The Denver Broncos came agonizingly close to the Super Bowl last season. They reached the AFC Championship Game but ultimately fell short.

This year, expectations are even higher. Denver already had an elite defense, but Sean Payton has now added more firepower to the offense.

The addition of Jaylen Waddle could completely change the way this offense operates. In fact, one NFL legend is certainly excited about what Payton can do with his new weapon. Speaking with Trey Wingo on Inside Football, Cris Carter hyped up the Broncos' offense.

"As an offense, they are going to be hell to guard. Now, when you put, you know, Jaylen Waddle in there and his ability to be able to stretch the defense, get short plays, pass plays. And when Sean Payton has a weapon like him, like he's going to utilize him, he's a matchup expert. So he's going to get him matched up on people, get them free releases off the line of scrimmage. So I'm looking forward to seeing an offense that's far more explosive than the one that we've seen the first two years with Bo Nix as the quarterback."

That's a major warning for opposing defenses. If the offense can click like the defense already does, there could be no stopping Denver.

The Broncos have been handed an advantage for their season opener

The Broncos begin their season against division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. It promises to be a difficult matchup, especially with Patrick Mahomes returning.

However, Denver may have received some good news. According to reports, Chiefs offensive lineman Josh Simmons is dealing with a lingering injury and could miss the opener.

That would be a significant boost for Payton's defense. Denver will want to pressure Mahomes relentlessly, and losing a key offensive lineman could make that task easier.

The Broncos still have a major challenge ahead. But if Simmons cannot play, Denver will certainly look to take advantage.

Written by

Joseph Nithin