Denver Broncos: Final two games critical to franchise’s future

Despite being out of the playoff race the Denver Broncos have two critical games remaining on their schedule

Few games have been as critical to the Denver Broncos franchise than the final two of the 2017 season. Seeking a sense of direction the Broncos must find an answer at the quarterback position when they play Washington and Kansas City on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

First-round pick Paxton Lynch is still recovering from an ankle injury and is listed as questionable going into this weekend. Denver would love to see Lynch take the starting job and run with it into next season but in a business where results are needed immediately, they can not wait for the former Memphis star to develop.

Denver likely knows what they have in seventh-round Trevor Siemian, and that’s a mediocre fringe-starter who can be a decent backup for the next decade.

The real question is Lynch and whether general manager John Elway wasted a first round pick on a player not ready to take the next step. If Lynch can show even a sliver of potential and stay healthy against the Redskins and Chiefs the Broncos may decide to build around him and draft help on the offensive line or take a chance on Josh Rosen or Baker Mayfield.

Denver could also explore options in free agency with Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins, Sam Bradford, or Teddy Bridgewater. Trade options such as Tyrod Taylor or Eli Manning are likely to be options as well.

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None of that could matter if Lynch performs up to Elway’s expectations this month. It’s imperative for the long-term success of the Broncos that they find out whether Lynch can be the answer.