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5 reasons the Denver Broncos won’t make the AFC Playoffs

By John Buhler

Mar 7, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning during his retirement announcement press conference at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning during his retirement announcement press conference at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) during the fourth quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Detroit won 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) during the fourth quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Detroit won 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Worst quarterback situation in AFC West

In 2016, the NFL is a quarterback driven league. With Manning’s retirement, Osweiler’s decision to sign with Houston, and the Broncos’ decision to bring former Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Mark Sanchez into the fold, the Broncos now have by far and away the worst quarterback situation in the AFC West.

Look at the three starting quarterbacks the Broncos have to go against six times a year in divisional play. Alex Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs is a former No. 1 overall pick that is in the midst of his prime as an NFL passer. He’s extremely mobile and never turns the football over in head coach Andy Reid’s ultra-conservative offensive attack. With Kansas City being able to win now win AFC Playoff games in the Reid era, the Chiefs should make the AFC Playoffs again in 2016 and could contend for a trip to Super Bowl LI with that strong of a roster.

The Oakland Raiders have long been a doormat in the AFC West, but have a blazing bright future with their exciting young corps of players. Quarterback Derek Carr has already made it to a Pro Bowl and looks like a future top 10 quarterback in the league. Once Oakland figures it out, the Raiders will contend in the AFC West, as soon as maybe this fall.

While the San Diego Chargers are probably the worst team in the AFC West, they have the best quarterback in a near-Hall of Famer Philip Rivers. Rivers is perennial Pro Bowler and the best quarterback in Chargers history not named Dan Fouts. San Diego may not contend in 2016, but Rivers is still electrifying under center and great to have on one’s fantasy football team.

Surely Denver can win games with Sanchez under center in Kubiak’s methodical offense, but having the worst quarterback situation in the AFC West only hurts the Broncos’ chances to finish with a top six record in the AFC Standings in 2016.

Next: 3. Kansas City is great, Oakland is on the rise

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