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In a word, bleak. Let's start with the schedule. I think somebody in the NFL office has it in for Denver. Pats, Colts, Steelers and Ravens in addition to the NFC East. Denver will be big underdogs in 10 of their games. And things could get a lot worse than just 6-10 for the Broncos. The offense could be grounded and the defense could be just as bad as last year or worse. The Broncos didn't get any help at DT and now they're switching to a 3-4. Without a stud nose tackle, a 3-4 is an invite to get gashed. Dawkins is a great safety. He may not be covering that much because the Broncs will continue to get run over.
I like Kyle Orton but last year was his big breakthrough year and the Bears were 26th in total offense. Orton has been a caretaker QB since he got to the NFL, he is not, or hasn't been the gunslinger like Cutler.

There is a good foundation for a strong offense. They have great receivers, a terrific left tackle, and depth along the O-Line. If Knowshown Moreno can be a star RB then there's a chance, just a chance, that the offense will at least be respectable but even that will require a culture change. Remember that for years the Broncos have had QB's who could buy time and hit wideouts deep downfield. That's not Orton's game. The passing game will have to change under Orton. If there's trouble in the pocket the receivers are going to have to come back and help. That makes for a shorter, less explosive passing attack.

Taken all together with the schedule, there's a greater chance for disaster than success.