Broncos a popular pick for sports bettors, gambling experts agree | 2025 Broncos Preview

The Associated Press FIle
The Broncos’ hype has extended into the world of sports betting.
After coach Sean Payton spoke about Super Bowl aspirations, general manager George Paton boasted about the roster, and Denver became a talking point of the national media, bettors are getting in on the buzz.
Most sports books, including BetMGM and FanDuel, have the Broncos’ win total at over/under 9.5 wins, an increase from 5.5 prior to last season. That win total is the same as the Los Angeles Chargers and two wins behind the Kansas City Chiefs.
“That’s why the juice is really sky high at some books (on Denver’s win total),” BetMGM Tonight host and founder TheGamingJuice.com Brad Evans told The Denver Gazette. “If they can reach the summits and fire on all cylinders offensively and defensively, this team is not only going to be playoff bound but is a dark horse to possibly represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.”
The Broncos’ odds to make the playoffs sit at minus-128 on BetMGM, opposed to being +520 to make the playoffs to open last season. Denver’s odds of making the playoffs are the same as the Chargers, and both teams are +310 to steal the AFC West crown for the Chiefs.
“I think the odds are fair. A lot of people are high on the Chargers,” Evans said. “But again, who is more balanced? That’s the question you must ask yourself. I would 100% say that Denver should have better odds than the L.A. Chargers of winning the division.”
The Chargers swept the Broncos last season, which might contribute to oddsmakers keeping the two teams on the same level in the betting landscape.
“I understand it and where it’s coming from and what BetMGM has set,” Evans said. “Do I agree with it? Hell, no, I don’t agree with it because I do believe that Denver, at a minimum, is going to be the second-best team in the division.”
Payton has plenty of confidence in his team. He has plenty of confidence in his coaching staff. And he has shown plenty of confidence in himself as a coach.
But sports books don’t see Payton as a betting winner this season. He is middle of the pack in NFL Coach of the Year odds at 20-to-1. Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears is at the top of that list at +600.
“Take my money, BetMGM, take it,” Evans said. “That’s ridiculous that it’s 20-1 odds for him to win Coach of the Year. For the savvy gambler out there, if you are buying in, it’s a wise bet on Sean Payton to win Coach of the Year.”
The Broncos have one of the biggest point spreads in Week 1 against the Titans. BetMGM has the Broncos favored by 8 points, while FanDuel comes in at 7.5. The Eagles are also favored over the Cowboys by 7.5 points for the Thursday opener.
“It’s what I always tell my audience: ‘It’s your money. I’m not going to tell you to spend it,’” Evand said. “But as somebody who is a dedicated sports bettor, and I saw that line, I immediately grabbed it. They are going to win by 10 or more.”
***
Broncos bets
Week 1 vs. Titans: Broncos (-8)
To win Super Bowl LX: +2500
To win AFC: +1400
To win AFC West: +310
To make playoffs: (-128)
MVP: QB Bo Nix (+6000)
Defensive Player of the Year: CB Patrick Surtain (+3300)
NFL Coach of the Year: Sean Payton (+2000)
—Odds provided by BetMGM