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5 reasons Broncos will not repeat as Super Bowl champions

By Nathaniel Reeves

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Peyton Manning
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Peyton Manning /
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Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts after the Raiders were called for a neutral zone infraction against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts after the Raiders were called for a neutral zone infraction against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Tough competition in the AFC

Denver had to go through a gauntlet to earn home field advantage and eventually win the Super Bowl that included beating the Patriots twice plus dismantling the 15-1 Panthers. The fact that the Broncos survived that proves how great this 2015 team is, but it’s only going to get tougher next year.

Just winning the division is going to prove the be a challenge, as the AFC West is quickly improving and could be one of the more intriguing playoff races to watch in 2016. The Kansas City Chiefs came surprisingly close to winning the AFC West this year, and should be good again next season after their magical late-season run. An even more dangerous division rival could be the Oakland Raiders, who have some very talented young players and a ton of cap space to work with.

Denver should still be the AFC West favorite next offseason, but it’s not unthinkable that they could have to settle for a Wild Card. If the Broncos do indeed qualify for the playoffs next season, they could run in to some familiar foes in the later rounds.

The Patriots, of course, will be back and looking for revenge after losing on the road to Denver in the AFC Championship Game. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are always tough to beat, and New England can’t possibly suffer the same amount of injuries in 2016, particularly to running backs and the offensive line.

Another team that will challenge for the AFC crown is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were decimated by injuries on the offensive side of the ball when they played Denver in the postseason as well. When Pittsburgh’s offense is healthy and clicking it can be too much for even the best defenses in the NFL, as Denver found out in a 34-27 Week 15 loss.

That’s not to say the Broncos would have lost to either team this year if they were healthy, but a few teams will have at least comparable talent levels next season. With so many tough teams in the AFC, the odds are not in the Broncos’ favor for a repeat.

Next: 4. The salary cap situation is tough

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