Comment on Broncos’ playoff roadmap: What Denver must do to break drought, including Bo Nix taking (and completing) shots downfield

Playoffs? Broncos Country is talking about the playoffs? It might be crazy to believe, but here we are. The Broncos are 5-3, second in the AFC West and given how teams like the Bengals, Jets and Dolphins have played below expectations thus far, Sean Payton’s crew has a shot at doing something that didn’t seem possible back in August. There’s a sense of hope in Denver, but the organization still has a ways to go before truly escaping the dark abyss it’s been in since 2016.

Remember Sunday to turn the clock back and cross your fingers the Broncos don’t set the season back years. The Broncos boast a 5-3 record and remain viewed with suspicion. They are the NFL’s CU Buffs: entertaining, improving, but not ready for prime time. That is the opinion of wise guys and multiple national media outlets. And, truth is, the Broncos have not earned our trust.

CLASS 5A No. 4 Legend (8-1) vs. No. 10 Regis Jesuit (5-4) When/where: 6:30 p.m. Friday at D. Kellogg Stadium Last meeting: Regis Jesuit 27, at Legend 10, Oct. 19, 2023 As dominant as Legend has been through nine weeks — a run that’s featured five shutouts, seven double-digit wins and a last-minute loss to No.

Colorado kicker Alejandro Mata celebrates a made field goal with snapper Kameron Hawkins during a game against Cincinnati on Oct. 26, 2024, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo. (Cliff Grassmick/ Staff Photographer) Alejandro Mata is still bothered by the field goal attempt he had blocked at Nebraska on Sept. 7. The 44-yarder he missed a week later at Colorado State annoys him, too. “Really wish I could get those kicks back, especially in Nebraska, knowing …” he said, shaking his head without finishing the sentence.

Bo Nix has made plays with his feet and his arm through his first eight NFL starts. This weekend the quarterback across from him is one of the best at doing both in the league’s history. That’s two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, Baltimore’s star quarterback. Jackson is off to a blistering start again for the 5-3 Ravens.

CDC says walking pneumonia is surging among children. Here’s what to know. The Boston GlobeWalking Pneumonia: What to Know About Symptoms and Treatment The New York TimesWalking Pneumonia Cases Are Surging in Kids — Here's What to Look for and How to Manage Symptoms PEOPLEPiedmont Triad school, health officials see rise in walking pneumonia in kids WGHP FOX8 Greensboro