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What If…? Denver Broncos edition: Looking into football multiverse

By Scott Corbridge

Jay Cutler #6 of the Denver Broncos during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado on December 24, 2006. (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images)
Jay Cutler #6 of the Denver Broncos during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado on December 24, 2006. (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos – Jacksonville Jaguars running back Natrone Means dives forward for additional yards during the Jaguars 30-27 victory over the Denver Broncos in the 1996 AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 4, 1997 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

3. What if the Denver Broncos were never upset by Jacksonville in the 1996 AFC Divisional playoffs? 

Denver was the super bowl favorite leading up to the season and had future hall of famers John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, and Gary Zimmerman on their roster. Then came the second round of the playoffs and a young Jaguars team in only their second season. On paper, the Broncos outmatched Jacksonville in every way. Yet Denver fell 30-27 and the next season completely rebranded the team.

However, in this scenario, Denver gets off to a hot start and doesn’t let Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell get comfortable and force him into three costly interceptions. Elway uses his targets at his disposals and throws for over 300 yards and three touchdowns as the Broncos blow out the Jags, 28-3.

Elway gets his fourth chance to win the big game in Super Bowl XXXI against Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. In a game for the ages, Elway outduels Favre with the help of a late-game interception by SS Tyrone Braxton who added to his incredible year with nine picks that season.

Denver not only wins their first Super Bowl in franchise history, they become the first and only team to win back-to-back-to-back titles with a win in a rematch the next year against Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII and a shocking upset in Super Bowl XXXIII against the powerhouse Minnesota Vikings.

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