10 reasons the Denver Broncos will play for the AFC Championship

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos have done it, having clinched a playoff spot with their 31-23 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Broncos are becoming a serious championship contender. Here are 10 reasons why the Broncos will play for the AFC championship and a spot in the Super Bowl:

1. The Broncos’’ defense ranks third behind the 49ers and Steelers. It’s the emergence of the defense, under the guidance of Jack DelRio that has made the team a viable championship contender.
2. The Broncos’ offense is rated fifth overall and third in point per game. What seems almost scary is that the offense is still a work in progress. It will get better and will be a major force come playoff time.
3. With the addition of Trindon Holliday, the Broncos have become a dangerous kick return team. They rank third in the NFL in that category. Britton Colquitt also ranks third in net punting with a 44.5-yard average.
4. Under the direction of Peyton Manning, the Broncos’ passing game ranks seventh with 284 yards per game.
5. With a rating of 104.6, Peyton Manning is the second ranked quarterback in the league. His 3,502 passing yards ranks seventh and his 29 touchdowns are tied for second.
6. Demaryius Thomas has become an elite receiver and is tied for fourth with 1,114 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Eric Decker also has eight touchdown receptions.
7. Von Miller is third in the league with 15 sacks, totaling 100 yards. Elvis Dumervil is also in the top twenty with eight sacks.
8. Champ Bailey continues his stellar cornerback play covering elite receivers week in and week out. He is sure to make his 12th Pro Bowl.
9. Von Miller is a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. He just been named Player of the Month and continued his solid play with his first career touchdown interception against the Buccaneers.
10. Peyton Manning is a leading candidate for the league’s Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.

To this point of the season, Coach John Fox and his staff could not be more pleased with the development of his team. What makes the Broncos so intriguing is that they have not yet reached their full potential.
On the defensive side of the ball they still rank 22nd against the rush. That seems to be improving after they held Doug Martin, Tampa Bay’s explosive rookie running back, to a mere 56 yards and no touchdowns.

On offense it still appears that it takes the Broncos a while to get started. They have been much better in the second half of games. There is a distinct feeling that once Peyton Manning and his offense reach peak efficiency, the team will be impossible to stop.

The Denver Broncos, winner of seven straight games are an emerging force in the AFC. They are, without a doubt, serious Super Bowl contenders.