The Denver Broncos have been on an unexpected tear recently, clawing their way back into playoff contention after a rocky start to the season. Yet, Sunday’s NFL games may have just shattered any hope of a smooth playoff run for the Broncos, throwing their postseason dreams into jeopardy. Here’s why their path to the playoffs just got a lot harder and why fans should be bracing themselves for more heartache.
A Missed Opportunity for Momentum
The Broncos’ 2024 season has been defined by one thing: inconsistency. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, like their dramatic wins over the Chiefs and a couple of impressive road victories, but they’ve also suffered from moments of collapse, turning games they should have won into nightmares. Denver’s playoff hopes were in the hands of the wildcard race, and they were poised to take advantage of a weakened AFC. However, Sunday’s results have thrown a wrench in what was supposed to be a story of redemption.
Several key AFC teams, notably the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, picked up crucial wins, solidifying their positions ahead of Denver in the wildcard standings. The Bills’ win against the Dolphins was particularly impactful, as it directly improved their seeding and left the Broncos with one less team to leapfrog. Now, with these teams maintaining their form, the Broncos are left fighting for the same spots, facing off against higher-caliber teams with fewer remaining games and less margin for error.
The Playoff Picture Got More Crowded
It’s not just about the other teams winning; it’s about the Broncos themselves failing to seize the opportunities they’ve had. Despite their recent improvements, Sunday’s outcomes highlighted how far behind they still are in comparison to their rivals. Teams like the Texans, the Colts, and even the Steelers continue to stack up wins, pushing the Broncos further down the wildcard ladder.
The result? A playoff race that has become significantly more crowded, with fewer spots available and fewer opportunities for the Broncos to edge out the competition. Where Denver was once on the verge of an improbable playoff berth, now they are on the fringe, looking up at teams with better records, stronger rosters, and more consistent play. Their chances to make a run seem like a long shot now, especially with the remaining schedule filled with tough divisional matchups.
Injuries and Depth Concerns
Another complicating factor is Denver’s injury woes. While Sunday’s games didn’t directly affect their roster, the reality is that the Broncos’ injury report continues to grow longer. Key players like wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and linebacker Josie Jewell have already missed significant time, and the team’s depth, especially on defense, is being tested more than ever. This lack of depth in critical positions could be a fatal flaw in their playoff push, as the competition in the AFC is fierce.
What’s even more concerning is that injuries are starting to take a mental toll on the team’s consistency. The Broncos’ offensive line has had a tough time protecting quarterback Russell Wilson, whose play has been erratic at best this season. With no true game-breaker at wide receiver and no consistent offensive rhythm, Denver’s offense might not be able to keep up with the explosive offenses of other playoff hopefuls.
The Russell Wilson Dilemma
Speaking of Wilson, his performance on Sunday showed once again that while he may have had flashes of brilliance this season, he remains a deeply flawed quarterback who is struggling to elevate his team in crucial moments. It’s no longer enough to point to his “veteran leadership” or “playoff experience” as justification for his spot at the helm. The Broncos are a team that needs consistency at quarterback, and unfortunately, Wilson has failed to provide that, especially when the stakes are high.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that if the Broncos are to make the playoffs, they need Wilson to take the reins and carry them. But after yet another disappointing outing, it’s hard to see how he can do that. With several younger, more dynamic quarterbacks leading competing teams—think Trevor Lawrence, CJ Stroud, and even Kenny Pickett—it’s becoming harder to argue that Wilson is the answer for this franchise in a win-now situation.
The Remaining Schedule
To make matters worse, Denver’s remaining schedule does them no favors. They face tough divisional matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, with a road game against the Chargers in the mix. These are not teams the Broncos have had much success against in recent years. If they fail to get past these hurdles, a playoff spot will be nothing more than a pipe dream.
The wildcard teams ahead of them are well-coached, playoff-tested squads that will not crumble under pressure. The Broncos, by contrast, have shown their flaws at every turn. The prospect of Denver finishing the season strong now seems like a fantasy rather than a reality.
The Final Verdict: Hope Fading Fast
While it’s true that in the NFL, anything can happen, Sunday’s games have dramatically shifted the landscape for the Broncos. Their playoff hopes have taken a serious hit, and the climb to a postseason berth is now steeper than ever. Even with their defense playing well and their occasional flashes of offensive competence, the Broncos are simply too inconsistent to overcome the growing competition in the AFC.
As hard as it is to admit, the reality is sinking in: the Broncos’ path to the playoffs just got a lot harder—and it may have just gotten impossible. The season that began with so much promise might ultimately fizzle out, leaving Denver fans to wonder what could have been. And unless they find a way to string together an improbable winning streak, the Broncos’ playoff aspirations are quickly fading into the rearview mirror.