NFL turnaround rankings: which 2021 also-rans will make the playoffs this season?

After years of treading water, the Broncos were finally able to engineer a move for one of the game’s top quarterbacks this offseason, landing Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade in March.

Adding Wilson transforms the Broncos’ calculus. Denver already had a strong core prior to Wilson’s arrival, including a gifted offensive line and a stacked receiving unit. Wilson should finally be the post-Manning quarterback who can make it all sing in Colorado.

There is excitement on defense, too. When you add a superstar at quarterback, things just slot into place, don’t they? This Broncos defense is built to play with a lead, the kind they rarely mustered behind Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater. There are stars throughout the secondary, and by adding Randy Gregory they’ve been able to paper over the Von Miller-sized hole that appeared in their front in the middle of last season.

There’s only one real question mark looming over the Broncos’ playoff hopes: How will first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett handle his debut season? Wilson runs his own, specific kind of offense, one that doesn’t flow naturally with what Hackett, an offensive-minded coach, prefers to run. It’s a lot to ask of a first-year coach to navigate those waters while also running a franchise, and all while up against a pair of juggernauts in Los Angeles and Kansas City in the AFC West. The Broncos may be a year away from truly challenging.

Turnaround chances: Would be better in a different division

Of all of this year’s turnaround candidates, the Ravens are the safest bet. There are no stylistic issues, no talent concerns. They are loaded on both sides of the ball.

Baltimore were one of the disappointments of 2021. Injuries drained the team of depth.