NFL betting fans noted a big signing by the Denver Broncos on Thursday. The Broncos signed linebacker Elvis Dumervil to a six-year deal worth approximately $61.5 million dollars. Dumervil is a huge part of the Denver defense and a player who gamblers that make an NFL bet know can make a difference.
NFL betting odds on Denver list the Broncos as 40-1 long shots to win the Super Bowl. The Broncos started last season strongly but faded down the stretch. One of their best players a year ago was Dumervil. He was rewarded with one of the biggest contracts in Denver history. Dumervil signed a one-year $3.168 million restricted tender last month and the Broncos extended his deal on Thursday. The Broncos were really pleased that Dumervil handled his contract negotiations in a positive way. He did not threaten to hold out and Denver rewarded him with a huge deal.
Denver took Dumervil with a fourth round pick in 2006 and he has been a steal. He had 8.5 sacks as a rookie and he has 26 sacks in his first three NFL seasons. The Broncos changed to a 3/4 defense last season and Dumervil had his best season with 17 sacks. He earned a trip to the Pro Bowl as well. Since he entered the league in 2006, Dumervil is third in the NFL in sacks, trailing only Dallas’ Demarcus Ware and Minnesota’s Jared Allen. The Broncos had the 7th best defense in the NFL last season in terms of fewest yards allowed. They did not play well to end the season though although it sure was not the fault of Dumervil.
Denver opens up their preseason schedule on August 15th with a game at Cincinnati vs. the Bengals. The Broncos host the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the preseason and then come home for a nationally televised game on Fox against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 29th. They wrap up the preseason with a game at Minnesota on September 2nd.
Denver begins the regular season on Sunday, September 12th at Jacksonville. It is a winnable opener for the Broncos but they are listed as 1.5 point underdogs on the road. Those making an NFL bet may want to take a shot with the Broncos getting points in their opener.