The Broncos‘ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, but the season is over for Russell Wilson. HC Sean Payton recently announced that Jarrett Stidham would take up the role of starting quarterback for the final two regular season games.

But will that save the Broncos’ season who completely rely on other teams to see a playoff spot? More importantly, what could be Sean Payton’s excuse if the move backfires and Stidham fails to keep his trust? Deep beneath everything, there looms a bigger concern for the franchise.

Will benching Russell Wilson work out for Sean Payton?

Wilson threw 3070 yards for 26 touchdowns, with a 66.4 completion rate, 8 interceptions, and a passer rating of 98.0 in 15 games this season. But his stats don’t tell the whole story, and the Broncos have been largely toothless in offense. Just when it looked like Mr. Comeback had propelled a comeback for the Broncos after going 1-5, they lost on weeks 14 and 15, consecutively.

Payton announced soon after that he had seen enough, trusting Stidham over Wilson, who will see his first start in a year. But Stidham’s inexperience and the Broncos’ diminishing hopes don’t provide a smooth path for the incoming QB. The two games might just pass by with Stidham figuring out how to adapt to the league’s competitiveness. Payton has work to do if he wants to make his plan work.

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But there are bigger concerns for the side after the season is over. While the Orange Crush would hope for a miracle from the former Saints‘ coach, they would also pray that Wilson has enough left in him to justify his multi-million dollar contract.

Sean Payton miracle or Wilson reality – What’s next for the Broncos?

During his 15-year-old stint for the Saints, Payton gave the franchise a 161-97 record, and their lone Super Bowl with a win over Peyton Manning‘s Colts. Combined with Drew Brees’ extraordinary passing, Payton led the Saints’ offense to the league’s top a total of six times, which was something that had never happened before the HC arrived in New Orleans in 2006.

The Broncos can expect the same in a fresh new season for Payton and Wilson. But there’s another side to it. Wilson is already 35 and remains a shadow of his former self. With every passing year, his productivity is only set to drop, and both the QB and head coach know it. The side signed a 5-year, $242 million deal with the QB last year, and half of the sum was guaranteed.

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But Wilson didn’t produce the numbers the management would have hoped, and it’s not even been two whole years. Payton had Drew Brees’ service at New Orleans, but maybe Wilson is a bit too old to replicate the miracle at Denver. It seems Payton’s worries have only begun!

Watch This Story: Despite Coach’s Backing, Sean Payton Has Seemingly Shut the Door on Russell Wilson’s Disheartening Broncos Fate