BRONCOS MUST LOOK SUPER IN GAME 16

Certainty vanished with the Raiders.

There was no way the Broncos were losing to Oakland at home. Not with the AFC’s playoff pole position in their grasp. Not to a Raiders offense that couldn’t find the end zone with Google Maps. Final score: Raiders 15, Broncos 12. From that moment, there became no sure thing in the Broncos’ season. All the pieces are in place for a victory Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

San Diego is this season’s try-hard team in a league that doesn’t hand out CapriSuns and gummi worms. So many heart-ina-blender losses. Everything points to the Broncos clinching their fifth straight AFC West title and a first-round postseason bye.

Yet one element creates squirms: five days’ rest versus nine days’ rest.

That draws this game closer more than any personnel matchups. And the Chargers employ quarterback Philip Rivers, who wears bolo ties and the heel persona with equal aplomb. San Diego is 4-11, and all Rivers can think about is smashing a chair across Denver’s back.

“In my mind, it’s ‘Let’s not let Denver play another home game this year,’ ” Rivers said.

Ah, a man who cares about my Marriott points. Hard to hate him for that.

This game matters beyond the postseason race. The Broncos can vault themselves into championship contender status with a strong finish. The defense can quiet any concerns about injuries with a dominant performance. After back-to-back disappointing halves— the second vs. Pittsburgh, the first against Cincinnati, totaling 35 points— the Broncos’ defense rediscovered its swagger.

Motivation comes easily this week. Denver’s defense can lead the NFL in fewest yards allowed for the first time.

Offensively, the questions concern creativity. How far is coach Gary Kubiak willing to go to mask personnel weaknesses with scheme and play-calling? The hurryup offense worked. Osweiler went 17-of-24 for 192 yards and one touchdown in the up-tempo attack. That can’t be discounted moving forward. The Broncos stink when running out of the pistol formation. But they have proved they can establish a ground game in the shotgun.

Yes, Alanis Morissette thinks it’s ironic the Broncos could turn to an offense that fits Peyton Manning perfectly nowthat he’s a backup. This provides even more reason to use it. If Osweiler struggles or takes another bruise-forming hit on his left elbow or shoulder, Manning’s return would be seamless.

Kubiak deserves criticism for the offense’s split personality. Going three games without scoring in the second half is staggering. The flexibility shown against the Bengals is the type of adjustment that wins playoff games. Stubbornness can halt progress. He must allow for wiggle room.

The Chargers represent a first for Osweiler, facing an opponent for a second time. His confidence is growing. The Broncos need Osweiler to play well almost as much they require a win.

A clumsy entrance into the playoffs by the quarterback is the last thing the Broncos need with a legend on the sideline. To date, Kubiak boasts an ideal performance in handling the position. He never made an announcement until he had to. He showed respect for Manning, while propping up Osweiler.

Rather than be devoured by a quarterback controversy, the Broncos should bene- fit from having two capable arms.

This week figures to be a close game. It is in the nuances the Broncos will reveal whether they are poised for a deep playoff run.