On Monday we learned that Zane Beadles and Demaryius Thomas were named as replacements to the 2013 Pro Bowl AFC roster.  They join Champ Bailey, Elvis Dumervil, Von Miller, and Peyton Manning in Hawaii for Sunday’s game. (Ryan Clady was also named, but pulled out due to injury.)

But that’s not all. Denver coaches will lead the AFC, and there’s a Broncos cheerleader representative, who has to learn some 20 routines before the game. Seriously, though, it’s entirely possible she’ll be working harder than many of the players.  Props, Tara.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Todd Helton helping Peyton Manning cope with Broncos’ loss in playoffs
• The Denver Post: Did NFL officials make the grade in Broncos-Ravens game?
• The Denver Post: Aurora home of Derrick Martin, New England Patriots player, robbed while he was on the field
• Rant Sports: Denver Broncos Offseason Analysis: Defensive Line

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

It seems the San Diego Chargers, now without a general manager and head coach, turned to Denver for some answers.

And were subsequently denied.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos turned down the Chargers’ request to interview director of player personnel Matt Russell for San Diego’s GM spot.  According to the NFL Network’s Albert Breer, Russell has no interest in any position outside of Denver.

The Chargers fired general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner on Monday.  John Elway, the Broncos’ executive vice president of football operations, said the denial was made after discussion the request with Russell:

“Matt’s done a tremendous job with the Broncos and he’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”

Russell, who played linebacker at the University of Colorado in the 1990s, has been with the Broncos since 2009.

Staying on the subject of job vacancies, it seems the Buffalo Bills are now interested in Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.  The Bills have asked permission to meet with McCoy, and the Broncos will allow it, so long as the interview happens in Denver this weekend.  The Broncos don’t want any potential timing conflicts with playoff preparations now in full swing.   The Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears are also interested in McCoy, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Cardinals are ready to move quickly and hire ex-Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid.

As for Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, a least one fellow Broncos blogger believes Del Rio is staying put.  Given the revolving doors at defensive coordinator for Denver – not to mention Del Rio’s head coaching past – that would be a huge milestone.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Broncos Go From Joke To Contender In 2 Years
• Denver Broncos: Top 12 of 2012
• Denver Post: Broncos need a win to do it, but some fans already looking at Patriots
• Denver Post: Denver Broncos to stay in Denver during week off
• USA Today: Broncos’ Trindon Holliday just might end up perfect

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Denver Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter will not play in the team’s regular-season finale Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Porter, who suffered a concussion in last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns, did not practice this week.

Returner Trindon Holliday (ankle) is doubtful.  He also did not practice this week, an indication that he won’t play.  Guard Chris Kuper (ankle/head) practiced on a limited basis and is listed as questionable.

Here is the updated injury report, including the Kansas City Chiefs, via DenverBroncos.com:

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning still haven’t played a nail-biter in 2012
• Bleacher Report: Denver Broncos’ 5 Biggest 2013 Offseason Decisions
• Denver Broncos: Pro Bowl Familiar Territory for This Year’s Selections
• Denver Post: Do the Denver Broncos have what it takes to win the Super Bowl?
• Denver Post: Broncos look to be well grounded for a potential postseason run

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

What’s wrong with planning ahead?

Nothing, especially if what you’re planning ahead for is a given…

Say the upcoming NFL playoffs and the 2013 schedule.

Chronologically, let’s talk playoffs first, where the AFC West champion Denver Broncos are fighting for the conference’s No. 1 seed.  If the Broncos win Sunday at home against the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver is guaranteed a first-round bye, even if the Houston Texans hold onto the No. 1 seed.

While getting to the playoffs is one thing, making a deep run is another.  The Broncos are equipped to go very, very far…but still have things to work on, including improved play on special teams.  One turnover can make the difference between playing another week or heading home.

As for the 2013 regular season, we now know all of Denver’s opponents.

Home:

• Kansas City
• Oakland
• San Diego
• Jacksonville
• Tennessee
• Philadelphia
• Washington
• Baltimore

Away:

• Kansas City
• Oakland
• San Diego
• Houston
• Indianapolis
• Dallas
• N.Y. Giants
• New England

Notice that Peyton Manning will play against his former team and against his brother Eli’s team – both on the road.

The complete schedule will be released in April.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Manning, Peterson, Pagano: 2012 a year to remember
• CBS Denver: Demaryius Thomas Has Blossomed Into No 1 Receiver For Denver Broncos
• Denver Broncos: Elvis Dumervil: The Closer
• Denver Post: Broncos-Patriots NFL playoff match-up already on the front burner for some
• NFL.com: Why the Denver Broncos are Super Bowl favorites

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Assuming we live on another day – and I fully suspect we will – here’s to what I normally do this time each day: Delve into Denver Broncos headlines.

Quick aside: I spent about 45 minutes last night on Wikipedia reading List of dates predicted for apocalyptic events, and guess what?  Not a single prediction has actually come to fruition.  Moving on…

In an unsurprising development, the Broncos’ continued success has shined the spotlight on offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio as possible head coaching candidates in 2013.  McCoy interviewed with the Miami Dolphins last offseason, and was also rumored as a candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders.  As for Jacksonville, Del Rio was head coach there for nine seasons before joining the Broncos.

So it seems the Broncos’ revolving door at DC could extend another year, because, let’s face it, there will be some job openings here in a few weeks time.  And McCoy, who was credited last season for overhauling a playbook midseason to accommodate Tim Tebow, did another drastic makeover in 2012 for Peyton Manning.  There aren’t two more different quarterbacks.  Seriously.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Health, depth both key to Denver Bronco’s success
• Bleacher Report: Denver Broncos’ Backfield Trio Will Key Postseason Success
• CBS Denver: Bad Cleveland Browns Bring Remarkable Rookies To Face Denver Broncos
• Denver Broncos: Strength Versus Strength
• Denver Broncos: Broncos Bracing For Weeden
• Denver Post: Robert Ayers’ progress with Broncos skewed by draft slot, new coaches
• Denver Post: Peyton Manning knows what this year’s rookie QB class is going through

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Maybe I should have told someone with Denver International Airport.  I think there’s a guy in my building who works there.  I don’t know his name, though.

*Sigh*

In case you didn’t hear late Friday afternoon, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be one of the voices at Denver International Airport.  Now through Jan. 2, when you board a DIA train, that voice you hear welcoming you to Denver will be none other than No. 18.  Denver mayor Michael Hancock, who typically greets train passengers, told the Denver Post:

“For the holidays, I am handing off this very important duty of greeting visitors to our great city to someone known for the best audibles in the business.  Peyton Manning earned this call by going long in his efforts to take the Broncos to another AFC West championship.  We’ll be cheering on him and the team as they drive toward another Super Bowl!”

According to the article, Manning’s voice is accompanied with “Jingle Bells” on piano.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Broncos’ win streak facing realistic obstacle in Ravens
• Baltimore Beat Down: Ravens vs. Broncos: Preview & Prediction
• CBS Denver: Baltimore Ravens A Tough, Physical Test For Denver Broncos
• Denver Broncos: Broncos at Ravens: What to Watch For
• Denver Broncos: The Art of the Strip-Sack
• Denver Post: Broncos’ Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas have gift of grab, just like two Denver legends
• Denver Post: Broncos’ Brandon Stokley looking to play against his first NFL team 

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Tuesdays are typically the Denver Broncos day off, but with a four-day break between games, players practiced at team headquarters.

The only player to not participate was linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who’s nursing a sprained ankle.  Wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who was inactive for Sunday’s win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a wrist/hip injury, also participated, as did defensive end Robert Ayers, who was away from the team last week after the death of his father. 

Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen, Broncos’ defensive coordinator a season ago, is expected to coach in Thursday’s game.  He is also coping with the death of his father, Grady, who died Tuesday.

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has experienced just about everything in his illustrious career, but he’s only played in two Thursday night games.  The short week means changing routine for the routine-driven Manning.  He said Tuesday the schedule is a challenge, but he – and the team – will be prepared:

“It’s a challenge. I’ve played in a few Thursday night games (but) I know Coach (John) Fox has had a formula that he’s used. I think he’s played five times (on Thursday).  It’s about efficient preparation and a lot of mental preparation. Obviously, the biggest challenge for guys physically is to rest and recover from a physical game on Sunday against Tampa. The key is getting good mental preparation and I think we’re in a good start today.”

Playoffapalooza Headlines:

• Denver Broncos: A look at the matchup scenarios if the playoffs started today.
• Denver Post: The Houston Texans have likely locked up the No. 1 seed, but the Broncos are Baltimore Ravens are fighting for No. 2.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders game preview
• Denver Broncos: The 2013 schedule is coming together…and includes Denver visits to New England, Indianapolis, and the New York Giants.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

No. 18 is No. 2 thanks to RGIII. (personal photo)

Denver Broncos quarterback is leading the NFL in Pro Bowl fan votes.  He’s also making a statement for league MVP and Comeback Player of the Year.

But when it comes to jersey sales, Manning’s time on top is over, at least for now.

Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III now owns the NFL’s top selling jersey, according to the league.  Manning’s No. 18 had been the top jersey for months, but RG3’s No. 10 has been a recent hot seller.

Manning’s jersey is now second, two spots ahead of younger brother Eli.  Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers (3) and New England’s Tom Brady (5) are also in the top five.

Ex-Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, now with the New York Jets, is ranked eighth.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press:  Kevin Vickerson is anchoring a solid Denver defense.
• Denver Broncos: Champ Bailey talks about the Tampa Bay offense and how he thinks the team is performing heading into December.
• Denver Post: Running back Knowshon Moreno wants more from return to lineup.
• Denver Post: The Broncos offense is also dangerous when not operating a hurry-up.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Note: On days following the Denver Broncos game, Denver Horse Force will deliver the headlines midday to include more dissection, breakdown, and of course, the very latest analysis and Denver Broncos news from around the web.

Feeling fresh, Broncos’ Knowshon Moreno makes most of chance vs. K.C. - Getting his first carries in more than two months, running back Knowshon Moreno said after the Broncos’ 17-9 victory Sunday his goal was to focus on each carry.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

John Elway surveying success with Broncos behind Peyton Manning - It was like old times in the visiting locker room at Arrowhead Stadium.  Only, instead of tugging off shoulder pads and cleats, John Elway and Ed McCaffrey stood shoulder to shoulder in impeccable suits and ties, some 13 combined feet of Kansas City nightmares.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos’ defense will certainly take an ugly win over a pretty loss - Sunday’s dirt-under-their-fingernails victory at Arrowhead Stadium won’t go on the Broncos’ defensive mantel as their proudest performance this season. But it just might be a sign of the times.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Notebook: Thomas Tops 1,000  - With 1:59 to play in the game and the Broncos clinging to a 14-9 lead, quarterback Peyton Manning dropped back to pass on third-and-7.  An incompletion would stop the clock and turn the ball back to the Chiefs with plenty of time to mount a potential game-winning drive.  Instead, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas beat his defender and came down with the reception along the sideline.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

It seems the Denver Broncos are content with the ground game effort of Lance Ball, Ronnie Hillman, and Knowshon Moreno.

The team released practice squad running back Jeremiah Johnson Friday, a move the Denver Post calls “procedural,” since the intent is to re-sign Johnson early next week.  As for Hillman, the rookie anticipates additional snaps Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he’s looking forward to the chance:

 ”I’m very excited.  It’s just another opportunity to play ball and I’m looking forward to going out there to play.”

Video Links:

• NFL Films previews: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
• Friday press conference: John Fox

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Why the Broncos are confident they’ll avoid the late-season wear down.
• Bleacher Report: Peyton Manning makes a case for league MVP.
• CBS Denver: Broncos at Chiefs game preview
• ESPN: The league’s elite teams know how to finish the strong.
• Rant Sports: Broncos at Chiefs game preview

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.