Russell Wilson in danger of leading Broncos to first winless division record in franchise history after losing to Patrick Mahomes in Week 17

Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos fought hard against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (13-3) in Week 17 but ultimately fell short in a 27-24 loss to the Chiefs. At 4-12, there has been a pattern of losing for the team this year. With one more loss, the team will be setting franchise records for failure.

If the team doesn't win in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers, it will be the first winless division record in their history since the division was created in 1970. According to Broncos reporter Mike Klis, the team didn't win a divisional game in 1982 either, but the season was cut short due to a strike.

Broncos fans' massive expectations get nuked into submission via Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson at Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Rams

It has been a season of pain for Broncos fans, who started the 2022 calendar year at the highest of highs. Soon after the 2021 season wrapped up, it was revealed that the team was trading for Russell Wilson. The news broke just minutes after it was revealed that Aaron Rodgers would be staying with the Green Bay Packers.

Russell Wilson has accumulated 3,241 throwing yards this year. He completes 60.8% of his passes and adds 13 touchdown passes.

The offseason was filled with big predictions and sky-high expectations for the organization. Comparisons to the team's dominance after acquiring Peyton Manning were plentiful.

Will the Broncos win in Week 18 after cutting ties with Nathaniel Hackett?

Instead, when the rubber met the road, cracks in the foundation began materializing. Rumors and reports claimed the team was struggling offensively in practice in August.

Despite this, the team went all-in on the quarterback, signing him to a massive extension that locked him up until 2028. After a 2-1 start, however, the team hit a brick wall. The offense struggled to score more than 16 points in the majority of games and, while the defense was as good as any in the league, the offense was moving at a snail's pace.

As the weeks turned into months, the team continued to lose at a rapid clip. It all came to a head on Christmas Day when the No. 3 threw three interceptions and lost to the Los Angeles Rams 51-14. Nathaniel Hackett was fired the next day.

With one game to play, the team is hoping to close a historically dark season on a bright note. Will Russell Wilson find a way to beat Justin Herbert in Week 18?