Good morning, Broncos Country!

This is rare territory for the Denver Broncos.

There's a debate about whether the Broncos should be buyers at the NFL trade deadline (they should, especially for a playmaker at tight end or receiver). Denver is in the playoff picture. Yes, there is a lot of football to be played, but it feels like it has been 84 years since that attitude and belief prevailed in this franchise.

One of the questions Adam Malnati and I discussed on the Broncos Odds and Endzones podcast this week is whether this is a playoff team. Obviously, Denver has to beat the Carolina Panthers today. That would make it 5:3 at the halfway point of the season.

Looking at the schedule, the Broncos could reach 10 wins. Of course, the bottom could collapse like it did a season ago, but 10 wins is a legitimate possibility. This particularly applies to how good the defense is and whether Denver is able to play the football consistently to take some of the pressure off Bo Nix.

There's just over two months left in the season, but that's a rarity for the Broncos over the last decade. And it's a lot of fun.

Broncos news

“It brings a different momentum to the season”: Broncos aim for an important home win in Week 8 against the Panthers
Denver will look to take advantage of the crowd noise as the team looks to get back in the win column at home.

“Bronco notes: Defensive success raises eyebrows for Vance Joseph head coach |” 9news.com
We're talking about Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix's footwork, which also eliminates sacks and picks. Good field position shows special teams prowess.

Sean Payton trade history suggests Denver Broncos may add player | 9news.com
The NFL deadline is getting closer and closer. Payton trades in the past have included Randy Gregory, Kwon Alexander, Mark Ingram, Adrian Peterson, Eli Apple and Kiko Alonso

Why the Broncos' defense and dominant pass rush could be special – ESPN
The 4-3 Broncos have relied on their defense and dominant pass rush this season, recording 28 sacks. Can this device keep up?

Former NFL GM: Bo Nix 'sees ghosts in the pocket' and doesn't play like he did in Oregon – oregonlive.com
A former NFL general manager is highly critical of the play of the Denver Broncos' rookie quarterback.

NFL news

3 Surprise NFL Picks for Week 8 – SBNation.com
Here are our favorite NFL surprise picks for Week 8.

NFL Week 8 Picks, Schedule, Odds, Injuries, Fantasy Picks – ESPN
Here's everything you need to know for Week 8 NFL games. Which teams will win? Who are the X-Factors and which storylines are most important?

2024 NFL trade deadline: Determining whether each team should be a buyer, seller or owner – CBSSports.com
How every team should approach the 2024 NFL trade deadline

NFL backup QB rankings: Which teams have the best and worst No. 2 options?
A solid backup quarterback seems like just a luxury until the starter is out. That's why we ranked all 32 NFL teams based on their No. 2 and higher options.