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Denver Broncos: AFC Playoff Predictions

By Aric Manthey

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) drops back to pass in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) drops back to pass in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aric Manthey: Contributor

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. Denver: 14-2
  2. Pittsburgh: 12-4
  3. New England: 12-4
  4. Houston: 9-7
  5. Baltimore: 10-6
  6. Oakland: 9-7

Explanation: Before the season started, I had the Broncos at 11-5. At the time,  the questions surrounding the QB position had me picking the Broncos to win one less game from 2015. It seemed like the reasonable guess at the time, but their early season performance has me changing my mind.

I know I may be wearing my orange tinted glasses with this prediction, but I’m hard pressed to see more than a couple losses on the remainder of their schedule.

The defense is playing great. The offense is much improved (regardless of who plays QB). Special teams play remains steady. If Denver can keep up the style of play that they have right now, then I feel like 14-2 is very realistic for the defending Super Bowl champs.

I give Pittsburgh the edge over New England for the #2 seed mostly because I think Pittsburgh will win that matchup later this season and that offense has proven that it can carry that team.  The Patriots will always be in the mix, but I want to see how Brady comes back from suspension first before I think any higher of the Patriots in 2016.

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As for the AFC South, it was difficult to give the Texans that spot. As much as I want Tennessee or Jacksonville to rise from the ashes and take the division, the Texans have built up a big enough lead early to hang on to the title. Regardless of who wins this division, it’s likely that they will be the worst team in the AFC playoff field.

For the wildcards, it’s becoming clear that two teams are a step ahead of the others in the hunt. Baltimore has rebounded from a disastrous 2015 season to start 3-1 and at the very least, they look like a team that can win 10 games and get into the playoffs.

Finally, we have the Raiders. Yes, the lowly Raiders.  I hate having to make this prediction, but I have to be objective and make this decision rationally.  Like Baltimore, they’ve gotten off to a good enough start where they hold a lead over the other teams looking for a wild card spot. I don’t think that they’e spectacular by any means, but this team has shown enough growth to sport a winning record and earn playoff spot in 2016.

That’s all we have for our AFC Playoff Predictions. Thanks for reading!

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