It’s a tricky hope to have: Improvement for the AFC West.

Sure, it was great to see the Denver Broncos clinch the division relatively quickly – at least by other division standards – in 2012. There really is nothing finer than seeing Philip Rivers defeated, and the Oakland Raiders continue to look at a future as black as the hole it plays in. And it got sad watching how the Kansas City Chiefs’ season unfolded.

However, division games should push a team. These are usually the most meaningful games played during the regular season simply because  there’s more at stake. Lose to a division opponent and it shows up in your overall record, as well as in parentheses right next to it.

One issue heading into Denver’s divisional round playoff game was the Broncos hadn’t played in an intensely close game in several weeks. When the Broncos couldn’t pull away they looked lost, and then they lost. During the regular season the Baltimore Ravens at times looked lost, even mediocre, in tight games with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Those grinding games ended up paying dividends for Baltimore in not folding to the Broncos.

Wishing for a more competitive AFC West may create problems for the Broncos. The kind of problems that find the team actually losing a game or two to a rival, but, if Denver can manage to haul itself back to the playoffs next season, it will be those games that prepare the team for the intensity that awaits.

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

Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is set to be former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator.

As first reported by CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, the San Diego Chargers plan to finalize a deal today making McCoy their next coach. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says McCoy has already informed the Broncos of his decision.

As for possible replacements for McCoy, La Canfora says one candidate is Ken Whisenhunt. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles Monday regarding their head coaching vacancy. The Eagles fired Andy Reid at the conclusion of the season. He was later named Kansas City’s head coach.

The Chiefs will soon be Denver’s lone AFC West foe without a former Broncos assistant as head coach. Ex-Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen just completed his first season as Oakland Raiders head coach.

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

Read more about the Baltimore Ravens on Aerys Sports >>>>

The Denver Broncos will be no lower than the AFC’s No. 4 seed in the NFL playoffs.  At this point, it’s looking more and more likely the Broncos will either be the No. 2 seed or the No. 3 seed.  A win against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday will go a long way toward securing the No. 2 seed.

The Broncos are riding an eight-game win streak, and if they are to make that nine, Denver will need to do something never done before: win in Baltimore.

And speaking of eight wins, that’s how many games quarterback Peyton Manning has won against the Ravens; he’s 8-2 all-time.

The Ravens have dropped two straight games, their first losing streak in more than three years.  A Baltimore win clinches the AFC North title, and a spot in the playoffs.  Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who targeted the Denver game in his comeback from a triceps injury, will not play.  Baltimore is giving the 37-year-old at least another week to heal.  The Ravens are 4-3 without their defensive leader.

Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice ranks fifth in the league in net yards from scrimmage. (courtesy Keith Allison)

When Baltimore has the ball: Two words: Ray Rice.  The running back is the nucleus of Baltimore’s offense.  In last week’s loss to the Washington Redskins, Rice had a season-best 121 rushing yards.  He ranks fifth in the league in net yards from scrimmage, and is one of those can’t-have-the-ball-too-much type of players.  Make no mistake; Rice will be the key to Baltimore’s success if for no reason other than to control the clock and keep Denver’s offense on the sideline.

It’s believed Cam Cameron, who was fired as offensive coordinator earlier this week by Baltimore, was let go in part because he didn’t utilize Rice as much as he should have.  Cameron’s replacement is Jim Caldwell, who coached Manning in Indianapolis.

For a team known primarily for its defense, and well, the Ravens are just that, Baltimore’s offense excels at home.  The Ravens average about 34 points a game in Baltimore where they are winners of 23 of their last 25.

Baltimore’s offensive line is big, sturdy, and difficult to outmuscle, allowing Rice to get big gains.  The O-line also enables quarterback Joe Flacco ample time to hold onto the ball and look downfield in passing situations.  Flacco’s downside, however, is his tendency to fumble, so expect Elvis Dumeril and Von Miller to apply the pressure early and often.  Denver’s pass rush has served the Broncos well all season long, and there’s no reason to think that will change come Sunday.

Miller is one sack shy of the team’s record (17) set by teammate Dumervil back in 2009.

When Denver has the ball: Assuming the Broncos have yet another slow start, here’s the good news: Baltimore has blown fourth-quarter leads in back-to-back weeks.  Denver has outscored opponents by 71 points in the fourth quarter this season.

In their Week 14 game against the Oakland Raiders, the Broncos offense stalled on multiple drives – drives that ended in Matt Prater field goals.  Sure, three points are better than no points, but Denver settled for 12 points when the Broncos could have had 28.  Denver needs to do a better job of finishing drives in the end zone…not through the uprights.

Baltimore is tied for 15th in the league with 30 team sacks in 2012.  Defensive end Arthur Jones has 4½ sacks in three games, and linebacker Paul Kruger has recorded a sack in five consecutive games.  The Ravens will likely apply pressure on Manning, especially in third-down situations deep in Baltimore territory.

Peyton Manning is just 188 yards short of 4,000 yards passing this season.  The 4,000-yard milestone will be the 12th of his career, a record in the NFL.

Prediction

Denver 24, Baltimore 20

This is one of those “something has to the give” games. Under head coach John Harbaugh, Baltimore is 10-1 versus the AFC West, but the red-hot Broncos have the league’s longest active win streak.

I like the Broncos chances of leaving Baltimore victorious for the first time.

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

With the dust now settled on Thursday’s rocking of the Oakland Raiders (and a full weekend of other games), here are a few additional thoughts on the Denver Broncos’ latest win.

What Could’ve Been – It seems the general feeling is that Denver could’ve won by much, much more.  This is true, but kind of meaningless. Had the Broncos put four more touchdowns on the board instead of field goals it would only prove the Raiders are not a good team right now…which we already knew.  Yes, a full dismantling of Oakland is always something to savor, but a double-digit margin of victory is just fine.  Whether it’s 10 points or 35, it proves the game wasn’t that close, and this one wasn’t.

Confidence Game – It’s worth reiterating the Oakland game did provide an important boost for the recent struggles of kicker Matt Prater.  While Prater still needs to put a little more distance between himself and his slump, he can enter the remainder of the season on a better trajectory.

Work to Win – It’s been interesting to watch a trend emerge within Denver’s defensive philosophy.  The Raiders were able to put together some sustained drives (one after the outcome of the game was well in hand) that led to touchdowns.  The Broncos defense can be scored upon, but nowadays its taking opposing offenses a lot of time to do so.  While it can be frustrating to watch opposing quarterbacks pick their way down the field in short passes, the one thing the Broncos aren’t easily allowing are big play touchdowns.  All in all it’s proving to be a successful tactic, because hey, why not make offensive tackles worry about Von Miller as much as possible.

Holliday Stress – Trindon Holliday should still be considered a good addition to this team, but his play remains uneven.  Thankfully the speedy Tony Carter was able to bail the Broncos out after another Holliday miscue.  It was apparent Holliday got an earful from coaches when he signaled for a fair catch on the next punt which was massively returnable.  If Holliday can sure up his ball security and judgment he’ll be all weapon and zero liability.  There will be opportunities for him to make big special teams plays…he just needs to be patient enough to not force the issue.

Horse Race – Finally, some interesting results from around the league on Sunday setup an exciting finish to the regular season as playoff implications abound. We’ll get into this more throughout the week, but the bottom line is Denver is mostly in control of its destiny for a first round bye.

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

Ten wins on the season.

Eight wins in a row.

At least one home playoff game guaranteed.

We know the Denver Broncos are on a roll…but can that roll take them all the way to New Orleans?  The chatter surrounding the Super Bowl seems to intensify with each and every win.  Current Super Bowl odds place the Broncos at 8-to-1 favorites to win, odds that trail only three other teams.

Want more about the playoffs?

• Bleacher Report: Why the Denver Broncos, Not the Texans or Falcons, Should Be Super Bowl Favorite
• SB Nation: NFL playoff race: How far can the Denver Broncos go?

More Post-Raiders Headlines:

• Denver Broncos: The upside to a four-day break between games?  The 10-day break that follows.
• Denver Post: Players are getting a brief rest before preparing for the Oakland Raiders.
• Denver Post: Opposing defenses learning it’s worth risk to pressure Peyton Manning

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.

Broncos make a commitment to run game, close out Raiders - Through the shortened week, before the Broncos had arrived in the Bay Area for their Thursday night appearance, quarterback Peyton Manning had predicted the calendar would kick-start Denver’s running game.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Can Broncos run with Knowshon Moreno’s recent redemption to Super Bowl? - Maybe the fact Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno gained 119 yards in a 26-13 victory against Oakland should be no surprise. He has been in a far darker spot than the Black Hole.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Peyton Manning, Broncos’ star power enough to beat Raiders in Oakland - There are times when football is not about the team. It’s about the stars. The guys with the stats and Pro Bowls and awards. The Broncos stars are, in order, Peyton Manning, Von Miller, Demaryius Thomas and Champ Bailey.  With apologies to such solid, contributors such as Joel Dreessen, Zane Beadles, Rahim Moore and Justin Bannan, the four stars were the difference in the Broncos’ fairly easy 26-13 victory Thursday night against their hapless rivals, the Oakland Raiders.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Ground Game Gets It Done - The Broncos had a short week of practice leading up to the Thursday night game — but in the time they had, improvement in the running game was a major point of emphasis.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

At Home on the Road in the AFC West - It’s never easy to win on the road, especially against division rivals, but over the past two years, the Broncos have seemed comfortable doing just that.  Thursday’s win at Oakland completed the road portion of the team’s divisional schedule with the club a perfect 6-0 road record against the Raiders, Chargers and Chiefs over the last two years.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Broncos not perfect, but sidestep trap - Peyton Manning probably will stew all weekend.  While his team enjoys an early-December Sunday away from football, knowing it put heat on the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots, Manning probably will keep himself up at night thinking about those missed red zone opportunities.  Read more from ESPN >>>>

Peyton Manning, Broncos romp past Oakland Raiders as Denver wins eighth straight, 26-13 - After overwhelming another overmatched division rival, Peyton Manning and the streaking Denver Broncos can turn their attention to much more meaningful opponents.  Manning threw for 310 yards and had his 30th touchdown pass of the season on the game’s opening drive to help the Broncos roll to their eighth straight victory, 26-13 over the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night.  Read more from Associated Press >>>>

Manning keeps Denver rolling - Manning threw interceptions on the Broncos’ first three possessions in a Week 2 loss to Atlanta, then struggled again the next week as Houston won in Denver.  But Manning flipped the switch in Week 4 against Oakland — he completed nearly 80 percent of his passes (30-for-38) and fired three touchdowns in a 37-6 win. Thursday night, he haunted the reeling Raiders again, throwing for 310 yards and a TD as Denver cruised to a 26-13 win.  Read more from SI >>>> 

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

Welcome to Quarter Calls, DHF’s quarter-by-quarter breakdown of each Denver Broncos game. Instead of a live game thread, Quarter Calls is a quick-hit summary of the big story of each quarter. It can be a general mood or theme, play, penalty, injury, whatever.

If you prefer real time analysis and commentary, follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter. As always, I’ll be tweeting throughout the game.

Go Broncos!

1st Quarter

(7:04 p.m.) The term “utter dominance” comes to mind. The Denver Broncos moved the ball at will on offense. Peyton Manning seemed to be able to target any receiver he pleased. The result…a 10-0 Denver Broncos lead.  The offense in this quarter was really efficiency defined.  The only thing holding the score down was a blocking miscue that led to a sack of Manning in the red zone.

The defense staggered slightly when Carson Palmer came up with a big find downfield and then promptly threw an interception to Champ Bailey.  Typical Raiders this season.  Oakland’s running game has been a non-factor once again.

If the Broncos can keep up this pace this one should be close to finished by halftime.

2nd Quarter

(7:47 p.m.)  So…no, the Broncos could not keep the 1st quarter pace.  All Denver could muster in this quarter was another Matt Prater field goal.

The Broncos were driving midway though the 2nd quarter when Manning underthrew a pass intended for Matthew Willis.  Instead of the surefire touchdown that would have extended Denver’s lead and all but closed out this game, Manning’s pass was picked off by Phillip Adams.

That interception not only killed the Broncos drive, it resulted in what was easily Oakland’s best drive of the game.  Palmer put it together – with the help of Rod Streater – to engineer a 14-play, 6:33 touchdown drive.

The Broncos still lead at the half, 13-7, but better be angry, plenty angry, and come out fighting in the second half.

Oh, and Demaryius Thomas hasn’t played since leaving the game with a shoulder injury.  And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Raiders offense seems to have adopted the Kansas City philosophy: “Don’t give your quarterback a chance to mess up.” Palmer and the Raiders offense were most successful when they shifted to a philosophy of three-step drops and quick passes.  If the Broncos defense continues to sit back in coverage the Raiders could find more opportunities.

3rd Quarter

(8:47 p.m.) Von Miller, this is your moment.

After a disappointing Broncos drive – a drive that had Denver with a 1st-and-goal from the one yet could only muster a field goal – Miller forced a Palmer fumble, which was recovered by Mitch Unrein.

With 1st-and-goal from the two, the Broncos offense didn’t squander the gift this time.  Moreno’s touchdown extended Denver’s lead to 23-7.

But back to Miller; it was his sixth forced fumble of the season.

4th Quarter

(9:31 p.m.) That wasn’t a particularly thrilling final quarter, but it really didn’t matter.

The Denver Broncos are winners of eight straight.

Now at 10-3, Denver has ten days to rest/prepare for a trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens.  And that’s the most important takeaway.

Good night!

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

Two teams.  Two very opposite directions.

The 9-3 Denver Broncos have clinched the AFC West for the second consecutive year.  The team is also riding a seven-game regular-season win streak, its first since 1998.

Meanwhile in Oakland, the slumping Raiders are 3-9 and losers of five straight, and are eliminated from the playoff race for the 10th straight year.  The record only tells part of the story: The rushing Raiders of recent memory only rank 29th in the league with 82.8 yards a game.  The only steady offensive production has come from quarterback Carson Palmer, but he’s looked flat out terrible at times in 2012.  The Raiders are even worse on defense, ranked 28th overall in the NFL.

But…we know the cliché, and it’s entirely true: Anything can happen, especially in a division game at a hostile stadium…and especially with only a four-day turnaround.

Former Broncos defensive coordinator and current Raiders head coach Dennis Allen is expected to coach Thursday, just two days after the death of his father.

When Oakland has the ball:  The Raiders are battling a whole slew of injuries.  The running back corps has been particularly hard hit; four backs – Mike Goodson, Taiwan Jones, Darren McFadden, and Marcel Reese – were limited participants in practice this week.  All are listed as probable for Thursday.

Palmer is one of seven quarterbacks with more passing yards than Manning, but he has fewer touchdown passes (29 to 20) and more interceptions (13 to 9).  Palmer’s favorite target as of late is tight end Brandon Myers, who had 130 receiving yards in the Raiders’ Week 13 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

The Broncos defense has been burned at times by tight ends heavily involved in the offensive game plan, but don’t expect Denver to surrender too many yards on Thursday night.  Gone are the days of the defense being a liability.  The Broncos allow an average of 308.2 yards a game, which is third best in the NFL.

Von Miller has more sacks than the entire Oakland Raiders defense. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

When Denver has the ball: It took the better part of six quarters, but during the second half of Sunday’s victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Denver Broncos offense finally started to resemble the Denver Broncos offense we’ve grown accustomed to seeing.

And for Broncos fans, Thursday should be more of the same.

The Raiders defense allows 31.3 points a game – worst in the NFL.  You know a unit is bad when it gives up 475 yards to the Browns, including eight passing plays of more than 20 yards.

If Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden can pick apart the Raiders defense, imagine what Manning can do Thursday.  Manning threw for 338 yards in the teams’ 37-6 thumping in Week 4.  It doesn’t help Oakland that three members of the Raiders secondary – safeties Matt Giordano and Mike Mitchell and cornerback Phillip Adams – suffered concussions in the Cleveland game.

As usual, the offensive line must work to keep Manning from getting battered in the box.  Manning wasn’t sacked when Denver hosted Oakland back in late-September.  The Raiders don’t get to the quarterback much.  In fact, Broncos linebacker Von Miller has more sacks (15) than the entire Oakland Raiders (14).

The reality of it all is barring Oakland delivering a revelation of perfect execution, about the only way the Raiders can remain in this game is keeping Denver out of rhythm, and forcing Broncos turnovers.  The Broncos are minus-3 in the turnover differential this season, much worse than the other top teams in the AFC.  New England, Houston, and Baltimore are all plus-13 or better.  Earlier this week, head coach John Fox said cutting down on turnovers is crucial to making a deep playoff run.  On Thursday, turnovers and/or a smattering of Denver penalties are about the only things that can realistically allow Oakland to hang around.  If the Broncos take care of the ball, it shouldn’t be too difficult to take care of the Raiders.

Prediction 

Denver 34, Oakland 17

Not even 44,000 people attended Oakland’s game Sunday against Cleveland – the lowest since 2010 – but expect a bigger turnout Thursday.  It’s an evening game against a division opponent.  It’s been a tough season for Oakland, but humbling the division champs could provide a bright spot for the organization moving forward.

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

It seems D.J. Williams will soon get his chance to be back in the Denver Broncos starting lineup.

The linebacker, who missed the first nine games of the season due to suspensions, will likely get the nod Thursday.  His replacement, Wesley Woodyard, is listed as doubtful on the team’s official injury report.  Woodyard sprained his ankle in the second quarter of the Denver’s 31-23 victory Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Williams could split time with rookie Danny Trevathan in Woodyard’s absence.

Wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who did not play against the Buccaneers, is listed as questionable.

Denver Broncos official team injury report

For the Oakland Raiders, DT Richard Seymour is out with a knee/hamstring.

Oakland Raiders official team injury report

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.