Win-total predictions for Broncos in 2009: Take the under

The general consensus among Denver Broncos fans with whom I've spoken is that the team is going to suck like the world's largest Hoover in 2009. But plenty of Vegas types are considerably more optimistic. Right now, the line calls for the Broncos to chalk up seven wins in this...

By Michael Roberts

August 13, 2009

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The general consensus among Denver Broncos fans with whom I've spoken is that the team is going to suck like the world's largest Hoover in 2009. But plenty of Vegas types are considerably more optimistic. Right now, the line calls for the Broncos to chalk up seven wins in this season -- hard to imagine unless a kindly gypsy woman magically transforms Kyle Orton into John Elway circa the late '80s for at least half the games -- yet Bank the Book foresees a 7-9 mark anyway. And the prognosticators at Tonys Picks are even more optimistic, telling bettors to expect an 8-8 record. Yeah, sure.

At most other betting sites I visited, however, sanity prevails. Note that Cappers Picks sees the Broncos finishing in the below-seven-win range -- and according to Point-Spreads.com, the majority of wagerers agree. Call it the wisdom of the masses.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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