Mile High Roundtable: Broncos vs. Bears | Week 2 | Predictions & picks
Khalid Alshami (@KhalidHAlshami) 0-1: After an offseason chock-full of optimism, the Broncos came out of Week 1 looking like the same team that's missed the playoffs each year since winning the Super Bowl. The issues in the red zone continue to plague the offense even with a former Super Bowl MVP under center. On defense, the Vic Fangio-led unit played porously, unable to pressure Derek Carr on the way to being picked apart. Fangio may have the inside track on the Bears personnel and tendencies on both sides of the ball, but I don't see that being enough to earn him his first win as a head coach.
Pick: Bears 17, Broncos 12
Josh Carney (@JCarney_Sports) 0-1: After a rough showing in Week 1 at Oakland, things don't get any easier in Week 2 as the Broncos welcome the Chicago Bears to Denver for the Vic Fangio game. Denver's offense will have a tough task at moving the football in this one against the league's best defense, but so too will Chicago's offense against a Broncos defense that isn't anywhere as porous as the one on display Monday night. That said, I like Chicago's defense much more than Denver's, and I think Mitchell Trubisky will have a bounce-back game, while Joe Flacco looks older by the minute in this one.
Pick: Bears 17, Broncos 7
Carl Dumler (@CarlDumlerMHH) 0-1: This is one of those games that it honestly could come down to who has the better kicker and right now that is easily Denver. Both offenses had their struggles in Week 1 and help is not walking through the door. Both defenses should have strong showings, but like I said, the best kicker could be the difference in this one. The Broncos force a couple of turnovers, giving them good field position, and find a way to score some points securing a close victory. The MVP of the game ends up being Noah Fant, who has a nice bounce-back game both as a blocker and receiver to help get the victory.
Pick: Broncos 17, Bears 16
Thomas Hall (@ThomasHallNFL) 0-1: When I looked at this game before the season started, I thought it could be a surprise win for the Broncos. Vic Fangio coming from the Bears and playing at home could be an advantage. However, the Broncos opened the season with a poor defensive game plan and an offensive line that looked average at best. If that continues this week, Mitchell Trubisky will have similar success because he is a first-read passer. The Bears pass rush will also have a hay day. Unless something drastically changes, the Broncos will struggle again.
Pick: Bears 24, Broncos 20
Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) 0-1: Initially, I liked the Bears in this one. Because I fear that defense. But after mulling it over, studying the opponent and talking to some Chicago insiders, I'm going with the Broncos and here's why. Mitchell Trubisky is swimming right now. After getting lambasted by Derek Carr and the Raiders last week, the Broncos defense couldn't ask for a better opposing QB to get their mojo back. Trubisky did not see the field well in Week 1, stared down receivers and threw multiple interception-worthy passes. Fangio knows the strengths and weaknesses of Trubisky and throws the kitchen sink at him, which creates some turnovers and quick points for a Broncos offense still struggling to find identity and rhythm.
Pick: Broncos 20, Bears 13
Trevor Judge (@TrevorJudge) 0-1: This game can really go one of two ways. The Broncos can make adjustments and bring some energy to their home opener...or you could see a similar, uninspired performance like Week 1. Chicago’s offense doesn’t concern me nearly as much as Denver’s does against the Bears defense. I think we see a low scoring game here, but ultimately with the Broncos barely coming out on top.
Pick: Broncos 20, Bears 13
Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) 0-1: The Broncos couldn't have appeared more discombobulated in Week 1, but I look for Fangio's squad to settle down Sunday, returning to their strengths, particularly in regard to play-calling. The perfect medicine following a tough defeat is a young, erratic QB in Mitch Trubisky and Denver's historic advantage in home openers. This game won't be a blowout — they're identical teams: great defenses, mediocre offenses — but the Broncos will claim victory and watch as the same ledge-toeing fans now boast about beating the Bears.
Pick: Broncos 20, Bears 17
Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) 0-1: The Broncos struggled last week to compete with the improved but lowly Raiders. This week, though, things are subject to change as the Broncos return home to the newly named Empower Field at Mile High. Since opening this stadium in 2001, the Broncos are an incredible 21-1 in games in Denver between Weeks 1 and 2 of the regular season and 51-8-2 since the merger in 1969. It's safe to say, teams struggle coming to Denver early in the year when their conditioning is lower. The Bears did have an extra four days to prepare, but it’s hard to scheme around poor quarterbacking such as Mitch Trubisky (who can’t throw to his left! It’s incredible). The historical trend holds true.
Pick: Broncos 17, Bears 10
Bob Morris (@BobMorrisSports) 0-1: The Broncos didn't meet expectations Monday night and now, the question is, do they have a chance against the Bears this Sunday? I believe they do, but they need the defense to come out strong from the start. The defense has the talent to force Mitchell Trubisky into mistakes and get the Bears offense off the field. It will likely take some time for the Broncos offense to move the ball against a talented Bears defense, which is why the Broncos defense will need to get the job done this weekend. I believe the Broncos defense will bounce back and do enough to allow them to win a low-scoring game.
Pick: Broncos 13, Bears 10
Lance Sanderson (@SandersonMHH) 0-1: This is a true toss-up game that could come down to who can pass protect better on the offensive line. Don't let the Broncos lack of pressure last week in Oakland fool you; Von Miller and Bradley Chubb are still a top duo. However, Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd are also very dangerous, and the Broncos will be featuring Elijah Wilkinson at right tackle. The Bears have the edge this week. Expect a low scoring affair as the Broncos drop one at home.
Pick: Bears 16, Broncos 13
Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) 0-1: The Broncos have a good track record at home in the first couple weeks, as Nick mentioned. I don't expect Denver to perform the way they did against Oakland again and that their defense takes a huge step forward. The Packers laid the ground work on how to beat the Bears and that is by exploiting Mitch Trubisky's play QB. Fangio knows him well and does just that, holding Chicago to only field goals. The Broncos offense struggles but manages just enough.
Pick: Broncos 17, Bears 12
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