I expect a resurgence in Russell's play from last season, but will it be enough to overcome the Chiefs and Chargers in the division, and a tough AFC?
I see a flip-flop of the conditions from when he took over the Saints. In Denver, he's getting a more competitive team from the start, but the long range outlook is more challenging. It's going to be hard to win that division and even harder to go on the road against a gauntlet of young, high-powered conference opponents.
If he can produce a championship out of that situation in the next few years, it will most certainly elevate his standing among head coaches. It looks like a tough road ahead to me.