Former Pro Bowl WR predicts AFC West title is in Broncos' future

Former NFL wideout and six-time Pro Bowler Chad Johnson predicts Russell Wilson and Sean Payton will lead the Denver Broncos to a 2023 division title. Calling the take ludicrous is an understatement. 

"… praise better be just as loud when [Wilson] has his best season under Sean Payton & they win the AFC West…," Johnson said on his Twitter account while dismissing criticism of Wilson. 

Although Payton's hire may fix Wilson, Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes and Los Angeles' Justin Herbert remain atop the AFC West's QB hierarchy.

Mahomes, 27, led the league in passing touchdowns (41), while Herbert, 24, was second in passing yards (4,739) behind Mahomes (5,250). Wilson, 34, was 30th in completion percentage (60.5) and posted a 37 QBR, well below the league average. 

The Broncos also failed to reload their offense after winning Super Bowl 50. As a result, Denver has ranked 22nd or lower in scoring offense for seven consecutive seasons and missed the playoffs. 

Nonetheless, Payton faced similar circumstances in New Orleans.

The Saints only won one playoff game before Payton arrived in 2006. Then, in Payton's fourth year, they won Super Bowl XLIV. 

Payton can also steer Denver in a winning direction, but it may take time, mainly since the team traded seven draft picks for Wilson and Payton, including a 2023 first-rounder.