Early on Sunday, the Broncos wanted the football world to know that changes would be soon to come to Broncos Country via trades. While multiple players were discussed to be possible targets of these trades (Chris Harris, Brandon Marshall, Bradley Roby, and others), none seemed more likely than the reports surrounding wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

With one more year worth $14 million left on Thomas’ contract and Courtland Sutton emerging as a legit, younger, less-expensive replacement option, moving Thomas seems to be a prudent move that the Broncos should pursue.

However, despite the reports that swirled yesterday, this situation sits funny with me. I am probably going to be proven wrong a few hours after this is published, but I think that the Broncos will hold off on making any trades until they see how things go down in Kansas City this Sunday. If the Broncos win, they may hold on to hope that there’s something of value that can be salvaged from this season. If they lose, I believe it’s going to be full fire-sale mode to acquire enough picks to maneuver around to get a top quarterback in the 2019 draft. If Kansas City does to Denver what the did to the Bengals on Sunday Night Football, expect the Broncos to hand in some paperwork before the October 30th deadline at 4:00pm ET.

So what kind of team are the Denver Broncos? Are they going to dig deep within and find whatever they found against the Cardinals to shock the NFL? Or are they going to completely collapse in horrific fashion like they did against the New York Jets in week 5? With the trade deadline just over a week away, you best believe that John Elway wants to find out sooner rather than later. It’s going to be an interesting week.

HORSE TRACKS

Mason's Mailbag: What the win over the Cardinals can mean
The Cardinals are struggling, but that doesn't mean the Broncos' dominance in their 45-10 win should be discounted.

Denver Broncos listening to trade offers for star WR Demaryius Thomas
The Denver Broncos have been listening to offers for star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, league sources told ESPN.

Broncos receivers, cornerbacks sought by other teams as potential Denver rebuild looms - CBSSports.com
John Elway is in position to recoup a bevy of draft picks if he chooses to go that route

NFL trade rumors: Broncos willing to deal WR Demaryius Thomas | NFL | Sporting News

Brittany Bowlen wants to run the Broncos, eventually – ProFootballTalk
Another member of the Bowlen family has publicly stated her desire to run the team that her father owns. Brittany Bowlen, the 28-year-old daughter of Pat Bowlen, declared publicly for the first time on Saturday night that she aspires to eventually become the controlling owner of the team.

Stars & Celebrities Join To Raise Awareness For Down Syndrome « CBS Denver
Some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities made their way to downtown Denver Saturday to raise funds and awareness for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Lindsay logs best YPC through first seven games since Bo Jackson
Pretty decent company for the undrafted free agent.

Reason to fear: Chiefs' Mahomes in position to match Elway's long AFC West run | 9news.com
Patrick Mahomes just turned 23, is only in his second season, first as a starter, and is easily the NFL's most exciting player.

Case Keenum buys Von Miller's suit jacket as Jamie Foxx auctions it off for Global Down Syndrome Foundation
At the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 10th Anniversary Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, actor Jamie Foxx auctioned off Von Miller's suit jacket to ... Case Keenum. That, as well as an auction for the backup jacket Miller's designer made, brought

'Thank God we've got the little guy': Broncos seeing big dividends from Phillip Lindsay's play
Lindsay has made his mark through the first seven weeks of the Broncos' season.

NFL coaches who might be on the hot seat – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Here are nine NFL coaches who might be on the hot seat.

2018 NFL trade deadline: When it is, what you need to know, latest on Le'Veon Bell - CBSSports.com
When is the 2018 NFL trade deadline?

The trade deadline falls on Tuesday Oct. 30, which is one day after Week 8 wraps up with Patriots-Bills on "Monday Night Football."

Justin Tucker vows to make the best of a bad situation – ProFootballTalk
Ravens kicker Justin Tucker missed the first extra point of his career at an inopportune time today, with seconds remaining in a 24-23 loss to the Saints. After the game, Tucker was a stand-up guy who spoke with the media and put the loss on his own shoulders.

Rams stay undefeated with easy win over 49ers – ProFootballTalk
Today's Rams-49ers game was initially scheduled for prime time, but the league moved it into the afternoon when San Francisco got off to a slow start.

Blake Bortles has “no idea” if he will start next week – ProFootballTalk
Blake Bortles kept his job after five turnovers in a loss to the Chiefs two weeks ago. He kept his job after a turnover in a loss to the Cowboys last week. He might have lost his job after two turnovers in less than three full quarters in a loss to the Texans on Sunday.

DeVante Parker’s agent accuses Adam Gase of lying about Parker’s health – ProFootballTalk
Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker was inactive today after being listed as questionable with a quadriceps injury, but Parker's agent says Parker should have been on the field, and not on the injury report.

Sony Michel to have MRI on Monday – ProFootballTalk
Patriots running back Sony Michel was carted off with a knee injury in the first half of Sunday's win over the Bears and the wait for word on the severity of the injury will likely stretch beyond Sunday night. PFT has learned, via a league source, that Michel will have an MRI on Monday.

Washington wins first-place battle with Dallas in dramatic fashion – ProFootballTalk
Brett Maher missed a 52-yard field goal that bounced off the upright on the final play of the fourth quarter that would have sent the game into overtime. Instead, Washington escaped with a 20-17 victory that it shouldn't have had to sweat.

Jags botched Blake Bortles situation and are paying dearly
“What you think, man?” Ramsey said, smiling and wide-eyed. “You all walk in here, you all see how it is in here, you all see how we vibe with each other, you all see how we vibe towards the coaches, you all see how it is.

Raiders Are Establishing A New Level Of Dysfunction | Total Packers
It's fun to watch franchises implode. Enter the Raiders and Jon Gruden, the most dysfunctional operation in the NFL. The Packers can pick their bones.

Panthers vs Eagles | Eric Reid, Malcolm Jenkins argument | Charlotte Observer
“I believe there’s a lot of players who have stepped up for Colin,” Reid said. “I believe Malcolm capitalized on the situation — he co-opted the movement that was started by Colin to get his organization funded. It’s cowardly, he sold us out.”

Hue Jackson doesn’t rule out taking back play calling – ProFootballTalk
“I’m the head coach of the football team, period. Period,” Jackson said. “There’s nothing else that needs to be said. Nothing. I’m the head coach of the football team.”

L.P. Ladouceur’s snap infraction costly to Cowboys – ProFootballTalk
“That’s what I was telling the refs,” Ladoceur said, via Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News. “I did the exact same thing [he’s always done]. The guy just jumped. . . . As long as I don’t pick up the ball, and the ball was on the ground the whole time [then it’s not a penalty]. That’s my understanding.”

Eric Reid on confronting Malcolm Jenkins pregame over protest issues: 'He sold us out' - CBSSports.com
Reid also hit Wentz late, causing Zach Ertz to come after him

NFL explains odd penalty on Cowboys' last-second field goal attempt against Redskins - CBSSports.com
The Cowboys were called for a rare penalty during their loss to the Redskins.

Banged-up Deshaun Watson takes bus to Jacksonville instead of Texans' plane to avoid air pressure - CBSSports.com
Despite dealing with a chest injury, Watson helped the Texans beat the Jaguars on Sunday

Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City Chiefs sets mark with 22 touchdown passes in first 8 career games
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes threw four TD passes Sunday night, giving him 22 in eight career games and eclipsing Kurt Warner's mark of 21.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fear Kwon Alexander tore ACL in win
Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander is believed to have a torn ACL stemming from an injury sustained in Sunday's win over the Browns, a source says.

Kareem Hunt shines in Chiefs' blowout victory - NFL.com
Kareem Hunt waited his turn and never complained. His opportunities would come eventually, he knew. Jeffri Chadiha details the Chiefs running back's revival.

Drew Brees becomes fourth QB with 500 TD passes - NFL.com
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Sunday added another career accomplishment to his record-setting season, tossing TD pass No. 500.

Panthers vs Eagles | Eric Reid, Malcolm Jenkins argument | Charlotte Observer
“I believe there’s a lot of players who have stepped up for Colin,” Reid said. “I believe Malcolm capitalized on the situation — he co-opted the movement that was started by Colin to get his organization funded. It’s cowardly, he sold us out.”

Hue Jackson doesn’t rule out taking back play calling – ProFootballTalk
“I’m the head coach of the football team, period. Period,” Jackson said. “There’s nothing else that needs to be said. Nothing. I’m the head coach of the football team.”

L.P. Ladouceur’s snap infraction costly to Cowboys – ProFootballTalk
“That’s what I was telling the refs,” Ladoceur said, via Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News. “I did the exact same thing [he’s always done]. The guy just jumped. . . . As long as I don’t pick up the ball, and the ball was on the ground the whole time [then it’s not a penalty]. That’s my understanding.”

Eric Reid on confronting Malcolm Jenkins pregame over protest issues: 'He sold us out' - CBSSports.com
Reid also hit Wentz late, causing Zach Ertz to come after him

NFL explains odd penalty on Cowboys' last-second field goal attempt against Redskins - CBSSports.com
The Cowboys were called for a rare penalty during their loss to the Redskins.

Banged-up Deshaun Watson takes bus to Jacksonville instead of Texans' plane to avoid air pressure - CBSSports.com
Despite dealing with a chest injury, Watson helped the Texans beat the Jaguars on Sunday

Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City Chiefs sets mark with 22 touchdown passes in first 8 career games
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes threw four TD passes Sunday night, giving him 22 in eight career games and eclipsing Kurt Warner's mark of 21.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fear Kwon Alexander tore ACL in win
Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander is believed to have a torn ACL stemming from an injury sustained in Sunday's win over the Browns, a source says.

Kareem Hunt shines in Chiefs' blowout victory - NFL.com
Kareem Hunt waited his turn and never complained. His opportunities would come eventually, he knew. Jeffri Chadiha details the Chiefs running back's revival.

Drew Brees becomes fourth QB with 500 TD passes - NFL.com
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Sunday added another career accomplishment to his record-setting season, tossing TD pass No. 500.