Tim Tebow: Predicting the Denver Broncos’ Quarterback Decisions

Tim Tebow scored his first touchdown in the NFL on Sunday when the Denver Broncos took on the New York Jets.  Fans everywhere rejoiced! That $80 spent on Tebow's Broncos jersey may not have been a waste after all.

Love him or hate him, Tim Tebow could be just what the Broncos' offense needs to get the job done—especially in the red zone.

Starting quarterback, Kyle Orton, was off to a pretty good season before he had his worst game against one of the strongest defenses in the NFL on Sunday.

Orton's stats are impressive, but there is one thing that doesn't add up: he has 1,942 yards passing so far this season, but the Denver Broncos can't seem to establish a ground attack. Orton can get the ball down the field, but the lack of a reliable running game hurts the Broncos as they get ready to score.

Could Tim Tebow be the answer?

This is not a suggestion that Tebow be handed the starting job, but the rookie could add the ground threat the Broncos desperately need.

Let's take a look at the rest of the Broncos' schedule and determine how much impact Tim Tebow could have on Denver's season.

Vs. Oakland Raiders

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Michael Huff #24 of the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Orton: The Oakland Raiders are ranked No. 8 in the NFL in passing defense, so they could provide a real challenge to Kyle Orton's air attack.

Tebow: The Raiders may be lethal against the pass, but they are ranked No. 30 in rushing defense. This could be a great game to test out Tim Tebow's skills. Combine a weak rushing defense with the home field advantage, and Tebow could really have a breakout game.

Tebow will still need some work, but it's still relatively early in the season. The Broncos should give him more playing time against the Raiders and see what he can do.

Predicted Final Score: Raiders 21, Broncos 31

At San Francisco 49ers

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Darrius Heyward-Bey #85 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Orton: The 49ers give the Broncos more of an advantage in passing than the Raiders, but they are still ranked No.11 in the league against the pass.

Tebow: This game could be a little tougher for Tim Tebow as the 9ers' rush defense is substantially better than that of Oakland.  But, Tebow is more than just a running game. At Florida, Tebow was dominant both in the air and on the ground, and he should be given the chance to develop as a duel-threat quarterback for the Broncos.

Denver should start Orton but let Tebow run a couple series to see if he can handle a passing game as well.

Predicted Final Score: Broncos 24, 49ers 20

Vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - OCTOBER 17: Running back Thomas Jones #30 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Adewale Ogunleye #99 of the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Orton: The Chiefs give Kyle Orton the perfect chance to shine in this game as the No. 27 passing defense in the NFL.

Tebow: If Tebow is to be incorporated into the Broncos' running game, Denver could use him in the red zone (much like they did with the New York Jets).

But this game should be all about Kyle Orton picking apart the holes in the Chiefs' defense. There isn't much use for Tim Tebow in this one.

Predicted Final Score: Chiefs 27, Broncos 21

At San Diego Chargers

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 17: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks to avoid getting sacked by James Laurinaitis #55 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Chargers 20-17. (Phot

Orton: The Chargers are ranked No. 1 in pass defense in the NFL, so Orton will have some real trouble against the Bolts.

Tebow: The Chargers are also pretty good in defending against the rush (No. 6 in the league), so Tebow could also struggle away from home.

The Broncos will have to rely on their defense to keep them in this game, but the struggling Chargers will be hungry for a win.

Predicted Final Score: Broncos 10, Chargers 24

Vs. St. Louis Rams

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 17: Oshiomogho Atogwe #21 of the St. Louis Rams intercepts a pass against the San Diego Chargers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Chargers 20-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty I

Orton: The Rams are ranked No. 20 in the league in passing defense, so Kyle Orton will be able to put up some serious yardage during this game.

Tebow: Much like in other games against teams with stronger rush defense, Tim Tebow should be used in the red zone to help the Broncos finish on their long drives.

Again, this one should be all about Kyle Orton with a little Tebow on the side.

Predicted Final Score: Rams 24, Broncos 31

At Kansas City Chiefs

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - OCTOBER 17: Adrian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans runs past cornerback Donald Washington #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Reliant Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Orton: This second matchup with the Chiefs will be away, so it could be more difficult for the Broncos as a whole. But unless Kansas City has made some significant changes in passing defense, Orton shouldn't have much trouble during this game.

Tebow: At this point in the season, Tim Tebow will have demonstrated what he is capable of, and he could see some more playing time in the Broncos second game against the Chiefs.

The Broncos will need Orton's firepower for this game, but expect to see Tebow play a larger role than he did in the first meeting.

Predicted Final Score: Broncos 27, Chiefs 24

At Arizona Cardinals

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football after a reception past Jabari Greer #33 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 10, 2010 i

Orton: The Cardinals' defense is pretty weak all over the board, but they are slightly better against the pass.

Tebow: Tim Tebow has the potential to completely dominate the Arizona Cardinals who have the No. 29 rushing defense in the league.

The Broncos should consider starting Tim Tebow and letting him tear apart the Cardinals' defense.

Predicted Final Score: Broncos 35, Cardinals 17

At Oakland Raiders

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders passes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Orton: This game will be tough for Kyle Orton: playing the Raiders (who have a very good passing defense) on the road late in the season.

Tebow: Depending upon Tebow's performance against the Cardinals, this could be another chance to start the rookie.

The Broncos should start Tebow and let Orton get some rest for the playoffs.

Predicted Final Score: Broncos 30, Raiders 21

Vs. Houston Texans

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HOUSTON - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houton Texans scrambles out of the pocket as he looks for a receiver agasint the Kasnas City Chiefs at Reliant Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Orton: The Texans are absolutely awful at defending against the pass, and this game could turn into a quarterback shootout between Kyle Orton and Matt Schaub.

Tebow: Tim Tebow probably won't see much playing time during this game as Kyle Orton should be able to get the win on his own against Houston.

This will be a high-scoring game between two stellar passing teams, and it could be the Broncos' greatest challenge of the season.

Predicted Final Score: Broncos 38, Texans 31

Vs. San Diego Chargers

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Nick Hardwick #61 at center and the rest of the San Diego Chargers line up against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Orton: If the Chargers can maintain their level of defense, this could be one long game for Kyle Orton.

Tebow: Even with the Chargers' stellar pass defense, Tim Tebow probably won't see much playing time during this game.

The Broncos will depend on Kyle Orton to put up some big points, but if they can grab a substantial early lead, we could see Tim Tebow taking over late in the second half.

Predicted Final Score: Chargers 27, Broncos 31

Playoffs?

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DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown by quarterback Tim Tebow #15 in the first half against the New York Jets at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin

If the Broncos perform as predicted, they will end the regular season with a 10-6 record, and while this may not seem overly impressive, the AFC West could be up for grabs this year.

Expect Denver to make an appearance in the postseason.