Chad Jensen· Aug 16, 2026
Reviewing the Broncos' preseason opener win over Atlanta, Jensen projects Jarrett Stidham to hold the No. 2 quarterback job behind Bo Nix for a fourth straight year, and says Luke Wattenberg will start at center with Alex Forsyth backing him up. He also frames Evan Engram and Adam Trautman as the top two tight ends with two spots open behind them.
“It's looking like a fourth straight season of Stidham as QB2 behind Bo Nix.”
published in writing · Sports Illustrated · read the original →
6 checkable claims — 6 depth chart calls — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 7 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Of the 4 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room on every one.
Where this call stands in the room
Bo Nix · 2026 season3 calls from 3 pundits between 1 and 1. Chad Jensen said 1. the room's median is 1. not settled yet
Every dot is a call somebody published on the same question. Where the dots land says where this take sits, not whether it is right — nothing here is settled yet. Hover a dot for the name and number; click it to read that take.
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Who this take is about
6 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Depth Chart CallsJarrett StidhamDenver BroncosAug 16, 2026
Jarrett Stidham to be 2nd on the depth chart
“But Stidham shined in Atlanta, with 131 passing yards and a touchdown, showing clear separation between himself and Ehlinger. It's looking like a fourth straight season of Stidham as QB2 behind Bo Nix.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsLuke WattenbergDenver BroncosAug 16, 2026
Luke Wattenberg to be 1st on the depth chart
“Luke Wattenberg will be the starter with Alex Forsyth as his backup”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsEvan EngramDenver BroncosAug 16, 2026
Evan Engram to be 1st on the depth chart
“The tight end battle rages on, with two roster spots open behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsAlex ForsythDenver BroncosAug 16, 2026
Alex Forsyth to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Luke Wattenberg will be the starter with Alex Forsyth as his backup, but the versatility Throckmorton showcased...”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsAdam TrautmanDenver BroncosAug 16, 2026
Adam Trautman to be 2nd on the depth chart
“The tight end battle rages on, with two roster spots open behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsBo NixDenver BroncosAug 16, 2026
Bo Nix to be 1st on the depth chart
“It's looking like a fourth straight season of Stidham as QB2 behind Bo Nix.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Jared DubinScore Predictions · Denver BroncosMiss · 2Dubin picks Denver to win narrowly in Kansas City, 21-20.
- Tyler SullivanScore Predictions · Denver BroncosMiss · 10Sullivan picks Denver to beat Kansas City 24-20.
- Jordan DajaniScore Predictions · Denver BroncosMiss · 7Dajani picks the Broncos over the Chiefs, 17-14.
- John BreechScore Predictions · Denver BroncosMiss · 5In the Pick Six newsletter, Breech picks the Broncos to upset the Chiefs on Monday night, 23-21.
- Jared DubinScore Predictions · Denver BroncosMiss · 2The unbylined CBS Sports preview picks Denver to win at Arrowhead in Week 1, 21-20, and expects Kenneth Walker III to be Kansas City's lead back while Jaylen Waddle serves as Bo Nix's top receiving target in Denver.
- Danny ParkinsGame Outcome Picks · Denver BroncosMiss · 0Parkins picked the Giants to upset Dallas, the Steelers to beat Atlanta by two scores, the Bears to beat Carolina, the Bills to beat Houston and Denver to beat Kansas City outright; he also said Justin Herbert will win an MVP and had the Bengals as AFC North champs.
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The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
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