AFC: Going back to the NFL playoffs in 2014 if…

Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shake hands after the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos

If: Veteran quarterback Peyton Manning—he of an NFL-record 5,477 passing yards and 55 scoring passes this past season—takes a slight back seat to Montee Ball and the ground game. The league’s number-one offense in 2013 was a mediocre 15th in the NFL in rushing yards. A new-look offensive line will help, as does the return of a healthy Ryan Clady at left tackle.

And: The Denver defense benefits from the additions of defensive end DeMarcus Ware, strong safety T.J. Ward as well as a pair of cornerbacks in free-agent pickup Aqib Talib and first-round pick Bradley Roby. Only five teams in the league allowed more passing yards than Jack Del Rio’s unit in 2013 and their run defense was suspect at best.

But: If the team’s penchant for turnovers continues, they’ll continue to make it more difficult for their rebuilt defense. John Fox’s club coughed up the football 26 times a year ago, losing a league-high 16 fumbles.

Conclusion: The Broncos have won three straight AFC West titles and while they could face a challenge from the improving San Diego Chargers, it’s hard to pick against a club that has posted consecutive 13-3 campaigns.

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