The Broncos win a couple, the Chiefs lose a couple and all of a sudden, the Broncos are one game behind the Chiefs. The Chiefs do have a favorable schedule down the stretch so getting the division crown is still an uphill battle as Denver is going to have to get a one-game lead over KC to win the west. Despite all that, Denver now has a greater than 50% chance to make the postseason. If they go 3-1 the rest of the way with the one loss being to the Lions, the analytics say they have about a 96% chance. If the one loss is to an opponent in the conference, it is hovering around 85%. Winning out would guarantee them a spot and with the Pats, Chargers, and Raiders being the final 3 games, they can easily accomplish that if they can beat the Lions who have been reeling in recent weeks. So why does the title suggest the Broncos are not riding yet? It's because I believe they, especially the offense, have reached their full potential and I believe that can change with one player.
This team could hit another gear if Jerry Jeudy can find his stride. For some reason, he has been a pedestrian all year. After the way he ended last year, many thought he was in a prime position for a breakout season and it just hasn't happened to me it looks all mental. He had ample opportunities in the Chargers game and could not convert a single one. One example was him not dragging the toes of his second foot down in the back of the endzone. I don't think that is a skill issue. For a guy that has been praised all his career for his elite footwork, didn't just forget how to drag his toes. It feels like he's fighting an uphill battle between the years and the only way he gets out of it is having a big day. I think the team should get him touches early vs the Lions. Do a Jetsweep, bubble screen, slant, or anything that gets the ball in his hands where he can maybe make a play. They did try to force-feed him vs the Chargers a little but a lot of them were deep shots. Start small and then maybe hit him up top once he regains some confidence because right now he's playing timid. If he can get on track and with the way Sutton is playing this year, this offense will hit another level and then Broncos Country can confidently say "Let's ride!"
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