The Broncos haven’t been officially eliminated from playoff contention but their chances of reaching the postseason are less than one percent. With only three games left this year, Denver has little to play for.
With that being the case, it wouldn’t be surprising to see players pack it in early and look ahead to the next season. One could argue that some players appeared to do that under former coach Vance Joseph in 2017 and 2018. It’s not happening under Vic Fangio this season.
The Broncos went into Sunday’s game against the 8-4 Texans with just four wins of their own but they looked like the better team, claiming a 38-24 win. Denver might not reach the postseason, but Broncos players aren’t going down without a fight.
“I’ve gotten comments from a lot of people throughout the league, and I have a couple really good friends on this staff here, guys that wouldn’t BS me, and they’re really impressed with how hard our guys are playing and the energy, the intensity,” Fangio said after Sunday’s victory.
“And it’s not a bunch of BS. These guys have played their asses off all year from an effort, focus, try hard. [I’m] really happy to see them get rewarded.”
Denver would be unlikely to make the playoffs even if it won its final three games and ended the year with an 8-8 record. But closing out the season on a high note would be a positive going into the 2020 season. Up next for the Broncos is a road game against the Chiefs in Week 15.
