On today’s Orange & Blue Today, Cecil Lammey digs into a question that hits a little harder after watching the Avalanche get swept in the Western Conference Final: If the Broncos make it back to the AFC Championship… and lose again… how will Broncos Country feel.

Denver already lived this once — a 14‑win season, an AFC West title, and a crushing loss one step short of the Super Bowl. The Avs just lived the same script. So what happens if the Broncos run it back, add superstar WR Jaylen Waddle, keep the core intact… and still fall short.

Can the Broncos get that far again. Absolutely. But what would cause them to stumble: early‑season gauntlet, Bo Nix plateauing, injuries, defensive regression, or the offense not fully clicking under Davis Webb. And if they fall short, does the fanbase feel pride, frustration, or something in between.

This is the emotional reality of a contender — expectations rise, and so does the pressure.

🔥 In this episode:

Why the Broncos can return to the AFC Championship

What would cause them to fall short despite a “run it back” roster

How adding Jaylen Waddle changes expectations — and pressure

What Broncos Country’s reaction would be to another near‑miss

Why the Avs’ loss puts Denver’s stakes into sharper focus

Drop your take in the comments — if the Broncos fall one game short again, how would YOU feel about the season.