Denver ? The Broncos rank as the lead candidate to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

Before you start shouting about all the team’s weaknesses, let me also say the Broncos don’t rank among the NFL’s top half-dozen teams.

Yes, they boast the AFC’s most dangerous collection of talent. But these same Broncos would finish fourth in the mighty NFC East.

Cornerback Dre Bly nodded a confident yes when asked if the Broncos can rule the AFC.

“We feel we’re the best,” he said.

Receiver Brandon Marshall took a more cautious approach.

“We’re good,” he said, “but it’s still early in the season. Five games in? There’s no telling.”

Sunday’s 16-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offered a soothing – if sleep-inducing – break from a rollicking season.

The victory revealed the Broncos aren’t one-dimensional. Yes, the team includes a defense, even if the unit all but vanished last week in Kansas City.

Embarrassment serves as a great motivator. The same Chiefs who have scored 32 points in four losses romped to 33 points in one afternoon against the Broncos.

But give the Broncos defenders credit. They didn’t deliver mistake-free football. They only came close.

Denver’s biggest error came in the third quarter when blitzing cornerback Champ Bailey decked Bucs quarterback Brian Griese.

The hit – vicious but clean – injured Griese’s throwing elbow. It was a sensational play.

And a massive miscue.

He sent the NFL’s least-talented starter – at any position – to the bench. This meant Griese, reduced to a spectator, no longer could damage Tampa Bay’s offense.

Jeff Garcia was an improvement on Griese, but that goes without saying. Garcia led the Bucs on a late, ultimately futile drive.

Freed by Griese’s clutches, the Bucs marched 90 yards to the end zone, bringing a brief jolt of excitement to the afternoon.

Thrills have been a big part of the Broncos’ problem. Against San Diego and New Orleans, Denver’s generous defense converted Broncos routs into heart-rattling drama.

Sunday’s victory was the solid, no-flash performance Denver needed. These Broncos are fortunate to reside in a depleted AFC, where solid can go a long way.

The previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills were stomped Sunday by Arizona.

The still-unbeaten Tennessee Titans looked anemic on offense in a victory over Baltimore.

The Patriots and Colts have stumbled from their pedestals.

That leaves the NFL with a lopsided look. The NFC harbors most of the might, and the AFC features most of the mediocrity.

I have friends who never have recovered – I’m not sure they ever will recover – from the seasons when the Broncos smacked around AFC opponents before being pulverized by real NFL teams in the Super Bowl.

Jay Cutler is enjoying a breakout season. He showed wisdom and patience Sunday, declining to test Tampa Bay’s deep coverage. When he’s clicking, no AFC team can stop him.

And his defensive brethren no longer seem defenseless.

So can the Broncos win the AFC? Sure.

The Super Bowl?

No way.