Reporter predicts whether Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix will start in Week 1

Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are set to compete for the Denver Broncos starting quarterback job, but it may be a one-horse race.

In his latest mailbag, The Athletic's Nick Kosmider indicates Nix — the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft — is the favorite.

"The only way Nix won't be the starter, in my estimation, is if he's vastly outplayed by one of the other quarterbacks in camp," wrote Kosmider . "There were no signs during the offseason program to suggest that will be the case, but let's see how all three passers perform at the start of camp."

Stidham and Wilson haven't proved to be viable starters throughout their careers, so betting on the 24-year-old rookie would make sense for the Broncos.

In three seasons with the New York Jets, former first-rounder Wilson threw more interceptions (25) than TDs (23) and posted a 12-21 regular-season record. Stidham, meanwhile, has mainly served as a backup and went 1-1 in two starts with the Broncos last season.

More importantly, Nix suits head coach Sean Payton's system.

"A Sean Payton offense is all about the quick game, a dedication to the run game and taking shots deep downfield," wrote Pro Football Focus' John Kosko. "The quick game is heavy on stick and spacing concepts, two plays Oregon ran frequently and from which Nix excelled. Nix already does a good job with his pre-snap reads and avoids negative plays, traits Payton covets at the position."

If Nix emerges as the answer, that would be ideal for Denver. Since Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning retired in 2016, the Broncos have been a train wreck, missing the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons.