NFL playoffs: How your team can make it
45. . AFC. West. Denver Broncos. 1. player
The Denver Broncos are in a curious position. After going 12-4 but losing in their first playoff game to the Indianapolis Colts, general manager John Elway decided a change was needed. After firing head coach John Fox, Elway hired his former teammate and offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak, to run the show. Elway then allowed Terrance Knighton, Orlando Franklin, Julius Thomas and Rahim Moore to leave in free agency without replacing them with a viable starter.
Still, Denver is dangerous because of Peyton Manning and his weapons. Manning is 39 years old and not who he once was, but he still managed to throw for a ridiculous 4,727 yards and 39 touchdowns last year. The 1998 NFL Draft first-overall pick has two of the best receivers in the game surrounding him in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, assuming Thomas reports amidst his contract dispute.
The Broncos also have a stable of pass-rushers in DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller and first-round pick Shane Ray. With Manning and the offense churning out points, the opposition is forced to catch up, playing into the hands of this trio. The secondary also remains solid with Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib on each corner, with run-stuffing safety T.J. Ward behind them.
Denver will be more challenged this year in a much-improved AFC West, led by the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers. Still, even if the West belongs to someone else for the first time in five years, a wild-card berth would certainly be possible. The Broncos are going to have a different look under Kubiak this year, but the productivity will remain high.
Next: Kansas City Chiefs