AFC is the weaker conference
One reason why the Broncos are contenders is because they reside in the AFC. Compared to the teams that are in the NFC, the AFC just does not stack up. Although the AFC is weaker, it is still deep with teams who will be competing for wild card spots.
Last year to gain a wild card slot in the AFC you had to have a record of at least 9-7. This upcoming season going 9-7 most likely will again be the threshold to making the AFC playoffs and the Broncos are more than capable of going 9-7.
Denver’s biggest competition for this years Wild Card spots lie within their own division, the AFC West. Besides the Chargers, predicting who will finish second in the AFC West is unpredictable. If Denver is able to avoid splitting or having a losing record within their division that will help them secure a Wild Card spot.
A weaker conference doesn’t mean the Broncos can afford losses to teams they can easily defeat. But what advantage they do have is, they aren’t forced to having to win double digits games just to play in a Wild Card game.
Next Page: No. 3
