With a 4-3 record, the Broncos are developing nicely. But it’s a little early to talk about making the playoffs or making a trade at the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Let’s hold the horses.

– Chad, Charlotte, N.C.

Kiz: As long as you’re sitting on that horse, could you kindly hold my beer? I have a hard-and-fast rule: Life’s too short to wait until next year to do big things now. I don’t expect Saints running back Alvin Kamara to walk through the doors at Broncos Park at the trade deadline. The backend of the AFC playoff field, however, is wide open. Are you intimidated by competition from the Chargers, Colts, Jets or Bengals? I’m not. Here’s betting Denver quarterback Bo Nix isn’t either.

I see no playoffs for the Broncos and only five to seven wins at season’s end. They will only be favored in three games on their remaining schedule.

– T.T., healthy skeptic

Kiz: Must I always be Mr. Sunshine around here? The way I figure it, the Broncos have a 50-50 shot at landing a playoff berth with a 9-8 record. And I know the way Denver can get there.

Playoffs? Nope. I’m still here for the development of young players.

– T.K., outdoorsy dude

Kiz: Need a map to the playoffs? Happy to oblige. Must wins: Panthers, Browns, Colts. Lose to any of them at home and you can stick a fork in my playoff itinerary. Near-certain defeats: Fuhgetabout beating the Ravens or Chiefs on the road; also expect an ‘L’ when the Falcons, currently the league’s most underrated team, visit our dusty old cowtown. AFC West trips: Need to get at least one ‘W’ at the Raiders or Chargers, with the Vegas stop carrying more make-or-break weight. Bottom line: The Broncos need to be 8-7 with two weeks left on the schedule, then play like they’ve got house money against Cincy and Kansas City.

The Nuggets’ championship window has closed. Jamal Murray is washed. Michael Porter Jr is one-dimensional. Russell Westbrook hasn’t been good in years. Christian Braun can’t shoot. And there’s still nobody to spell Nikola Jokic.

– Sonny, LIttleton

Kiz: I’m not quite as gloomy and doomy on the eve of this NBA season as you are, my friend. But I will say: Instead of going all-in on back-to-back championships, the Nuggets made a half-baked effort last season to rebuild on the fly. It was a big mistake that illustrates my earlier point about the importance of the Broncos thinking big now. A pro sports franchise is foolish not to go for the gusto when the opportunity arises.

And today’s parting shot is a reminder that two things can be true at the same time. In terms of arm talent, Nix ain’t all that and a bag of chips. But Nix has got more than enough moxie to get the Broncos a playoff berth.

I can see how it would be hard for Sean Payton to admit: “We need to follow the Tim Tebow model,” because it sounds like an admission of failure regarding Nix. But as a coach, you have to do what works for your team.

– Richard, Denver