NFL Divisional Round: Winners and losers

NFL Divisional Round Winners and Losers: Manning, Luck, Seahawks and more

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Montori Hughes (95) celebrates following the game against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) after his loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

LOSERS: Denver Broncos

Again, we’ll talk specifically about Peyton Manning in a minute, but the wide view is of Manning retires, what does that mean for the Broncos?

Worse, Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas are free agents and it’s hard to imagine that the team can keep both. Maybe they can, but something will have tp give elsewhere and Manning, if he stays, will cost $19 million.

SBNation’s Broncos blog Mile High Report has a survey going about whether Denver fans want Manning back and as of this posting, 58 percent said no, they don’t. Which sounds nice until you think, well who is next? Is Brock Osweiler ready to take over? They won’t have a high enough draft pick to find an Andrew Luck of their own and the free agency ranks look like hell.

Maybe bring Jay Cutler home? Probably not.

So the Broncos have a massive problem. What is the best direction for the franchise? What do they do if Manning retires? Heck what if he doesn’t?

Is the Super Bowl window still open? Or did it just slam shut and crack the glass?

Next: WINNERS: Aaron Rodgers

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