The Denver Broncos, Sean Payton and Russell Wilson have an interesting relationship, to say the least.
Two years ago, before Payton arrived, the Broncos thought Russ was going to bring the franchise back to their glory days. Because of that, the franchise gave Wilson a contract worth over $242 million.
When Nathaniel Hackett was sent packing and Payton arrived, it became clear very quickly that Wilson’s time in Denver was limited. So limited, in fact, the Broncos took the biggest dead cap in NFL history to move on from him.
Perhaps the most vivid memory of Wilson and Payton together was when the head coach tore into the franchise quarterback on the sidelines during the team’s embarrassing loss to the Detroit Lions on national television.
From that moment on, it was only a matter of when that divorce would happen, not if.
Since, Wilson has found a new home with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Payton has become overjoyed with Bo Nix.
Will Nix or Wilson have a better year in 2024 as the veteran tries to fend off Justin Fields for the starting job and the rookie tries to adjust to the NFL?
The DNVR Broncos Crew debates.
All odds below are courtesy of bet365.
Will Bo Nix or Russell Wilson have a better season?
Zac: Bo — Nix looked like a rookie in his debut. But at least he played.
While Wilson was named the starter in Pittsburgh, the Steelers decided to not play him in Week 1 despite him saying he could play. That could be the team protecting Russ from himself, or it could be them getting a look at Fields without having to publicly sit Wilson. If it’s latter, that’s a bad, bad sign for Wilson’s time in Pittsburgh.
Either way, it’s far more likely Nix plays more games, has better opportunities and has the full support of the organization more than Wilson in 2024. Because of all of that, Bo will certainly have a better season this year than Russ.
Nix might look like a rookie, as he did in Week 1, but it’s better than being a backup.
In fact, just as Bo’s career is beginning, it appears Russ’ career is ending. This season could be Wilson’s last as a starter in any capacity.
Henry: Russ — This is a tough question. The answer depends on whether Wilson is the starter in Pittsburgh this season.
The bottom line is this: The Steelers are a good football team. They aren’t perfect, but they provide a great situation for a quarterback to step into. Last year, a combination of Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph was able to make the playoffs.
Nix can be a good quarterback. He could even be a good quarterback this season. But in Week 1 we learned that there will be growing pains.
There’s a chance that Wilson doesn’t start for the Steelers. There’s a chance that he implodes if he does start.
But I expect him to start, and I expect him to look like 2023 Russell Wilson. If that’s the case, he’ll have a better year than the rookie.
Picks Picks Picks
Courtland Sutton receiving yards over/under 40.5
Zac: Over
Hank: Over
Greg Dulcich receiving yards over/under 23.5
Zac: Over
Hank: Under
Will T.J. Watt record a sack? (Yes -210)
Zac: Yes
Hank: Yes
Will Jonathon Cooper record a sack? (Yes +140)
Zac: Yes
Hank: No
Broncos-Steelers total points over/under 36.5
Zac: Under
Hank: Under
Steelers (-2.5) @ Broncos
Zac: Broncos
Hank: Steelers
Chargers (-6) @ Panthers
Zac: Chargers
Hank: Chargers
Raiders @ Ravens (-9)
Zac: Ravens
Hank: Ravens
Bengals @ Chiefs (-5.5)
Zac: Chiefs
Hank: Chiefs
Leaderboard
Last Week
Zac: 5-9-1
Hank: 5-9-1
Overall
Zac: 5-9-1
Hank: 5-9-1
