Denver Broncos: AFC Playoff Predictions

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David Robinson: Contributor

Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) looks for an open receiver during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

AFC

1. West – Denver 13-3

2. East – Patriots 13-3

3. North – Steelers 11-5

4. South – Texans 9-7

5 Wc – Raiders 11-5

5. Wc – Ravens 10-6

Explanation: While there are questions at quarterback, Denver continues to lead the league in passing defense. With a strong linebacker corps, nobody looks forward to their Denver match-up this year. Nobody.

Starting out 4-0 gives a nice cushion as Denver is over its early trio of tough match-ups. Expect them to go very strong the rest of the year.

The Patriots may have the most complete roster for the past five years. Winning 3 or 4 with their back-up QB leads one to expect Tom Brady to clean up starting in Week 5. No one in their division looks competitive compared to the Patriots.

When the Steelers click, they compete like a D1 team playing a D2 team. Expect them to show up to important games and drop a couple to lesser teams. As long as Big Ben and AB stay healthy, they will win their division easily.

The AFC South is whimpering along. The Texans stand at 3-1 compared to the 1-3 records of its three division rivals. While Osweiler slings the ball with the grace of a giraffe, the South will be won in typical mediocre fashion.

Wildcards: The Raiders are looking legitimate. Derek Carr is looking legitimate. Does this mean the rivalry is back on? News flash: It never ended. Look for Oakland-Denver divisional games as a lesson on how fast an O-line can collapse. On both sides. As far as the Ravens go, they are a good team, and were good last year except for injuries. They should be able to make a shallow play-off run at least.