TotalBroncos

By Rich Kurtzman The Denver Broncos are definite contenders. Any casual observer might believe Peyton Manning is due most credit, but they would be wrong. While Manning has proven to be an elite QB—bringing the Broncos back three times and leading the league in passer rating—he can be given only partial credit for Denver’s success. The men that matter most are the linemen. Yes, those big boys that have the unglamorous job of getting down and dirty in the trenches—jabbing, jumping and jawing away—they’re responsible for Denver’s lead in the AFC West. As they say, whoever controls the line of scrimmage, controls the game—the Broncos are proving that true. (Credit, Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)