Denver Broncos 2011: Kyle Orton and 5 Over/Under Predictions for the Starting QB

Well Broncos' fans, here it is.

According to Lindsey Jones of the Denver Post, you'll never guess who's under center in the Mile High City:

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"Head coach John Fox made official Monday what anyone who watched the Broncos training camp and the team's first two preseason games already knew: Kyle Orton is the team's starting quarterback."

"Fox said Orton will be under center in the team's Monday Night Football opener against Oakland on Sept. 12."

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So with that said, here are five over/under predictions for the Denver gunslinger in 2011.

Check 'em out, and weigh in your thoughts afterward.

Over/Under 4,000 Passing Yards

Kyle has yet to accomplish this feat. Actually, it's only happened three times in franchise history.Each time done by a different QB (Elway in '93, Plummer in '04, Cutler in '08).

Orton did have a chance in 2010, after compiling just over 3,800 yards through 13 games.

So based on that per game average, he definitely would have gotten there.

The big question this season is whether the rushing attack picks up. If so, the Broncos may not need to rely on the passing game so much.

However, using Kyle to throw the rock is still the biggest strength in Denver.

Prediction: Over 4,000 Passing Yards

Over/Under 24 TD Passes

The most Orton has thrown in one season came during the 2009 campaign, when he tossed 21 TDs.

That was also the same year in which he threw for just over 3,800 yards—a career high.

Luckily now for Orton, he's already won the QB battle and has more confidence than ever leading into the regular season.

Countering that confidence though, is his performance once in the red-zone.

It's been his biggest obstacle to overcome since entering the NFL, and although he's improved, he is nowhere near where the Broncos need him to be.

Another TD over a field-goal is astronomical in a Pro Football game.

With his struggles, the red-zone is where we may see the running game really come to life because he's not going to throw 20-some TDs that are more than 20-plus yards.

Prediction: Under 24 TD Passes

Over/Under 10 Interceptions

Here's an area where Kyle Orton can really see some improvement this season.

For example, he's never thrown more than 13 in a year. Last season he threw a career low of nine, although he only played in 13 games.

Therefore, in regards to throwing picks, 2011 could be a tell-all season as to how much Orton has progressed since 2010.

He's working with the same receiving core, along with some solid newcomers, so the chemistry should be even better overall. Orton just can't be too careful or become complacent, meaning he can't neglect to actually throw the ball.

Prediction: Under Ten Interceptions

Over/Under a 60% Completion Percentage

He's only hit over 60 percent one time and that came in 2009—his first season in Denver.

Last year he was slightly under 60, with a 58.8 completion percentage, despite having only nine picks.

Lest we forget, since Kyle Orton has been in Denver, they haven't had much of a running game. Which, as we all know, made them one-dimensional and should have made passing even more difficult.

Now picture the Broncos with a solid ground game for the first time since 2006, the year Tatum Bell ran for over 1,000 yards.

In turn, that will take pressure away from Orton, allowing him to make even more conscientious decisions.

Prediction: Over 60% Completion Percentage

Over/Under 30 Times Sacked

Now that the Broncos are expected to have a presentable rushing attack, Kyle Orton might not have to get devoured all season long.

Through 13 games in 2010 he was sacked 34 times, which is almost three times per game.

The number was only 29 back in 2009 when he played in all 16 games.

The difference then was that Knowshon Moreno almost eclipsed that 1,000 yard milestone, therefore causing defenses to somewhat respect the run.

But it was still nothing compared to when Mike Shanahan was in charge.Hence, the hiring of John Fox, and the addition of Willis McGahee to the backfield.

Additionally, Denver drafted OT Orlando Franklin to play opposite of Ryan Clady.

Thus, Orton will be even better protected.

Prediction: Under 30 Times Sacked

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.