10 Players that Will Lead the Denver Broncos to the 2013 Playoffs

Denver Broncos: 10 Players Who Will Lead Them to 2013 Playoffs

The offseason leading into the 2012 NFL year could not have begun much better for the Denver Broncos. Not only was Hall of Fame player and current general manager John Elway able to bring in top free agent and future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, he also found a willing buyer for the media frenzy that was “Tebowmania” as the Broncos were able to acquire a fourth and sixth round pick in exchange for Tim Tebow and a seventh rounder.

After a 3-3 start to the 2012 season, Denver was able to rack off 10 straight victories and clinch the AFC”s best record behind the stellar play of Manning and an incredibly stout defense led by sack machine Von Miller, who recorded 18.5 sacks, third most during the 2012 season.

Denver’s regular season success, however, ended in disappointment as the Broncos lost their first playoff game in a frustrating heartbreaker to eventual Super Bowl XLVII champion Baltimore Ravens.

To make matters worse, the Broncos lost big time pass rusher Elvis Dumervil after a contract gaffe that saw him leaving Denver for the Baltimore Ravens. Dumervil had 11 sacks in 2012 and 9.5 the year before with Denver. Luckily, the Broncos were able to obtain yet another weapon for Manning and their potent offense, signing Wes Welker away from the New England Patriots to the tune of $12 million over two years.

How will Broncos respond to last year’s crushing playoff defeat to the eventual champion Ravens? With Manning at the helm, they will surely try to build on last year’s regular season success with hopes of a deep playoff run. In order for Denver to move closer to their ultimate goal of a Super Bowl, they must first make the playoffs.

Here are 10 players that are going to help them get there.

#10 Champ Bailey

15-year veteran Champ Bailey will need to anchor the secondary if the Broncos wish to make the 2013 playoffs.

#9 Knowshon Moreno

Moreno missed half the 2012 season due to injury but was second on the team with 138 carries for 525 yards.

#8 Eric Decker

One of Manning's many weapons, Decker was second on the Broncos with 85 receptions and led the Denver receiving corps with 13 touchdowns.

#7 Willis McGahee

Headliner of the multi-faced Denver running attack, McGahee led the team with 167 carries for 731 yards and a team-high four rushing touchdowns. He will, however, look to cut down on his five fumbles.

#6 Wes Welker

Denver wrestled away Tom Brady's favorite target and now adds yet another potent weapon for Peyton.

#5 Chris Harris

Harris' big play making ability will prove important if Denver wishes to make the 2013 playoffs. He tied for the team lead with 12 pass deflections and three interceptions, two of which were brought back for touchdowns.

#4 Wesley Woodyard

Woodyard led the team with 117 tackles, to which he also added 5.5 sacks and three interceptions during the 2012 campaign.

#3 Demaryius Thomas

Manning's favorite target last year, Thomas recorded a team-high 94 receptions for 1434 yards.

#2 Von Miller

Sack Machine Von Miller was third in the NFL last year with 18.5 sacks. There will undoubtedly be more pressure on Miller, however, as Denver failed to retain Elvis Dumervil.

#1 Peyton Manning

Manning will look to build on his spectacular 2012 season and lead Denver to a third straight playoff berth.