Horse Tracks: Broncos need to beat the Falcons or playoff hopes take a dive

The Denver Broncos have lost two games in a row and it could cause them to miss the playoffs if they lose a third.

The last two games for the Broncos were never going to be easy and the odds were always that they would lose both.

The Broncos have a pretty significant test this week in the Atlanta Falcons. They have been playing good football all season long and represent a huge obstacle now to the Broncos having a serious shot at the playoffs.

The current playoff picture has the Broncos currently in as a wild-card, but their chances take a huge shot if they lose this week to the Falcons.

If they win, they have a really serious shot at seeing postseason action for the first time in what feels like ages.

This young team is poised to finish strong and after the Falcons, the schedule eases up a bit with the Raiders, Browns, and the Colts as their next three games.

Broncos News:

‘No Fly Zone’ set to return to Empower Field at Mile High for Week 11 game vs. Falcons
Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr., T.J. Ward, Darian Stewart, Bradley Roby and David Bruton Jr. were part of Denver’s top-ranked pass defense in 2015 that helped lead the Broncos to a third world championship.

Broncos waive DB Keidron Smith
Smith appeared in eight games for the Broncos this season and played 49 percent of Denver’s special teams snaps in the games in which he appeared.

The Broncos pass rush is operating at maximum efficiency
Nik Bonitto and the Broncos defense shook off its worst performance of the season and showed where it stands against almost anyone.

Broncos assistant head coach Westhoff steps down, citing potential health issue
Mike Westhoff, the long-time NFL special-teams guru who served as Broncos assistant head coach, is leaving the team immediately.

Other NFL News:

NFL playoff picture: Postseason probabilities entering Week 11 of 2024 season
Ali Bhanpuri uses the Next Gen Stats playoff probability model to shed light on the 2024 NFL playoff picture. Which team is most likely to unseat the Chiefs atop the AFC? Which division frontrunners are most at risk of losing their leads? What is the lone

Giants GM Joe Schoen says any determination on Daniel Jones will be about ‘football decisions,’ not injury guarantee
New York Giants GM Joe Schoen said Tuesday that any determination on Daniel Jones would be about the on-field product rather than financials, specifically the quarterback’s $23 million 2025 injury guarantee.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to undergo season-ending surgery on injured hamstring
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday on his injured hamstring and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season, owner Jerry Jones announced Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan.

Bears fire OC Shane Waldron after three-point showing in loss to Pats; Thomas Brown promoted
The Bears are firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday, nine games into his first season with the team, and Thomas Brown will take over in his place, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.

Shane Waldron fired: What’s next for Bears, Caleb Williams – ESPN
Waldron was hired to develop Williams, but the rookie QB has been regressing in recent weeks, leading to a change.

Vikings DC Brian Flores says he ‘would love’ to be NFL HC again – ESPN
Brian Flores said on “The Adam Schefter Podcast” that he wants to be an NFL head coach again.

Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith (ankle) to miss Ravens showdown – ESPN
The Steelers will head into their AFC North showdown with rival Baltimore without outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.

Deion Sanders Directly Addresses Speculation of Him Leaving Colorado for Cowboys
The Buffaloes coach was asked about coaching the Cowboys in the near future.

Former Chiefs Player Compares Darren Rizzi to Andy Reid
The Saints won their first game under the interim coach on Sunday.

Mic’d-Up Jim Harbaugh Gushing Over Justin Herbert During Week 10 Win Is Too Good
Jim Harbaugh LOVES his QB.

Niners, CB Deommodore Lenoir agree to five-year, $92M extension
Deommodore Lenoir and the 49ers have agreed to terms on a five-year, $92 million extension, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.