DENVER (AP) -The Denver Broncos have the fourth-worst defense in the NFL, they're minus-10 in turnover differential and their injury epidemic is so acute they're down to their sixth, seventh and eighth options at tailback.
Their top three linebackers are all sidelined, along with star cornerback Champ Bailey, who is tied for the team lead with just one interception. Their best pass-rusher, Elvis Dumervil, has three sacks and one broken finger.
So, why are the Broncos smiling?
Because they're the only team aside from the unbeaten Tennessee Titans to have sat alone atop their division every week since the opener, and they can thank clever coaching and deft draft day decisions.
At 6-4, they're two games ahead of struggling San Diego in the AFC West heading into Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders (2-8), who, conversely, are paying the price for poor front-office decisions and aren't getting much out of their 2008 draft class.
Seven Broncos rookies have started 28 games, led by top draft pick Ryan Clady, who hasn't allowed a full sack yet. Second-rounder Eddie Royal leads the league's rookies with 56 receptions for 659 yards and four touchdowns.
"You don't find many rookies that are able to come in and play right away," Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler said. "We've been lucky offensively to have two with Eddie and Ryan."
Royal has played like a grizzled veteran from the moment he stepped on the fields at Dove Valley, and Cutler has been particularly impressed with Clady's ability to keep him upright.
"With all of the pass rushers in this league, it's kind of a specialty position. He has faced some good ones - (Miami linebacker) Joey Porter and (Atlanta defensive end John) Abraham - these last few weeks and he has held his own," Cutler said. "We are able to do a lot more things with him, a lot more drop-backs and a lot more single protection, because he's so solid back there."
The Broncos have dug deep into the rest of their draft class to stay afloat. Three other picks have played in all 10 games and three undrafted rookies - linebacker Wesley Woodyard, cornerback Josh Bell and punter Matt Kern - have made their marks, as well.
After getting burned by the likes of Travis Henry and Todd Sauerbrun, the Broncos focused on finding high-character, high-intelligence players in the draft. It's paid off with a crop of players who quickly grasped the nuances at the pro level and contributed immediately.
"This was probably as high character as we have ever had, if you take a look at their test scores, and we got 'players' as well," coach Mike Shanahan said. "So, we feel very good about where we're at and hopefully these guys are around here for a long time."
Three weeks ago, rookie fullback Peyton Hillis, who had just one reception in the first seven games, caught seven passes for 116 yards against Miami, then ascended to the top of the tailback chart, scoring his first two touchdowns rushing last week at Atlanta.
