The data suggests caution when backing the Denver Broncos in this spot. Since 2014, when playing as large favorite (-7.5+), the Denver Broncos are just 7-20-0 against the spread. That's a 0.0% win rate and a -50.5% ROI. Sharp bettors have found value fading this situation—the opposite side would have returned +50.5%.

🚫 Strong Fade
Record7-20-0
Win Rate0.0%
Sample Size27 games
ROI-50.5%
Units Won-13.6u
Time Period2014-2024

Year-by-Year Performance

SeasonRecordWin %ROI
20141-2-00.0%-36.4%
20150-1-00.0%-100.0%
20160-3-00.0%-100.0%
20171-2-00.0%-36.4%
20180-1-00.0%-100.0%
20191-0-00.0%+90.9%
20200-2-00.0%-100.0%
20213-4-00.0%-18.2%
20221-1-00.0%-4.5%
20230-3-00.0%-100.0%
20240-1-00.0%-100.0%

Why This Trend Exists

The Broncos' struggles as heavy favorites stem from their organizational instability and quarterback carousel that has plagued the franchise since Peyton Manning's retirement. Denver has cycled through numerous signal-callers and coaching staffs, creating an identity crisis that manifests most clearly when expectations are highest. Teams laying significant spreads need offensive firepower to pull away from inferior opponents, but the Broncos have consistently lacked the explosive passing attack necessary to cover large numbers. Denver's defensive-minded approach, while effective in keeping games close, works against them as big favorites. Their methodical, field-position style tends to produce grinding victories rather than blowouts. When facing weaker opponents, the Broncos often play down to their competition's level, allowing backdoor covers or outright upsets. The franchise's recent emphasis on running the ball and controlling clock further limits their ceiling in games where they need to separate themselves. The psychological element cannot be ignored either. Denver players and coaches have shown a tendency to ease up once they establish leads, particularly against teams they perceive as inferior. This complacency has repeatedly cost bettors who backed the Broncos at inflated numbers. This trend matters most when Denver faces divisional opponents or teams with nothing to lose late in the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Denver Broncos's ATS record as large favorite (-7.5+)?

The Denver Broncos have a 7-20-0 ATS record when favored by 7.5+ points from 2014-2024, covering the spread in only 25.9% of these games.

Is betting on the Denver Broncos as large favorite (-7.5+) profitable?

No, betting on the Denver Broncos as large favorites has been extremely unprofitable with a -50.5% ROI and 0.0% win rate over this period.

How does this compare to the league average?

This performance is significantly worse than the league average, as NFL favorites typically cover around 48-52% of the time, making Denver's 25.9% cover rate exceptionally poor.

FADE This Trend

The data suggests fading this situation has been profitable. Compare odds to find the best value on the other side.

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Methodology

All trends in The Archives are calculated from official game results and closing point spreads from 2014 to 2024. ROI assumes a flat $100 bet at standard -110 juice. Win rate is calculated as wins divided by total decisions (pushes excluded). A minimum of 10 games is required for a trend to be published. Data is sourced from The Odds API and verified against official league records.