The Denver Broncos are preparing for their 2026 season with an 11-6 prediction that would send them back to the playoffs after a 14-3 campaign and AFC Championship appearance last year. One analyst's full schedule forecast shows the team winning 11 games and losing five, with tight margins throughout—most predicted outcomes separated by just a few points. The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, face the harder task of trimming their roster by month's end, with August 30 marking the deadline to cut down to 53 players.
Both franchises are in the thick of offseason evaluation, but their timelines differ sharply. The Broncos have 14 training camp practices and three preseason games remaining before they finalize their 53-man roster. The Eagles have four weeks of practices and three preseason games left before their August 30 cutdown deadline.
Broncos' Path Forward
The Broncos' projected 11-6 record reflects a team positioned to compete at the highest level. The schedule prediction includes three prime-time games, plus two standalone games on Black Friday and Christmas Day, giving Denver prime opportunities to showcase itself nationally. Week 1 starts at Kansas City with a predicted 21-20 victory, followed by losses to Jacksonville and Los Angeles before a 23-22 win over San Francisco in Week 4.
The forecast shows the Broncos splitting their games against Kansas City—winning Week 1 but losing Week 8 by three points. They'd survive a bye week in Week 10 and finish strong with wins over Oakland, Pittsburgh, Miami, and the New York Jets. The season ends with losses to Buffalo and Los Angeles, then a dominant 31-17 victory over New England.
These tight margins—most games decided by three points or fewer—underscore how competitive the AFC remains. Football's return is right around the corner, and Denver's expectations are clear: reach the Super Bowl.
Eagles' Roster Puzzle
Philadelphia's situation is more complex. Two analysts, Zach Berman and Brooks Kubena, have offered competing 53-man roster projections that reveal philosophical differences about roster construction and player evaluation.
At quarterback, the analysts differ on the third option. Kubena projects Andy Dalton as the backup behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee, while Berman sees a realistic pathway for Cole Payton to make the roster. Kubena argues the Eagles can't afford to trade McKee unless they acquire another reliable veteran, suggesting more caution in the backup position. Berman's projection implies the team may move McKee or Dalton, creating roster flexibility.
The running back room shows more consensus. Both analysts project Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley. Kubena adds Dameon Pierce. Kubena highlights Bigsby's touchdown run in practice as evidence he can complement Barkley, while Berman sees Shipley as the No. 3 back with special teams value.
Receiver Depth and Offensive Philosophy
At wide receiver, the projections diverge meaningfully. Kubena projects six receivers: DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, Makai Lemon, and Johnny Wilson. Berman projects five: Smith, Wicks, Lemon, Brown, and Wilson—omitting Moore. Kubena notes that general manager Howie Roseman views the receiver unit as a "basketball squad," suggesting versatility and depth. Berman counters that the Eagles may go deeper at tight end and on the offensive line instead, implying a different strategic priority.
At tight end, both include Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, and Eli Stowers. Kubena adds Cameron Latu, while Berman also includes Latu. Kubena emphasizes that Goedert remains the room's most dangerous target if the 31-year-old stays healthy—a significant caveat. Berman sees Latu as a fullback/tight end/special teams hybrid, suggesting positional flexibility.
Defensive Considerations
The defensive line projections largely align. Both include Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, and Ty Robinson. Kubena adds Gabe Hall, while Berman adds Uar Bernard. Kubena notes Bernard remains very raw and the Eagles will likely have to waive him, though the team is invested in his development—a measured assessment of a young prospect's timeline.
At edge rusher, both analysts project Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie, and A.J. Epenesa. Kubena says Greenard's pectoral strain isn't expected to be long term and his Week 1 start remains a goal. Berman flags Brandon Graham as a wild card if the veteran returns for a 17th season.
Linebackers show strong consensus. Both project Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., and Chance Campbell. Kubena says Baun and Campbell will never leave the field if healthy, emphasizing their importance. Berman suggests the Eagles could live with four linebackers and use the extra spot elsewhere, reflecting different depth philosophies.
Secondary and Specialists
In the secondary, cornerback projections split slightly. Kubena projects Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Mac McWilliams, and Jakorian Bennett. Berman projects Mitchell, DeJean, Woolen, Jonathan Jones, and Kelee Ringo. Kubena says Woolen gives the Eagles a definitive CB2. Berman favors Jones for experience and versatility.
At safety, Kubena projects Drew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II, and J.T. Gray. Berman projects Mukuba, Epps, Carter, and Cole Wisniewski. Kubena says Epps has a slight edge over Carter for the starting job next to Mukuba. Berman notes Howie Roseman could still seek an upgrade, suggesting the position isn't settled.
Both analysts project the same specialists: Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, and Rocco Underwood. Kubena notes Underwood is the new kid in town, Elliott is 31, Mann is 28, and Elliott's 74.1 field goal percentage last season was the second lowest of his career. Berman says Underwood's spot is not entrenched and the Eagles could seek an external upgrade.
Why This Matters:
These projections reveal two teams at different stages of roster construction. Denver's 11-6 prediction suggests a team confident in its current core, with tight game margins indicating they'll compete in nearly every contest. The Eagles' competing analyses—from two credible evaluators—highlight the uncertainty surrounding roster decisions just weeks before cutdown. The differences between Kubena and Berman on quarterback depth, receiver philosophy, linebacker count, and safety upgrades suggest Philadelphia's front office hasn't fully settled its priorities. With August 30 approaching, the Eagles must make decisive moves on players like Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton, and potential safety upgrades. The Broncos' path is clearer: execute their current roster through training camp and preseason. Both franchises will test whether their evaluations hold up once games begin.