AFC Playoffs: Broncos Host Steelers Today

The Denver Broncos (8-8) make their first playoff appearance since 2005 when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) this afternoon in the AFC Wildcard game (2:30pm on CBS) at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos, led by Tim Tebow at quarterback, made an improbable run to capture the AFC West title following a weak 1-4 start to the season. The Broncos and Steelers are 3-3 in face to face playoff appearances.

Game day notes...

The Broncos are AFC West division champions for the 11th time in franchise history, including the ninth time in Owner Pat Bowlen’s 28 seasons with the club.

Head Coach John Fox, who ranks third among active NFL coaches with 86 overall wins since 2002, is just the third individual in franchise history to lead the team to the postseason in his first year with the club.

Denver led the NFL and set a team record with 2,632 rushing yards in 2011 (164.5 ypg.).

The Broncos’ rookie class featured nine players who contributed to the team in 2011, including seven individuals who started at least one game for Denver.

RB Willis McGahee tied for the NFL lead with seven individual 100-yard rushing games in 2011.

CB Champ Bailey was named to his 11th career Pro Bowl in 2011 to tie for the third-most selections in NFL history.

P Britton Colquitt set the team single-season records for gross and net punting average.

[denverbroncos.com]