Orton vs. Tebow Could Decide Broncos Playoff Hopes

Sure, with two games to play the Bronco's are not guaranteed their first playoff spot since the 2005 season. But after the way they started, it's a lot closer then most of us thought possible. In fact the Broncos actually control their own playoff destiny right now.

After a loss to New England, Denver's playoff picture got a little more confusing, but here are all the possibilities sorted out for you.  The short story? The Broncos may have to beat Kyle Orton to get in.

If the Broncos win their next two games against Buffalo and Kansas City, they win the division and they are in the playoffs. Actually, if the Broncos lose to Buffalo and beat Kansas City they are still in, thanks to the NFL tie-breaker rules.

Now think about the drama, the Broncos have to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, led by none other than Kyle Orton (they guy who was let go mid-season to make way for Tebow-Time) to win the division. Hollywood writers can't even come up with stuff this juicy.

That part of the playoff equation is simple, if Denver loses to the Chiefs, things get crazy because all four teams in the AFC west can still technically win the division.

The Kansas City Chiefs win the AFC West if:

• 1. The Chiefs have to win their last two games against the Raiders and Broncos.
• 2. The Bills have to beat the Broncos next week.
• 3. The Chargers lose once in their next two games.

The San Diego Chargers win the AFC West if:

• 1. The Chargers have to win their final two games.
• 2. The Broncos have to lose both of their last two games.

The Oakland Raiders win the AFC West if:

• 1. The Raiders win their last two games.
• 2. Denver beats Buffalo, but loses to Kansas City

If that doesn't make your head spin enough, the Broncos are still also alive in the AFC Wild Card race if they don't win their division. I am not even going to get into those crazy scenarios that involve not only the Broncos, Raiders and Chargers, but also the Jets, Titans and Bengals. You can see the whole NFL playoff picture here.

Lots of Broncos fans felt that Kyle Orton helped ruin the first half of their team's season by playing for them. Now he has a chance to ruin Denver's playoff hopes by playing against them.

Oh, the drama!

[DENVER BRONCOS]