Anyone who puts a lot of stock into momentum leading up to the NFL playoffs likely won’t be giving the Broncos any kind of shot to beat the Steelers this weekend. Denver has lost its last three games, including an embarrassing offensive performance and a 7-3 loss against the Chiefs last weekend. Very few would argue that they are a better team than the Steelers, but Denver gets to play at home and we have seen much stranger things happen in the NFL playoffs (see: 2010 Seattle Seahawks). Broncos fans, however, do not seem very confident heading into the Wild Card round.
According to a poll taken by FOX 31 in Denver, 73 percent of the people in Denver believe Tim Tebow and company will lose to Pittsburgh this weekend. The voting is now closed with 840 people having responded. Obviously that does not represent the entire population of Broncos fans, but it is a fairly decent indication of the toll the last three weeks have taken on their confidence.
The Broncos may need a little extra assistance from Jesus if they want to advance deeper into the playoffs, but where there’s a will there’s a way. We certainly know Tebow isn’t lacking in the will category. Head coach John Fox is also hoping Broncos fans will do their part and hold onto their tickets.
“We’ve got unique fans here,” Fox said. “I would encourage all of them to keep their seats and not sell them to Pittsburgh fans.”
Denver will need an edge from the home crowd and will need Tebow to be on his game. If the game were in Pittsburgh, I’d be predicting a rout. Since I fully expect Mile High to bring the noise, the Broncos have a shot.
