2014 Broncos Season, Week Four

The Broncos didn't play on Sunday. This is their bye week, a time when they can focus on what they need to do to get better, and to get to where they need to be. Below are some thoughts on what I'd like to see from the Broncos beginning next week, as well as a quarter pole estimate of who will be in the playoffs.

Areas of Focus:
* Run the ball. Through the first three games, the Broncos' offense lacked balance. Montee Ball was supposed to have a break out year, but so far the Broncos have gotten little out of the running game. That has to change for this team to get where it needs to go.

* More consistency on offense. The first three games had some great moments and some poor moments. When the Broncos' offense is clicking, it looks great. But it only clicks at certain times. Demaryius Thomas talked about needing to improve, but he's not the only one. Getting Wes Welker back and in the fold should help, too.

*A complete game. The Broncos are 2-1, but they could be 3-0, or 0-3. That's the reality of the start to the season. This is a deep, talented team but they haven't played a complete game. The Broncos have a brutal schedule ahead, and to keep winning and stay on top in the AFC, this team needs to be more balanced in all three phases and play a more complete game.

Playoff Projections:
Prior to the season I, and most of America, made playoff predictions. Some look good. Others, not so much. After four weeks, we've learned a lot more about these teams. So, it's time to make some revised predictions.

NFC:
East - The Eagles aren't the team they were at times last year, but they're still 3-1. The Cowboys, too, look vastly improved and sit at 3-1. Washington and the Giants have struggled. This isn't a great division, but someone has to win.
North — The Bears have been inconsistent, so too have the Packers. The Vikings have been better than expected, and the Lions have quietly jumped out to take the division lead.
South — The Saints and Buccaneers, two teams many thought would be in the playoff, has struggled mightily. The Falcons have been Jekyll and Hyde, while the Panthers started strong and faded of late.
West — The Seahawks are who we thought they would be. The Cardinals have been better, while the 49ers have struggled and the Rams have looked awful at times.

Playoff Predictions:
North — Lions
South — Falcons
East — Cowboys
West — Seahawks
Wild Card — Eagles
Wild Card — Packers

AFC:
North — The Bengals have quietly looked like the best team. The Ravens are better than we thought, as are the Browns. The Steelers look old and inconsistent.
South — The Texans have gotten off to a hot start, but the Colts are bouncing back after early stumbles. The Titans and Jaguars look terrible.
East — The Patriots aren't great, but they still look like the best. The Dolphins and Bills are inconsistent, and the Jets seem lost at times.
West — The Chargers are for real, and might be the best team. The Broncos have been inconsistent. The Chiefs are greatly diminished and the Raiders seem to be the worst team in football.

Playoff Predictions:
North — Bengals
South — Colts
East — Patriots
West — Broncos
Wild Card — Chargers
Wild Card — Ravens