The Denver Broncos have now lost two of their last three games, which is certainly bad timing for a team with playoff aspirations. Despite their recent struggles, however, quarterback Russell Wilson is not losing hope.

Denver bowed down to the Detroit Lions in Week 15, with the Jared Goff-led squad destroying the Broncos 42-17 in their Saturday night showdown. Wilson didn’t have the best game, completing just 18 of his 32 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown. He was thoroughly outshined by Goff, who had five passing TDs.

Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson, Detroit Lions, Sean Payton
Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton watches the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Not to mention that Wilson was absolutely chewed by Broncos head coach Sean Payton in the third quarter, which the veteran tactician said was only a reaction to the offsides call during the said moment.

Regardless of what happened on Saturday night, though, Wilson is staying confident about their chances to make the playoffs.

“We’ve got to keep believing. We’ve done it before,” Russell Wilson said after the loss, referencing the fact that they started the 2023  season at 1-5 before staging a wild run to stay in playoff contention (via Associated Press).

In order to do that, Wilson did admit that they have plenty of work to do. For one, the Broncos QB shared that they have to “play a little cleaner, a little sharper,.”

Defense is another issue that the Broncos could work on. As evident against the Lions, the Denver defense is pretty porous, and that won’t help in their postseason bid. They simply can’t allow a quarterback to throw five touchdowns at them.

Currently, the Broncos have allowed the second-most points in the NFL with 351 points, only behind the Washington Commanders’ 391.

Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson, Detroit Lions
Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos’ NFL Playoff Picture

The Broncos dropped to 7-7 on the season following the Week 15 loss, putting them just outside the playoff picture. They are still in the bubble, but a win by the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills will be catastrophic and will have huge implications on their chances.

Of course Russell Wilson and Co. can’t really focus on how other teams perform. They can only hope that Lady Luck smiles on them when it comes to what their rivals do. But with regards to their own destiny, they need to put in the work.

Denver has three games left on the season, though all those are against teams with a losing record. They will face the 3-10 New England Patriots in Week 16 before taking on the 5-9 Los Angeles Chargers the week after.

Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson, Detroit Lions, Sean Payton
Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps the most concerning challenge for the Broncos would be the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18, especially with Antonio Pierce’s men seemingly finding their rhythm after a 63-21 demolition of the Chargers in Week 15.

It’s up to Wilson and the Broncos on how they’ll respond to adversity, but as the QB said, they have bounced back from it before.

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