This shocking stat could be the reason why the Broncos win the AFC West
With the Broncos now tied atop the AFC West standings more than a quarter of the way into the season, it ins't unreasonable to begin looking at how Denver can win the division crown. The Broncos currently sit at 2-1 within the AFC, and have already faced multiple teams that were playoff teams from last year. Denver's first five games were not a favorable draw.
Their next 12, however, are fairly favorable for Sean Payton and his group. Denver's next two opponents have a combined one win on the season, and present a strong opportunity for the Broncos to move to 5-2 on the young season. Following Denver, the Chiefs and Texans are a few underperforming former playoff staples.
Overall, Denver's remaining schedule is weak. The injury to Joe Burrow helped them knock off the Bengals, but the Broncos' difficult stretch to start the season seems to be behind them. Denver's remaining strength of schedule appears to be fairly weak, and the scheduling data so far backs that up.
Denver's remaining strength of schedule is the second weakest in football
With twelve games remaining on Denver's 2025 schedule, the Broncos have the second softest remaining schedule in all of football, behind only the New England Patriots. For New England, much of this comes in the horrendous bottom half of their division. The Jets are currently winless, and the Dolphins have just one win, which naturally came over the Jets.
The Patriots' remaining strength of schedule is an absurd .305, while Denver's is a cool .407. For the Broncos, it helps to once again have a bottom-dwelling Raiders team. Las Vegas has just one win on the young season, and Geno Smith is averaging more than one interception a game. The Kansas City Chiefs are a surprising 2-3, and a matchup with a high-powered Lions offense could push their loss total to double their wins.
Outside of their own division, Denver benefits from playing the Giants, Texans, and this week's matchup with the Jets. The Giants and Jets are a combined 2-9 on the season, and neither seems to be getting much better week-over-week. Denver will have a strong chance to beef up their record within the conference through the autumn months. Denver's season does, however, end with a decent run of playoff contenders, including the Packers, Commanders, and Jaguars. Sean Payton and his group should take this chance to stack up the wins.
BREAKING: Jason Varitek Emerges as Red Sox’s Emotional Choice to Replace Cora — “I’ll Never Turn My Back on This Clubhouse” Ignites Fenway With Hope and Nostalgia
In a move that could blend nostalgia with new leadership, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly considering
According to a report from The Athletic, the Fenway Sports Group has placed Varitek high on its shortlist — a decision that has already sent ripples of excitement through Red Sox Nation. For fans who grew up during Boston’s championship runs in the early 2000s, the idea of “Captain Tek” returning to lead the clubhouse feels like something out of a baseball dream.
“This move would electrify Boston — and heal the fanbase,” wrote The Athletic’s insider piece.
Varitek, now 52, has been a part of the Red Sox coaching staff since 2021, serving as game-planning coordinator and assistant to Cora. He has long been viewed as one of the most respected minds in the organization — a bridge between the franchise’s golden years and its uncertain present.
When asked about the speculation, Varitek didn’t deny his interest, offering a quote that instantly resonated with fans:
“I’ll never turn my back on this clubhouse.”
The words carried the same quiet strength that defined his playing days. For years, Varitek was the heartbeat of Boston’s dynasty — the captain who guided a mix of veterans and underdogs through two World Series titles and the historic 2004 comeback against the Yankees. His leadership, intensity, and deep understanding of the Red Sox culture made him one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.
Now, nearly two decades later, the idea of him stepping into Cora’s shoes feels both poetic and powerful.
“This is more than a managerial discussion — it’s an emotional reconnection,” said one team executive. “Jason represents everything Fenway stands for: accountability, pride, and unity. If Cora moves on, there’s no better person to carry that torch.”
Alex Cora’s future remains uncertain. Despite his success and deep connection with players, recent reports suggest he may be exploring opportunities beyond Boston, possibly in broadcasting or front-office roles. While both sides have expressed mutual respect, insiders believe contract negotiations have stalled over long-term vision and control.
For fans, however, the potential of Varitek stepping into the role has sparked something rare in recent seasons — optimism. After years of managerial turnover and inconsistent results, the thought of a homegrown legend leading the dugout again feels like a return to identity.
“He knows what it means to wear that jersey,” said former teammate David Ortiz in a recent interview. “Tek was the voice when things got tough. If he manages, he’ll make everyone play for the name on the front, not the one on the back.”
The Red Sox, who have spent much of the offseason evaluating both leadership and roster structure, appear to be at a crossroads. Hiring Varitek would be a sentimental yet strategic decision — a move that unites generations of fans while giving the clubhouse a familiar face of authority.
Those close to Varitek describe him as a meticulous planner, deeply analytical, yet emotionally grounded. “He’s not a yeller,” said one Red Sox player. “He’s a teacher. When Tek talks, you listen — not because you have to, but because you want to.”
Whether or not Cora stays, the conversation around Varitek has already reignited Boston’s passion.
At a time when Fenway Park feels caught between eras — the past’s glory and the future’s uncertainty — Jason Varitek represents something rare in modern baseball: continuity. A thread connecting triumph, tradition, and tomorrow.
For the Red Sox, it may not just be about finding a new manager. It might be about finding their soul again.
