5 Bold Predictions for Peyton Manning's First Season with Broncos

You've all heard the news.

Peyton Manning will become a Denver Bronco.

Manning has instructed his agent Tom Condon to work out the contract with Denver.

So what does it really mean?

Are the Broncos now Super Bowl contenders?

Are they still just a middle of the pack team?

How will the upcoming season really go?

Here are five predictions for Peyton Manning's first season as a Denver Bronco.

5. The Broncos Are Now a Heavy Favorite to Win the AFC West

Okay, okay...I realize this prediction isn't all that bold.

But for the last five or so years all we have heard about is the underachieving Chargers, the undisciplined Raiders and the under-talented Chiefs.

So it just really feels nice to say it.

The Denver Broncos are the favorite to win the AFC West.

There. I said it again.

4. The Broncos Will Go Get a Speed WR

The Broncos have the big and multi-talented Demaryius Thomas and they have a solid possession guy in Eric Decker.

They need a deep threat for Manning to throw to.

Mike Wallace (pictured) from Pittsburgh would be a nice fit. Wallace has been tendered by the Steelers but the Broncos could still make a run at him.

Early Doucet, Lee Evans and Andre Caldwell are all still available.

Or maybe the Broncos make a run at drafting Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech.

Hill recently turned in a 4.36 40-time at the combine.

3. The Defense Won't Be as Good as Last Year

Denver's defense finished a very mediocre 20th in total defense in 2012.

Now take a look at their 2012 schedule.

The Broncos went 8-8 with a relatively easy schedule; they then played two playoff games.

In those 18 games, the Broncos' defense faced just five top-10 quarterbacks in the league.

This defense was carved up when they did see the top quarterbacks.

Tom Brady? He threw for 683 and eight touchdowns in two games.

Aaron Rodgers went for 408 yards and four touchdowns.

This defense has some major holes to fill.

And now with Peyton Manning they could be getting even less time on the sideline.

2. Tim Tebow Will Stick Around

I know the reports are that the Broncos will trade Tim Tebow, but can you really get anything of value for him?

The talk is that the Jacksonville Jaguars will make a run at him, but they did just sign Chad Henne for nearly $7 million.

Ryan Mallett of the Patriots could be a reasonable trade, but if you're the Patriots why do it?

Unless the Broncos are just looking to toss Tebow aside, you're not going to get much value.

And like Tebow or not, he IS a valuable player.

Don't believe me?

Check the merchandising profits.

1. The Broncos Are Not Super Bowl Favorites

Sorry, I'm as big a Bronco homer as there is but this team simply has too many holes that need to be filled.

It won't happen in one year.

The defense is bad.

The offense has weaknesses and will need to learn to get on the same page as Manning.

The Patriots, the Ravens and the Texans are still out there.

It's easy to get all hyped up in March about how good they will be, but the fact is they aren't Super Bowl contenders just yet.

They should win a bad division.

They may win a playoff game or two.

But that's it.