Broncos returning to AFC title game not so far-fetched

Good morning, Broncos Country!

The Denver Broncos have played in 10 AFC Championship Games.

That sits fourth in NFL history behind the Pittsburgh Steelers (16), New England Patriots (15) and Las Vegas Raiders (11). Of those teams, only the Patriots have a better record in AFC title games than Denver. New England is 11-4, and the Broncos are 8-2.

The Broncos haven’t been to an AFC title game since the 2015 season but seem to have the path back. As the AFC Championship Game kicks off today from Arrowhead Stadium, these two teams give us a glimpse of the competition the Broncos have and what it’ll take for Denver to return to their 11th AFC title game.

Based on the results against the Bills and Baltimore Ravens this season, the Broncos aren’t close. But moves this offseason to give Bo Nix offensive weapons and shoring up the defense that dropped off the last month or so of the season will be huge. The first step was made getting into the AFC Playoffs. Now the franchise needs to take the next steps to reach the level of the Bills and the Chiefs.

For the last nine years, when the AFC title game has been played, Denver has seemed so far away from returning that you start to wonder if it ever will. For the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 and Peyton Manning retired, there’s hope. There’s a plan. There’s a quarterback, head coach, general manager, and ownership all aligned to get the Broncos back to competing for and winning the AFC Championship.

If all goes well this offseason, playing in Denver’s 11th AFC title game isn’t so far off after all.

And FUKC. Go Bills!

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