Denver Broncos: Bold 2012 Season Predictions for Peyton Manning and Company

When John Elway and the Denver Broncos organization decided to sign Peyton Manning and part ways with Tim Tebow, they took a huge risk with hopes of the payoff being a Super Bowl title.

In the event that Peyton Manning does play an entire season, and to the full ability that Peyton Manning is capable of playing, the Broncos chances are quite good.

Last year, the team boasted an excellent defense, a strong running game, budding receivers and a quarterback with leadership and enough skill to guide them a long way. However, that wasn't quite far enough.

With an entirely capable Manning, taking that next step is feasible.

That being said, there is a chance that Peyton Manning will not return to the same level he was at before he missed last season due to serious neck surgery. There’s also a chance that Manning’s surgically repaired neck will be unable to sustain the impact of multiple hits that the NFL season will bring.

In this case, Manning could struggle terribly or be forced to miss some or all of the season. 

Should this be the case, Denver’s plan will all but implode. By signing Caleb Hanie to fill the role of the team's second-string quarterback, the Bronco’s have not exactly developed a backup plan.

Be sure to sound off and let us know what you think in the comments below. If you like what you see, click here for more from Bleacher Report Productions.