The quarterback rumor mill is working overtime right now, as fans, the media and even NFL players wonder where the likes of Tony Romo and Kirk Cousins will end up come training camp. But there’s one thing that you can bank – Trevor Siemian will be the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos. The Broncos with Siemian will look different than in 2016.
Broncos With Siemian as Quarterback in 2017
Yes, Denver failed to make the playoffs with Siemian at the helm for much of the season. He was 8-6 as a starter in his second year as a pro. Rookie Paxton Lynch went 1-1 in his first two NFL starts.
But here’s the thing – Siemian showed a whole lot at times in 2016, enough that I guarantee he’ll be behind center for Week 1 of the next NFL betting season.
Here are the facts:
- He was AFC Offensive Player of the Week in a road win over the Bengals in Week 3
- He lost his starting running back with several weeks to go in the season, and was left with inadequate backups
- Paxton Lynch looked absolutely lost and without composure in his two starts
- Siemian played hurt with shoulder and angle injuries, severely hampering his mobility and reducing him to a sitting duck at times
- The offensive line was graded as one of the worst in the league for the 2016 season
- The Broncos only really had a decent pass-catching tight end (A.J. Derby) in the second half of the season)
- Throughout it all, Siemian remained even keel, both on and off the field. He showed maturity and even a little swagger at times. Surely with a full starting year under his belt he’ll fare better in 2017.
Now I know that Coach Joseph has said that it’ll be an open competition in camp for the starting QB job. But does anyone really expect Lynch to magically be ready? I didn’t think so.
When Siemian is at his best he is able to thread the needle with an above average arm and good accuracy. He’s got the ability to scramble out of the pocket and throw on the run – something he didn’t do much of in the second half due to injuries. I liken him to how Jake Plummer played in Denver.
So if you’re studying different NFL props before the season starts, find a football betting option for Broncos starting quarterback, and bet on Siemian.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.