Broncos Pick 'Em: How many wins does Nathaniel Hackett need in 2022 to keep his job?

The Broncos have plenty on the line in the second half of the season.

Can Denver make an improbable playoff run?

Will Russell Wilson begin to look like the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback that he is?

Will Nathaniel Hackett do enough to return for the 2023 season? What would Hackett and the Broncos need to do in the final nine games of the season in order for the head coach to get another year in Denver?

The DNVR Broncos Crew debates on the latest Pick ‘Em.

All odds below are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

How many wins do the Broncos need this year for Nathaniel Hackett to remain the coach in 2023?

Zac: Eight — Before the season, 8-9 was certainly not a record anyone in Broncos Country would have signed up for. But the expectations for the season have significantly shifted after Denver’s slow 3-5 start.

If the Broncos are able to get to eight wins in the final nine games, it would mean they would have a winning record in the second half of the season. Not only that, but it would mean Denver would have beaten at least a few good teams considering the brutal schedule they have down the stretch. That would be enough momentum heading into the 2023 season to bring Hackett back.

Finishing the season at 7-10 still gives Hackett a shot at returning, but his future in town would certainly be up in the air. One more win, however, would be just enough for him to get at least one more season.

RK: Eight — I went back and fourth between seven and eight on this one, but it came down to this: Eight wins means the Broncos went 5-4 in the second half of the season, a marked improvement from their 3-5 start.

Five wins means you’ll have to take down some legitimate opponents and, presumably, make serious strides offensively. That offensive surge would play a big role in Hackett writing off the early season struggles to growing pains.

As tempting as it may be to get a fresh start from a new head coach, you simply cant go down this road every year. 5-4 to finish the season shows a step in the right direction and should be reason enough to stay with Hackett for next season.

On the flip side, 3-5 in the first half and 4-5 in the second half doesnt inspire much confidence.

Hank: Seven — If the Broncos finish with a 7-10 record, tough conversations will be had. Ownership will be tempted to make a change, but I think they’d ultimately decide to give Hackett another half-season to get things right, especially if the Broncos’ offseason takes another step in the second half of this year.

The truth is that hiring another head coach will be a crapshoot. More than half of all head coach hires don’t pan out. Maybe a veteran like Dan Quinn could steady the ship, but a grand-slam hire is tough to come by… at least for now.

The Saints hold Sean Payton’s rights through next season, so any team interested in hiring one of the best football minds alive would have to pay a pretty penny if they want him this offseason. But if the Broncos give Hackett one more year, they could join the running for Payton next offseason or even at the trade deadline, as the Saints may feel pressure to get something for the winningest coach in their history.

And who knows… maybe Hackett will turn things around.

Picks Picks Picks

Russell Wilson passing yards over/under 225.5

Zac: Over.

RK: Over.

Hank: Under.

Jerry Jeudy receiving yards over/under 50.5

Zac: Over.

RK: Over.

Hank: Over.

Greg Dulcich receiving yards over/under 39.5

Zac: Over.

RK: Over.

Hank: Under.

Courtland Sutton receiving yards over/under 54.5

Zac: Under.

RK: Under.

Hank: Under.

Derrick Henry rushing yards over/under 106.5

Zac: Over.

RK: Under.

Hank: Under.

Will Derek Henry have 100 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown? (+200)

Zac: Yes.

RK: No.

Hank: No.

Broncos-Titans over/under 38 points

Zac: Under. Slightly.

RK: Under.

Hank: Under.

Broncos @ Titans (-3)

Zac: Broncos cover.

RK: Broncos.

Hank: Broncos.

Jaguars @ Chiefs (-9.5)

Zac: Chiefs.

RK: Jags.

Hank: Chiefs.

Chargers @ 49ers (-7)

Zac: Chargers cover.

RK: Niners.

Hank: 49ers.

Colts @ Raiders (-5)

Zac: Raiders.

RK: Raiders.

Hank: Colts.

Leaderboard

Last week

Zac: 8-2

Hank: 5-5

RK: 5-5

Overall

Zac: 46-37

RK: 41-42

Hank: 32-51