Denver Broncos fans expecting playoffs or bust in 2022

The Denver Broncos’ offseason acquisitions mean one thing for Broncos Country… Playoffs or bust.

Yes, the AFC West is more stacked than ever before with each team being a true threat to, not only win the division but possibly make a deep playoff run.

Arguably the most loaded division in the NFL, the AFC West could be a dog fight till the very end, however, that doesn’t change the high expectations that the Denver Broncos now have.

Since Peyton Manning rode off into retirement, Broncos Country has preached about the one thing needed to get back to the promised land.

A quarterback…

On March 8th, 2022 that prayer was answered when the Broncos traded Drew Lock, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris, and a haul of draft picks for Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson.

A day of excitement and rejoice, followed by a month of Russell Wilson proving he’s all in on the blue and orange brand with workout videos, giving fans the hope that has been missing.

Now with a proven quarterback behind center, making the playoffs isn’t a want, it’s a need…especially when you factor in the talent that the Broncos have around Russell Wilson.

Last season the Broncos finished 7-10, despite holding opposing teams to 18.9 points per game, which was third-best in the NFL. The problem came with their offense, where they ranked 23rd out of 32 teams in points per game, with a 19.7 average on the season.

The biggest scoring struggles came on third downs and red zone opportunities, where, once again, the Broncos found themselves in the bottom half of the league with a 38.5% conversion rate on third downs and scoring on only 54.7% of their red-zone opportunities.

Many can point blame to the conservative gameplay by the coaching staff or the inconsistent quarterback play, but with a new coaching staff and proven quarterback, those numbers should look significantly different this year.

Losing a player like Shelby Harris on defense does hurt, however, there is still no question that the Broncos possess the best defense in the AFC West, and one can argue their ranking is among the best in the NFL today. A new, more aggressive offensive approach should be the ingredient to the playoff pie that the Denver Broncos have been missing.

This season could be one for the books, however, just winning nine games might not be enough to sneak into a wildcard game this year. The Broncos will have to dominate and not just split, with each AFC West team seeking domination in the AFC as a whole this season.

Another hurdle the Broncos are facing is that they play the toughest division in the NFC, taking on the 49ers, Cardinals, Seattle and the defending Super Bowl champions LA Rams.

The best-case scenario is always a first-round bye and to get that the Broncos will need to sweep at least two of the AFC west teams as well as win 12 or more games this season.

The pressure is on and so is the clock to get things right. Bringing in head coach Nathaniel Hackett and rewarding him in his first year with Russell Wilson is the perfect first step.

However, just stepping on the mountain isn’t enough. Reaching the top is the goal, and a playoff berth in the first season of this duo will be key to the journey.

Be sure to check back with Predominantly Orange as we continue our coverage of the Denver Broncos’ journey this season.