Denver Post sports columnist Mark Kiszla answered questions Monday during a live chat. Here are the highlights:

Welcome back, Kiz. I always love the lunch chats. Which Broncos tight end do you think has the most catches this year?

Kiszla: I missed chatting with y’all, as well. Recent NFL history suggests that no matter how talented a rookie tight end might be, the learning curve at the position is steeper than what is faced by a young wide receiver or running back. I’ve talked to Noah Fant about this very issue, and his theory is tight end’s responsibilities encompass the duties of both a pass-catcher and an offensive lineman. But on a Broncos roster where playmakers seem to be in short supply on the offensive side of the football, this team needs its first-round pick to catch no fewer than 40 passes and lead the position in receptions.

Hey Mark, What do you see happening in Friday night’s Rocky Mountain Showdown? Another Buffs beatdown? Or growing pains under Mel?

Kiszla: I love the Rocky Mountain Showdown, if for no other reason than it gives fans of both the Rams and Buffs to accuse me of loving the other school best. But I have no rooting interest in this game. I am, however, keenly interested in seeing these teams play. My hunch: CSU made a mistake in hiring Mike Bobo. CU scored big in hiring Mel Tucker. So I give an edge to the Buffs. A distinct edge.

Mark, Broncos over or under .500 this year? Thank you!

How concerned are you about the Broncos offense?

Kiszla: This is the time of year when every media member in Broncos Country is required by law to predict how many games the local NFL team will win. I prefer to deal in percentages than absolutes. The offense is a major concern for the Broncos. I see too many holes and question marks on that side of the ball. So I think the range for victories by the Broncos in 2019 has about an 90 percent chance of being between 5 and 9, depending on breaks and health and how many close games the team wins. But I would also say there’s a 75 percent chance the Broncos finish under .500.

Which former Broncos QB (still in the league) would you most want on this current roster? Trevor Siemian, Chad Kelly, Kyle Sloter, Paxton Lynch, Brock Osweiler … someone else I’m probably forgetting?

Kiszla: Is none of the above an acceptable answer? I can’t see any of the former Denver QBs you mention being a full-time starter for any length of time in this league. But I will say this: Trevor Siemian, Kyle Sloter and Paxton Lynch all seem to be better than Kevin Hogan. And at this point, I think the starting nod on the depth chart of former Denver QBs would have to go to Sloter.

Good to have you back, Mark. My major concern with the present roster is special teams. Seems to be an ongoing problem year in and year out. Field position is vital and we always seem to me at the lowest levels in the league. This year, aside from coverage, Waldman just seems to be sub par. Also the returner situation on both kickoffs and punt returns. Comment?

Kiszla: Special teams have been a cause of consternation for everyone, including coach Vic Fangio. But special teams isn’t Denver’s No. 1 concern, if you’re asking me. This offense? So far two words come to mind: Inept. And boring. Those are not two good words (if you’re asking me).

Andrew Luck will be under center for the Broncos in 2021.

Kiszla: I guess it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. But who spiked your Orange Kool-Aid? Andrew Luck in a Broncos uniform? Well, if that cockamamie dream comes true, I will be the first to toast your powers of perception.

Kiz, which Rox player has been the biggest disappointment this year in your opinion?

Kiszla: Wow. In a bummer of a year for the Rockies, who has been the bummiest? That’s a tough one. Ian Desmond is never a bad answer. But pitching has been the downfall of this team, so closer Wade Davis and local hero Kyle Freeland both exceed Desmond on the stench scale. And not to pile on, but I was expecting a bigger step forward by Ryan McMahon this season.

Is the baseball or the pitching coach more responsible for the implosion of Rockies starting staff?

Kiszla: Blaming the baseball is for losers. Firing pitching coach Steve Foster might be merited but it won’t solve the staff’s problems. So put the blame on general manager Jeff Bridich, who put too much faith on the straight line improved on his young starters and didn’t land a veteran arm this starting rotation could desperately use.

Who will be the most surprising Bronco cut?

Kiszla: OK, let me say something positive … cuz they don’t call me Mr. Sunshine for nuthin’. I think Justin Hollins, the fifth-round pick out of Oregon, is going to be a fine football player in this league. And surprise cut? I don’t know if there will be a shocker move when Denver trims the roster to 53. So let me twist your question a little: I’m deeply concerned that health issues will keep offensive guard Ron Leary from ever making a meaningful positive impact on the Broncos’ fortunes.

Biggest surprise of Broncos camp?

Kiszla: See: Hollins, Justin. Would not be surprised if he makes more positive impact for Broncos in 2019 than Drew Lock.

Hey Kiz, Are the Nuggets going to regret giving Jamal Murray all that money?

Kiszla: No. Jamal Murray is the truth. Will he ever be a superstar? Highly unlikely. But it’s entirely possible there will be All-Star Game appearances in his future. And that’s more than you can say about the near future or recent past of forward Paul Millsap. The Nuggets giving Millsap all that money was stupid. But the Nuggets media in these parts would rather have front-office honcho Tim Connelly buy ’em a drink than dare criticize one of the few major missteps he has made as architect of the Denver roster.

Kiz, Given how woeful the Rocks are and (it looks like) the Broncos, who can we cheer for? CU Football perhaps?

Kiszla: I am on record as saying Mel Tucker has a shot at stealing a bowl bid in his first year as CU coach. People think I’m crazy. But that’s what I get for being Mr. Sunshine.

Hey Kiz, how concerned should we be about the Broncos’ depth after what we’ve seen so far this preseason?

Kiszla: I have been on vacation for two weeks, which is a polite way of saying: I know the NFL is a religion in these parts, but placing too much emphasis on what you see in exhibition games is ill-advised. But from the start of training camp, I’ve had the impression that new coach Vic Fangio is more than a wee bit concerned that the Broncos will actually have 53 bona fide NFL players on the roster.

What do you think of the Rapids’ new coach hire?

Kiszla: Robin Fraser is a good futbol man. I have no qualms with the hire. But the founding principle of this club’s approach to building a winning roster seems to be constantly throwing spaghetti against the wall in the hopes something sticks. No wonder everyone who loves soccer in Colorado is so hungry for dinner, not to mention a winner.

Is there any reason to pay attention to the Rockies?

Kiszla: When the calendar turns to September, I look out my window and pay attention to the Rockies every morning … in the hope that there’s a fresh dusting of snow as a harbinger of a fine ski season ahead. Does that answer your question?

Nice chatting with y'all. Let's make it a regular Monday dealio from now through year's end.When the calendar turns to September, I look out my window and pay attention to the Rockies every morning ... in the hope that there's a fresh dusting of snow as a harbinger of a fine ski season ahead. Does that answer your question?Is there any reason to pay attention to the Rockies?Robin Fraser is a good futbol man. I have no qualms with the hire. But the founding principle of this club's approach to building a winning roster seems to be constantly throwing spaghetti against the wall in the hopes something sticks. No wonder everyone who loves soccer in Colorado is so hungry for dinner, not to mention a winner.What do you think of the Rapids new coach hire?I have been on vacation for two weeks, which is a polite way of saying: I know the NFL is a religion in these parts, but placing too much emphasis on what you see in exhibition games is ill-advised. But from the start of training camp, I've had the impression that new coach Vic Fangio is more than a wee bit concerned that the Broncos will actually have 53 bona fide NFL players on the roster.Hey Kiz, How concerned should we be about the Broncos' depth after what we've seen so far this preseason?I am on record as saying Mel Tucker has a shot at stealing a bowl bid in his first year as CU coach. People think I'm crazy. But that's what I get for being Mr. Sunshine.Kiz, Given how woeful the Rocks are and (it looks like) the Broncos, who can we cheer for? CU Football perhaps?No. Jamal Murray is the truth. Will he ever be a superstar? Highly unlikely. But it's entirely possible there will be All-Star Game appearances in his future. And that's more than you can say about the near future or recent past of forward Paul Millsap. The Nuggets giving Millsap all that money was stupid. But the Nuggets media in these parts would rather have front-office honcho Tim Connelly buy 'em a drink than dare criticize one of the few major missteps he has made as architect of the Denver roster.Hey Kiz, Are the Nuggets going to regret giving Jamal Murray all that money?See: Hollins, Justin. Would not be surprised if he makes more positive impact for Broncos in 2019 than Drew Lock.Biggest surprise of Broncos camp?OK, let me say something positive ... cuz they don't call me Mr. Sunshine for nuthin'. I think Justin Hollins, the fifth-round pick out of Oregon, is going to be a fine football player in this league. And surprise cut? I don't know if there will be a shocker move when Denver trims the roster to 53. So let me twist your question a little: I'm deeply concerned that health issues will keep offensive guard Ron Leary from ever making a meaningful positive impact on the Broncos' fortunes.Who will be the most surprising Bronco cut?Blaming the baseball is for losers. Firing pitching coach Steve Foster might be merited but it won't solve the staff's problems. So put the blame on general manager Jeff Bridich, who put too much faith on the straight line improved on his young starters and didn't land a veteran arm this starting rotation could desperately use.Is the baseball or the pitching coach more responsible for the implosion of Rockies starting staff?Wow. In a bummer of a year for the Rockies, who has been the bummiest? That's a tough one. Ian Desmond is never a bad answer. But pitching has been the downfall of this team, so closer Wade Davis and local hero Kyle Freeland both exceed Desmond on the stench scale. And not to pile on, but I was expecting a bigger step forward by Ryan McMahon this season.Kiz, which Rox player has been the biggest disappointment this year in your opinion?I guess it's 5 o'clock somewhere. But who spiked your Orange Kool-Aid? Andrew Luck in a Broncos uniform? Well, if that cockamamie dream comes true, I will be the first to toast your powers of perception.Andrew Luck will be under center for the Broncos in 2021Special teams have been a cause of consternation for everyone, including coach Vic Fangio. But special teams isn't Denver's No. 1 concern, if you're asking me. This offense? So far two words come to mind: Inept. And boring. Those are not two good words (if you're asking me).Good to have you back, Mark. My major concern with the present roster is special teams. Seems to be an ongoing problem year in and year out. Field position is vital and we always seem to me at the lowest levels in the league. This year, aside from coverage, Waldman just seems to be sub par. Also the returner situation on both kickoffs and punt returns. Comment ?Is none of the above an acceptable answer? I can't see any of the former Denver QBs you mention being a full-time starter for any length of time in this league. But I will say this: Trevor Siemian, Kyle Sloter and Paxton Lynch all seem to be better than Kevin Hogan. And at this point, I think the starting nod on the depth chart of former Denver QBs would have to go to Sloter.Which former Broncos QB (still in the league) would you most want on this current roster? Siemian, Chad Kelly, Sloter, Paxton Lynch, Brock...someone else I'm probably forgetting?This is the time of year when every media member in Broncos Country is required by law to predict how many games the local NFL team will win. I prefer to deal in percentages than absolutes. The offense is a major concern for the Broncos. I see too many holes and question marks on that side of the ball. So I think the range for victories by the Broncos in 2019 has about an 90 percent chance of being between 5 and 9, depending on breaks and health and how many close games the team wins. But I would also say there's a 75 percent chance the Broncos finish under .500.How concerned are you about the Broncos offense?Mark - Broncos over or under .500 this year? Thank you!I love the Rocky Mountain Showdown, if for no other reason than it gives fans of both the Rams and Buffs to accuse me of loving the other school best. But I have no rooting interest in this game. I am, however, keenly interested in seeing these teams play. My hunch: CSU made a mistake in hiring Mike Bobo. CU scored big in hiring Mel Tucker. So I give an edge to the Buffs. A distinct edge.Hey Mark, What do you see happening in Friday night's Rocky Mountain Showdown? Another Buffs beatdown? Or growing pains under Mel?I missed chatting with y'all, as well. Recent NFL history suggests that no matter how talented a rookie tight end might be, the learning curve at the position is steeper than what is faced by a young wide receiver or running back. I've talked to Noah Fant about this very issue, and his theory is tight end's responsibilities encompass the duties of both a pass-catcher and an offensive lineman. But on a Broncos roster where playmakers seem to be in short supply on the offensive side of the football, this team needs its first-round pick to catch no fewer than 40 passes and lead the position in receptions.Welcome back Kiz. I always love the lunch chats. Which Broncos tight end do you think has the most catches this year?Hi everybody. With the start of Broncos' season finally in sight and me back from vacation, figured we should talk some sports. Let's chat.Hey Mark, what do you see happening in the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Friday night? Another Buffs beatdown? Or will CU show a few growing pains with Mel?Hey gang, welcome to another edition of the Lunch Special. We're back for the 2019 Broncos season and Mark Kiszla will be here at noon to answer your questions about all things Denver sports. So if you have questions about the Rockies trainwreck season, or the upcoming Avs or Nuggets campaigns, we'll take those too... Fire away and Mark should be here at noon.