Not to rain on anybody's parade but I still see the Broncos going 5-11 on the season and finishing last in the division. My scar tissue is too deep for the balm of a single win, impressive as it might have been, to cause it to fade. I'm a fan in need of healing.
If the Broncos do as predicted and lose next Monday night in San Diego in front of millions of viewers, my expectations for the 2010 season will be right back where they were on Saturday, before they creamed the Chiefs. The best thing we could hope for would be to see a team play with some spunk down the stretch - to make the games worth watching.
If, however, the Broncos can take a head of steam into sunny San Diego and snag a second consecutive win ... oh, boy. The Broncos would take a half game lead over the Chargers for third place in the AFC West, sending the Chargers back into the basement at 4-6 with a divisional loss to Denver.
Oakland travels to Heinz Field in week 11 to face a pissed off Steelers team which was embarrassed on Sunday night ny the Patriots. Good chance they lose that one and slip to 5-5. K.C. hosts the Arizona Cardinals. Chances are that the Chiefs will destroy them and regain the division lead at 6-4 regardless of the outcome of Broncos / Chargers.
I would love to be wrong about the Broncos. If they can beat San Diego I will, gladly admit that I am. Suddenly, the Playoffs will become a realistic goal again. They would probably trail the Chiefs by two games with the Rams coming into their house the following week and a date at Arrowhead the week after that with everything on the line.
Any change they can wear those brown and white unis with the stripey socks one more time?
