will be the starting quarterback in Denver once Week 1 rolls around?
Drew Lock has been the Denver Broncos No. 1 QB for the past two seasons. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to produce any results, especially with the regression he showed in his sophomore campaign. Lock’s disappointing numbers last season led to the Broncos trading for Teddy Bridgewater from the Carolina Panthers over the offseason. Bridgewater has looked more comfortable as a starter than Lock has, which has led fans and experts to wonder if he’d start in Week 1.
At the same time, Denver’s starting quarterback could be someone who isn’t even on the roster. The Broncos have been heavily favored as a landing spot for disgruntled Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If the team can land the three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, there’s no doubt that he would be their No. 1 quarterback.
Bovada has released odds on who will start at quarterback for the Denver Broncos in Week 1. So, who are they favoring to start? Will it be one of the signal-callers already on the roster? Or is there a realistic chance that Rodgers could be the guy?
Denver Broncos Odds: Who Will Be the Week 1 Starting Quarterback?
Odds via Bovada as of Friday, June 4
- Teddy Bridgewater (+135)
- Drew Lock (+135)
- Aaron Rodgers (+175)
Bridgewater, Lock are the Current Favorites
At +135 odds, Bovada is equally favoring Bridgewater and Lock to start for the Denver Broncos in Week 1. Perhaps it’s not that surprising. After all, those who are already on the roster should have the best chance of starting.
When it comes to Lock, as mentioned before, he’s been with the organization for the past two seasons. Considering how he’s just 24 years old, the Broncos may want to see what he can do in one more season of work. If that’s the case, he’s going to need to improve on last season’s totals. Lock finished the 2020 campaign with 13 starts, ending with 2,933 passing yards and 16 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. Numbers like those can’t consistently win games in the NFL. Assuming that Lock does want to keep his job, he’ll need to show some major improvements.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos didn’t acquire Bridgewater for no reason. He’s started 49 games in his career, accumulating 11,385 passing yards and 53 TDs to 36 INTs in that span. If anything, Bridgewater is more consistent and proven than Lock is. If the Broncos feel like his experience can take them to the next level, it’d be a no-brainer to start him in Week 1 against the New York Giants.
Denver Broncos Odds: Rodgers as the Week 1 Starter?
Rodgers’ +175 odds to be the Broncos Week 1 quarterback are pretty impressive for someone who isn’t even on the roster. While those odds are good, it’s important to remember that a lot would have to happen before he gets traded to Denver. First of all, the Packers don’t want to trade their quarterback. Whether it’s because they want to win with him or don’t think they can get a deal done, they don’t want to trade Rodgers. Secondly, even if the Packers change their minds, the Broncos would have to offer an insane package to blow Green Bay away. The likelihood of offering any package that’s equivalent to Rodgers’ talents is pretty low.
With that being said, never say never in the NFL.
