Whether Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak would start Peyton Manning or Brock Osweiler in the divisional round was one of the most intriguing questions of the pre-playoff NFL debate. We now have our answer — Manning will be under center after the bye — but that won't put an end to the questions. [ Yahoo Daily Fantasy: $10 could win you $15K in our $150K wild-card contest ] Why, exactly, is Kubiak so confident in a guy who statistically ranked among the league's worst QBs through the first nine weeks of the season? Is it because of his experience? Because that's never been so great in the playoffs, either. Is it because he provided a spark in the second half against the Chargers? Because Osweiler likely would've done the same, if given the chance. Or is there another reason? Perhaps Osweiler's MCL strain, reported by Denver's 9NEWS , had more to do with the decision than we realize. The station's source described the knee injury as "a low-grade strain" suffered when San Diego Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram struck Osweiler on his second interception of the afternoon midway through the second quarter. Osweiler played two more series — one ending in a punt prior to halftime and the other resulting in fumble to start the third quarter — before Manning took over quarterbacking duties. While Osweiler did not practice Thursday and will not Friday, according to 9NEWS, he told the TV station, "I have a few nicks that are a little more serious than others, but come next Sunday, I'll be ready to roll." Or maye Kubiak just knew Osweiler would accept a playoff benching better than Manning. The 25-year-old took the news about as well as someone who finished 5-2 in his seven starts — including a victory against the New England Patriots that helped preserve the No. 1 overall seed — could possibly take it. "It was a little bit of disappointment as a competitor," Osweiler told reporters during media availability on Thursday afternoon, via The Denver Post . "As someone who loves being on the field with his teammates, it's hard to hear that you're not going to be the one playing." [...] "It's hard to hear that you're not going to be the one playing. However, I am a big team player. If coach believes Peyton gives the team the best chance, I fully support that. I stand behind Peyton, coach and this team." Or maybe Kubiak and his players really do believe Manning gives the Broncos the best chance to win. Either way, the questions won't stop, especially if Manning underperforms and Osweiler remains on the bench as he enters free agency. Not to mention the drama surrounding Al Jazeera's HGH allegations. Sure, the Broncos may have an answer to who's starting at QB, but the questions have only just begun. - - - - - - - Ben Rohrbach is a contributor for Ball Don't Lie and Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at rohrbach_ben@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @brohrbach
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