Here's Why CBS Sports Projects Broncos to Earn Wildcard Berth in 2023

The Denver Broncos have been allergic to the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 in February 2016. Over the past seven years, various quarterback and head coach combinations have left Broncos Country feeling apathetic and disinterested.

Russell Wilson was a temporary spark that was quickly and abruptly snuffed out. However, head coach Sean Payton is taking over the reins to breathe life into this proud franchise.

CBS Sports believes Denver is primed to return to the postseason with Payton and his new staff. Let’s consider what factors CBS believes will contribute to a Denver playoff push.

“Picking a team other than the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs or Justin Herbert-led Chargers to make the playoffs out of the AFC West may qualify as a stretch. But Los Angeles is still trying to escape its own rut of self-inflicted wounds, and Kellen Moore as Herbert’s new offensive coordinator, is a wild card. The Raiders, meanwhile, are banking on Jimmy Garoppolo -- or a rookie successor -- staying healthy behind an iffy line. In Denver, Russell Wilson simply can’t be much worse than he was in 2022, and new coach Sean Payton seems to be signaling a return to run-heavier scripts after a spendy offseason prioritizing the trenches. The defense still has shutdown potential, but it’s Payton’s no-nonsense leadership should catapult them into a wild card.”

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While Kansas City is a lock to make the playoffs as long as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are in town, the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders don’t have equal footing. Starting with Los Angeles, Justin Herbert is indeed a talented quarterback; however, he hasn’t shown that 'it' factor consistently enough to believe he’ll hoist the Chargers to the postseason year after year.

Herbert's new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, may be able to squeeze more out of the QB, but he can get too cute with his play calling at times, which contributed to the Dallas Cowboys moving on.

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is also questionable as he is defensively-minded, yet his 'specialty' has yet to yield outstanding results. Being ranked fifth-worst in the league in run defense and 20th overall is eye-popping in the worst way.

As for the Raiders, booting Derek Carr and replacing him with Garoppolo is interesting. While Garoppolo has had more playoff success than Carr, it came with a top-tier offensive-minded coach in Kyle Shanahan and an elite supporting cast at the skill positions.

Josh McDaniels certainly isn’t in Shanahan’s league when it comes to team building and coaching and hasn’t found substantial success without Tom Brady. Outside of Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, the Las Vegas offense isn’t terrifying.

The Raiders' offensive line isn’t anything special, and Garoppolo can’t extend plays with his legs as Carr somewhat could. Pair that with Garoppolo's propensity to get injured, and the Raiders tempt the football gods to smite Sin City.

Denver now has a proven winner as head coach. Payton has reached the mountaintop. The additions of offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers solidify Payton’s intention to pound the rock.

The Broncos' offensive line is a solid unit, although center could need an upgrade. Wilson was incredibly disappointing in 2022, but with an adult coaching him this season and an improved run game to take pressure off him, improvement is on the horizon.

Broncos Country has been starved for the playoffs. Securing a Wildcard spot in 2023 would give fans confidence. It's up to the Broncos to get the pristine playoff waters flowing again to end a seven-year dry streak.

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