The Broncos have battled their way back into the playoff picture after winning three straight games since the bye week. But it’s still an uphill climb.
With four games remaining, Denver (6-6) has zero chance to win the AFC West since it lost the regular season series to the 10-2 Kansas City Chiefs. So the only way into the playoffs is through one of two wild-card bids. The Chargers have a strong hold on the top spot with a 9-3 record. The Ravens (7-5) — who beat Denver earlier this season — are currently in the second position. The Broncos share the same record as the Colts, Dolphins and Titans.
FiveThirtyEight gives the right now. If Denver wins the next three weeks — against opponents who’ve combined for an 8-27-1 record this year — its odds jump up to 50 percent.
The Broncos have missed the playoffs after winning at least 10 games in a season twice in franchise history — 1981 and 1985. However, this was when the NFL only had 10 teams advance compared to the 12 today. Denver would’ve made the postseason both times under today’s playoff format rules.
Since 2010, four teams have missed the playoffs after a 10-win season.
— , The Denver Post
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Whatap on tap?
Week 14: At San Francisco 49ers, 2:05 p.m.Sunday, KCNC-4; 850 AM, 94.1 FM
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Must-Read
Without him, Chris Harris feels Broncos’ secondary remains up-to-task
Harris, who has missed only three of a possible 135 regular season/playoff games since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2011, was injured in the win over Cincinnati while making a tackle on receiver A.J. Green. Read more…
Broncos Mailbag: What has changed over the last three games?
The Broncos were 3-6 at their bye and yes, they did appear to be in trouble, not because they were getting blown out (they weren’t) or they weren’t playing hard (they were). But they turned it over too much. Read more…
Kiszla vs. O’Halloran: With Broncos star Chris Harris Jr. hurt, who must pick up the slack?
Was it the biggest loss of the season, even worse than losing center Matt Paradis to a season-ending injury or that stinker against the New York Jets? Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Josey Jewell doesn’t expect ankle sprain to keep him out of 49ers game.
+ Broncos Film Review: Justin Simmons’ interception vs. Bengals set up by Adam Gotsis’ pressure.
+ Broncos vs. Bengals: 5 key plays from Denver’s victory at Cincinnati.
+ Broncos’ Von Miller, Bradley Chubb pass rush duo wreaks havoc at Bengals.
+ Kareem Huntap NFL future remains uncertain after no team claims him on waivers.
+Want to chat about the Broncos?
By The Numbers
2-10
The record of the San Francisco 49ers, the Broncos’ next opponent. Here’s our scouting report on the team.
Parting Shot
Kiszla: Hometown Broncos hero Phillip Lindsay runs through Cincy on way to unprecedented achievement in modern NFL history
Pit bull. Thatap kind of cute for a young man with a squeaky voice and a demeanor as gentle as a pussy cat. Itap also an apt nickname for the relentless fight found in Lindsay, generously listed in your game program at 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds. Read more…
Get in Touch
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