5 Reasons the Denver Broncos Will Make the Playoffs Next Season

It is a fact. The Broncos did not have a good season this year. The 4-12 record speaks for itself.

The defense was last in the league, and even the vaunted Josh McDaniels offense struggled at times. It was easily the worst season of the past decade.

But hope is not lost.

Scoff at this fan's playoff aspirations if you will, but hear me out. There is logic to the idea that the Denver Broncos could make the playoffs as soon as next year (assuming, of course, that it is not a lockout year).

5. John Fox

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ENGLEWOOD, CO - JANUARY 14: Denver Broncos head coach John Fox addresses the media at Dove Valley on January 14, 2011 in Englewood, Colorado. Fox was named the 14th head coach in Broncos history yesterday after spending the last nine seasons as head coac

From all of the different opinions of this coach circulating the web, one thing is certain. Nobody really knows what he will do to this team.

Some think he's a terrible pick; others think he will be Denver's savior. Only time will tell, of course.

However, one thing we can know from his track record is that he will not shake up this team whenever a player hurts his feelings, and that he is not a young hotshot who makes drastic trades with the need to prove himself.

He will bring a steadying presence to Denver. He will also bring his expertise to...

4. The Defense

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks to deliver a pass against linebacker Robert Ayers #56 of the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the

The good news is, the defense can't get any worse. Last in the league is as rock bottom as you can get. Now, realistically there is a lot of work to do on the defense.

Add in the fact that no one is sure whether Champ Bailey will be back, several key defenders are facing legal problems and are questionable, at best, for next season and you have a serious dilemma facing you on D.

However, defense is the new focus under John Fox. Look for him to put the same emphasis on defense in the draft and through free agency that McDaniels did for the offense during his short stay.

Fox is known as a defensive mind. If he can put together a defense that at least resembles the D of McDaniels' initial six-game win streak, the Broncos will be in good shape.

Speaking of which, for any hurt that he caused, McDaniels is why we have...

3. The Offense

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2: Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd #84 of the Denver Broncos makes a touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmon

Yes, the offense struggled at times last season, and yes, there are a few pieces still needed (a consistent running game is essential), but the offense was often the bright spot of the Broncos' season.

Led by Brandon Lloyd and his explosive season (which caught everyone by surprise), the Broncos ranked 13th in the league in yards-per-game (348.9) and 12th in yards-per-play (5.5).

Now, while 13th and 12th, respectively, don't seem that great, the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the division, ranked 12th in yards-per-game and 18th in yards-per-play. If help is received from the defense, this offense will win games.

A big reason why the offense will continue to be a big factor will be...

2. Tim Tebow

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown pass to Eric Decker during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jus

Yes, I know the arguments against Tebow. "He's slipped back to his imperfect throwing motion." "He's runs too much to be a solid pocket QB." "He's mistake prone."

All I know is, he's a winner. If not for the defense being gashed against Oakland and San Diego, he might be 3-0 as a starter. The simple fact is, Denver has not scored less than 23 points when he has started.

Did he make mistakes? Yes. He's raw. He was in his rookie year. Do I expect him to improve? Absolutely. With Mike McCoy remaining as the OC, a level of familiarity and stability will help him continue to gain ground and become a great player, just because he wills himself to.

Should the offense struggle in any game with him as the starter, I half expect him to deliver The Promise to Denver fans like he did at Florida. There are big things in his future.

Of course, he should also receive help from the generous...

1. AFC West (Worst)

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu #89 of the San Diego Chargers dives for a pass against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug Pe

Even if Tim Tebow and the Broncos get off to a slow start, the very forgiving AFC West will almost certainly allow them back in to the division race. Yes, the other teams are improving.

However, the Raiders will always be dysfunctional as long as Al Davis owns them, the Chargers don't know which way they are going and I don't believe the Chiefs will continue their success next season.

This is still a wide open division, and the new look Broncos have as much chance as anyone to take the division.