The hits keep coming for Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.

In an ESPN article detailing future power rankings for NFL teams, the Broncos came in at No. 7, just behind the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

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“The Broncos look like they have a solid starting quarterback in Bo Nix and have arguably the NFL’s best offensive line and best defense, led by star cornerback Pat Surtain II. What a turnaround for coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton,” wrote Ben Solak, who discussed Denver’s reasons for hope.

The Broncos’ area of concern, with valid reason, is their running back situation. “Do the running backs have the ability to provide the physical, rugged presence that is needed in December and January, when the run game becomes a focus,” asked Louis Riddick. “The combination of J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Audric Estime has to improve on the Broncos’ 1.63 yards after first contact per rush (25th in 2024). If this group gets going, Denver can challenge Kansas City for the AFC West title.”

Denver’s strength has been the offensive line. “Denver’s offensive line ranked No. 1 in both pass block win rate (73.8%) and run block win rate (74.9%) last season, but it’s a bit older than most other lines, ranging in age from guard Quinn Meinerz (27) to tackle Garett Bolles (33),” wrote Aaron Schatz.

Despite all the praise, the boldest prediction related to quarterback Bo Nix. “Nix will lose his starting job during the 2027 season, which will be his last as a Bronco,” ESPN’s Seth Walder wrote. “There’s optimism around him now, but there’s reason to be skeptical in the long term. As a rookie, his rushing led him to be decent efficiency-wise. But he ranked 28th in completion percentage over expectation (minus-2.4%) and 22nd in yards per dropback (6.16) despite playing behind a top-tier offensive line. The roster around him is great now, but it won’t always be.”

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In his first season, Nix threw for more yards and more touchdowns than 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen, leading the Broncos to their first postseason appearance in nearly a decade. It will remain to be seen how Nix performs in the coming seasons, but with his trajectory, it’s hard to imagine Walder being accurate in his assessment.

Time will tell, indeed.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: ESPN predicts Denver Broncos will bench QB Bo Nix in 2027