In need of wins, the Denver Broncos will start Brock Osweiler for the sixth straight game on Monday night.
With a win on Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals and a loss by either the New York Jets or Pittsburgh Steelers the Broncos will clinch a playoff spot.
Peyon Manning, out rehabbing a torn plantar fascia in his foot, is not expected to be active against the Bengals nor is he expected to practice on Wednesday.
Osweiler and the Broncos jumped out to a hefty lead against the Steelers last week but scored zero second half points for the third straight game while losing their second straight.
Head coach Gary Kubiak continues to say that the teams’ quarterback situation is week to week. With Osweiler starting such a pivotal game for the Broncos the likelihood that Manning has played his last game for the team increases.
If the Broncos viewed Manning as a better option than Osweiler then they would start him on Monday night. Instead they will stick with Osweiler against the Bengals who will be starting backup A.J. McCarron.
The Broncos have a relatively easy game in Week 17 at home against San Diego. Only an injury or a complete collapse by Osweiler would get Manning back on the field at this point.
