In a way, the Broncos’ 34-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers was their bottle episode.

In 2019, the Broncos were "living in a world of suck," as Emmanuel Sanders famously stated, later revealing that was Vic Fangio's message to the team. Two years later, they're still in that same world. It sucks.

With playoffs no longer a real option and staring down a third-straight losing season, is there anything Vic Fangio can do down the stretch to ensure he returns in 2022?

The Broncos can thank their last-place schedule for more than just facing easy opponents in 2021. They can greatly benefit in their 2022 draft positioning from it too.

Despite taking extra precautions, COVID-19 hit the Denver Broncos hard on Wednesday.

But thanks to the new NFL protocols, the Broncos have a chance to get multiple players back before Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

If the Broncos offense was in the hospital, it would be in intensive care. Their vital signs would be failing and a Code Blue could be coming next.

On Sunday, the Broncos said goodbye to their playoff chances, for all practical purposes.

On Monday, however, George Paton did not say goodbye to Vic Fangio.

The head coach opened up on his uncertain future and why he should "absolutely" be back in 2022.

For the Broncos, it's Loss Vegas. They fell for the second time in as many trips to Sin City, and their season is effectively over.

After shanking a crucial 55-yard field goal, Brandon McManus and Vic Fangio had a heated exchange on the sideline.

After the Broncos' crushing 17-13 loss, Fangio blamed the heated exchange on the officials.

With only a five percent shot at making the playoffs, should George Paton and Vic Fangio approach the final three games any differently?

If the Broncos miss the playoffs, he'll join a club of 76 coaches since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 who missed the postseason in each of their first three years with a club. For almost all of those coaches, it didn't get much better.

The Denver Broncos no longer control their own destiny.

But they've still got a shot at the playoffs. But they need help.

Here's what Denver needs and who to root for this weekend for the Broncos' playoff dreams to stay alive.

Drew Lock will be the Broncos' starting quarterback against the Raiders.

However, regardless of how good Drew is, Teddy Bridgewater will takeover the starting job once he's healthy.

Teddy Bridgewater was released from the hospital on Monday morning.

However, it's highly unlikely he'll play on Sunday against the Raiders.

That sets up Drew Lock to get his first start of the season.

Denver had a massive opportunity in front of them on Sunday. They just fell short.

The saddest thing in life is a missed opportunity.

Which of the next three games is the most difficult for the Broncos?

Week 15 — vs 7-6 Bengals
Week 16 — @ 6-7 Raiders
Week 17 — @ 8-6 Chargers

@ZacStevensDNVR, @RyanKoenigsberg and @MaseDenver debate & give their picks for the weekend!

COVID-19 has swept across the NFL this week.

So far, the Broncos have been relatively unscathed.

That's made Vic Fangio "relieved, but nervous."

Denver's injuries, however, are a different story.

The Broncos are among the league's best in points allowed per game and per possession over the last eight weeks. But their troubles against the run could be a downfall.