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NFL 2015: Team-by-team grades

By Matt Verderame

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) high fives fans after the game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) high fives fans after the game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos

Grade: B

What went right: Denver has one of the best defenses in the league. The Broncos have a pair of elite pass-rushers in the persons of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, and cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. The defense has been able to put the Broncos into playoff position, something that the offense has not been contributing to for most of the campaign. Denver fans have to feel great about this unit moving forward.

What went wrong: The offense — more specifically, the quarterback situation. Peyton Manning has not been playing since Week 10 and he still leads the league with 17 interceptions. Meanwhile, Brock Osweiler has replaced him and certainly had his moments, but the team has been struggling with finding passing yardage. Denver also has dealt with a horrible offensive line and a lackluster running game.

Offseason expectations: The Broncos have to figure out plenty going forward. The defense could be losing some key players in Ware and Talib, who are both signed but could be cap casualties. Also, defensive ends Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson are hitting free agency along with inside linebackers Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan. On offense, who is the quarterback? Osweiler is going on the market and won’t come back cheap.

Next: Kansas City Chiefs

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