The Broncos’ season is hanging by a thread. At least, that’s the case officially. Unofficially, most fans realized weeks ago that the franchise is enduring a rare lost season. And this Sunday the full impact of the worst losing streak Denver has suffered in about 50 years may finally be felt.
A redditor going by “NFLPlayoffScenarios” posted this outline of various playoff possibilities stemming from this weekend’s games, as noted by the Washington Post.
Three teams face possible elimination from playoff contention in an unlucky Week 13. The Colts and the Bears join the Broncos in clinging to life. For their part, the Colts look pretty doomed as they face a significantly stronger Jaguars squad in Jacksonville. The Bears may have a better chance against the already eliminated 49ers, but the fact that it’s Jimmy Garoppolo’s first start for San Francisco makes that a game that may be an interesting watch. Can he lead his team well enough to play the part of executioner?
Two other teams have already been eliminated in addition to the 49ers: the winless Browns and the horribly-led Giants. (Seriously, why does that clown McAdoo still have his job?)
The Broncos aren’t the worst off of the three teams on the chopping block this week, though it may feel like it to Broncos Country. The Bears can actually beat the 49ers and still get eliminated from the postseason if any two of the Seahawks, Panthers, or Falcons win their games.
As for the Broncos? There are a couple of different scenarios that lead to elimination.
All three scenarios rely in part on the Broncos being eliminated from any chance of winning the AFC West. There’s a laundry list of ways that can occur here, but it more or less boils down to if at least two of the Chargers, Raiders, or Chiefs win their games this weekend.
Paraphrased from the Washington Post article:
- A loss to the Dolphins, combined with a win by the Bills and wins or ties by the Jaguars and Titans, in addition to the Broncos being eliminated the race for the AFC West division crown.
- A loss to the Dolphins, combined with wins or ties by the Jaguars, Titans, and Ravens, a win by the Bengals, and the Broncos being eliminated the race for the AFC West division crown.
- A loss to the Dolphins, combined with wins by the Bills and Bengals, a win or tie by the Ravens, and the Broncos being eliminated the race for the AFC West division crown.
Right. So that’s a bit depressing. Have a cute Broncos baby picture to lift your spirits:
For those fans still holding out hope, here’s a little ray of sunshine: the Broncos’ playoff chances will probably survive, technically, if only for another week or so. The Bills must win in two of those scenarios, but face a very steep challenge in hosting the Patriots. And the other option still requires a win by the Bengals, who will host the Steelers.
So now you know who to root for... or against, if you’re among those who’ve decided to #EmbraceTheTank.
Poll
How do you feel about the possibility of the Broncos getting eliminated from playoffs contention?
This poll is closed
-
42%
It sucks, but at least a nifty high draft pick will come along with it.
-
25%
It sucks, but it’s inevitable at this point. Is it 2018 yet?
-
19%
It sucks, and I hate it with every fiber of my being.
-
12%
No worries, we’ve still got this!
Horse Tracks
Broncos to sign cornerback Marcus Rios to active roster
Rios will replace Aqib Talib, who is currently on the NFL's Reserve/Suspended list.
Offensive lines of Broncos, others in NFL are facing their biggest obstacles in years
NFL teams are allowing an average of 2.4 sacks per game entering Week 13, the second-highest rate in the last 15 seasons.
Broncos flu-ravaged, without injured players Wolfe, Leary, Peko
The Broncos are ravaged by illness and injury as they seek to avoid going winless on the road.
Denver Broncos, Dolphins have plenty in common in their struggles
The Broncos take their seven-game skid to Miami, where Adam Gase, who was an assistant during the last losing season in Denver, is in a similar spin.
Broncos bringing revamped offensive, defensive lines to Miami
The Denver Broncos will fly off today to the Miami-area without their star cornerback Aqib Talib, and with a revised offensive and defensive lines.
Michael Crabtree-Aqib Talib fight video: Raiders and Broncos brawl
Last year’s rematch has ignited a fight in 2017.
Panthers vs. Saints: Why New Orleans will win decisive NFC South matchup
Two 8-3 teams battling for supremacy in the division, but it all comes down to one big issue. Retired NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz takes a closer look.
Bill Belichick can’t stop talking about NFL strategy and special teams
Belichick is a man of few words, but a few specific topics really get him going.
Bears need to beat the 49ers to get DE Akiem Hicks’ mom off his back
Moms just want what’s best for their sons. Another 3-13 finish for Chicago surely doesn’t fit into that category.
Eli Manning’s benching is the end of era for 2004 NFL draft QB class
Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Philip Rivers are nearing career crossroads.
Chart Party: Let’s talk about Colin Kaepernick
A common argument we hear these days is that Colin Kaepernick isn't good enough to play in the NFL. This is absolutely not true.