We’re nearing the end of the NFL season, and playoff positioning is starting to take place. The AFC seems to be on the more competitive side in terms of playoff spots, specifically the sixth seed. As of now, that spot is occupied by the Baltimore Ravens. However, trailing them are the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, and Denver Broncos.
What makes the battle for this seed competitive is the fact that all these teams are separated by one win or one loss. With teams so close in regards to record, it’s difficult to distinguish who’ll come out of the regular season with that sixth seed. Considering all factors, one team sticks out above the rest, the Denver Broncos.
The Run Game
To win in the National Football League, you need talent, and that’s exactly what the Broncos have. We can start with QB Case Keenum. An above average QB? Yes. Last season, he was one of the NFL’s best. He led the Vikings to a 14-4 record (including playoffs). This season, however, he’s not the same player. Still, there are many huge pieces that make the Broncos the team they are.
RB Phillip Lindsay serves as a big part of that. The rookie out of Colorado is currently averaging 100 yards in his last five games, and luckily this is coming at the right time. With Case Keenum playing below the level everyone thought he would, Lindsay is right there to pick up the slack.
The Defense
Adding on to the pieces that the Broncos have, they also have a mean defense. This defense is led by one of the best defensive players in the league, Von Miller. The Broncos defense is tied for fourth in the league in total sacks (37). Adding on to how good this side of the ball can be, they also rank 11th in the league in both total points allowed and average points allowed. Coming back to Von Miller, he has 12.5 sacks on the year which is not only the second-most in the league, but he’s on pace for the second-most in his dominant career.
The Receiving Corps
Lastly, we look at the receiving corps for the Broncos. After trading away WR Demaryius Thomas there was much doubt that the Broncos would be able to compete for a playoff spot. However, this hasn’t been the case. Their number one receiver since the trade has been Emmanuel Sanders. Sanders has been a prominent top receiver for the Denver Broncos. Having the 11th most receptions in the league makes him a big part of what makes the Broncos a team to fear.
Unfortunately, on December 5, the Broncos announced that Sanders tore his ACL. Although this is a big blow to the Broncos, they have other big play-makers as well, one being rookie Cortland Sutton. Sutton may be in line for the Offensive Rookie of the Year with the big season he’s having. Currently, he leads all rookies in yards per catch (19.9) and is only third in the entire NFL.
The “eye-test” tells us that the young Sutton excels at separating himself from any defender that comes his way. It benefits both him and the Broncos that when he gets this separation, he’s able to pick up a great amount of yardage afterward.
Quality Wins
A win is a win. Denver has been a team that has gradually improved as the season went on. November, in particular, has been a prime example of it. The Broncos have proven to not only hang with but beat some of the AFC’s best.
Starting with week 11, the Broncos pulled out a hard fought 23-22 win against the Chargers. This was as significant of a win as any because, not only did it save Denver’s season, but they knocked off who some people thought was an AFC favorite. It’d be an all-around effort starting with QB Case Keenum. Keenum would have one of his more efficient performances of the season, putting up 205 yards and two touchdowns.
RBs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, despite having only a combined 18 carries, would have 102 combined yards on the ground. The struggles were there for the Broncos in this game because of the fact they gave up 401 yards through the air. However, they’d partially make up for it with two interceptions and by keeping star RB Melvin Gordon to only 69 yards.
But what’s really made the Broncos’ a legit “sleeper” in the AFC is how their defense performed late in the fourth quarter. With 3:30 left on the clock, the Broncos would keep the Chargers offense contained just past the two-minute mark.
Keeping the Chargers out of FG range would allow for the Broncos offense to go to work and win the game on a 34-yard field goal. This win against the Chargers would open many eyes and show that the Broncos are a team to be reckoned with in the AFC.
Other Quality Wins
This would continue in week 12 against the Steelers. Another impressive performance by Phillip Lindsay (14 carries, 110 rushing yards) and a solid game from Case Keenum (197 yards, two touchdowns) would propel the Broncos over Pittsburgh after a game-sealing interception by DE Shelby Harris. The Broncos’ most recent game against the banged-up Cincinnati Bengals proved to be no challenge, as they’d secure a 24-17 win behind yet another big day for Phillip Lindsay (19 carries, 157 yards).
Upcoming Schedule
Week 14 (12/9) @ 49ers: This should be an easy win for the Broncos. With that fiery defense going up against the struggling 49ers with backup QB Nick Mullens, expect the Broncos to feast.
Week 15 (12/15) vs Browns: You shouldn’t sleep on the Browns this season. They very well may be more than capable of upsetting most teams. RB Nick Chubb is playing at a high level, and Baker Mayfield is playing very well which means Denver may be up for a challenge. However, I expect Denver to come out with a win.
Week 16 (12/24) @ Raiders: The Raiders are terrible, but they did give the Broncos a game. They lost by only one point and proved early in the season that they can hang with Denver. Divisional games are always tough but expect the Broncos, once again, to take the win.
Week 17 (12/30) vs Chargers: The Chargers are the toughest remaining opponent for the Broncos. Denver won by only one point in Los Angeles. This game will possibly decide who’ll make it into the postseason. In addition, it could decide playoff seeding. This is a MUST win for Denver. Do I believe the Broncos will knock off the Chargers at home? Yes, but it’s going to take one hell of an effort.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos have an up-field battle to secure a playoff spot. They’re a threat to top AFC teams now, and they will be WHEN they make the playoffs. Injuries have plagued some big names on this team, but the mission shall remain intact. Many AFC teams, come January, should be on upset alert. For the Broncos, they’re the team to fear.
Is there another AFC team that can knock off the conference’s biggest names? Are the Broncos looking at a downfall due to injuries? Let me know.