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Top 5 players who will decide the NFL playoff race

By Patrick Morgan

Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) and Redskins outside linebacker Trent Murphy (93) in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) and Redskins outside linebacker Trent Murphy (93) in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. C.J. Anderson

Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

The Broncos are one of the more fascinating teams to watch during the final stretch of the season. They could still clinch home-field advantage and the top overall seed in the AFC, or they could miss out on the playoffs altogether, as crazy as that sounds. Many different scenarios will be in play over the next 11 days with regard to Denver’s postseason future, but really it all boils down to what happens Monday night against the Bengals.

If the Broncos win, they will have the inside track to the No. 2 seed in the playoffs (they’d need New England to lose out for the top spot). Not only would this give Denver a first-round bye and a chance to get Peyton Manning healthy if they need him, it would also insure the Broncos don’t have to host a wild card game against a Steelers squad they just gave up 34 points and 400 yards of offense to in Week 15.

If the Bengals win, Denver not only loses the bye, but would also lose out on the tiebreaker for the final wild card spot should the Jets, Chiefs, and Steelers all win out (even with a victory over the Chargers for an 11-5 final record).

While few would argue that the lion’s share of the pressure falls on young quarterback Brock Osweiler’s shoulders, Manning’s backup has proven himself a viable starter over the past five weeks. He hasn’t made a lot of mistakes, he won his first three games, and his receivers let him down in the loss to Oakland.

No, the real pressure is on running back C.J. Anderson, who should see the bulk of the carries moving forward now that he’s healthy again. Anderson was the difference maker in the overtime thriller over New England, and he was sorely missed last weekend in Pittsburgh (Ronnie Hillman managed just 48 yards on 14 carries as the starter).

Anderson got in a few reps against the Steelers, but he’ll need to be a full-time bruiser and pound the rock on Monday Night Football for the Broncos to emerge victorious.

Next: 3. Aqib Talib

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