Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have had a busy offseason drafting a new franchise quarterback in Box Nix while removing Russell Wilson in a controversial conclusion to the 2023 season.

DraftKings Sportsbook is overwhelmingly expecting Nix, the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, to be the Week 1 starter, with his odds coming in at -425, implying an 80.25 percent chance he starts in Week 1.

Nix, 24, has been projected as a pro-ready prospect through his five years in college, three of which were at Auburn and the final two where he starred for the Oregon Ducks.

Behind Nix is last year’s backup Jarret Stidham, who is +450 to start Week 1, while the extreme long shot is on Zach Wilson, who is +1000 to be the opening-day starter.

Wilson was a No. 2 overall pick and mostly a disappointment for the Jets.

He was replaced by quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a trade before being thrust back into action after the latter tore his Achilles just moments into the season.

In his first comments since the trade, Wilson said that it’s bittersweet that he’s no longer in New York, but is welcoming the new challenge in Denver.

The odds are literally stacked against him starting Week 1, though.

Payton had some sparkling reviews of Nix, saying that he is “farther along” than most other rookies.

Perhaps he gets some time if Nix struggles or gets banged up.

Denver was profiled as a top-10 offensive line according to Pro Football Focus in 2023.

In terms of some optimism for Wilson, he actually had a better PFF grade than Stidham (58.2 vs. 55.5) in 2023 despite having a significantly worse offensive line.

Expect Nix to serve as the starter as they give him every opportunity throughout this season and perhaps even next season to grab a stranglehold on the job.

But don’t be surprised to see Wilson grab the backup job with a strong training camp.