The Denver Broncos began the season a perfect 7-0, but the last two weeks haven't gone their way. Injuries, lack of a running game, and poor execution have led to consecutive losses to teams with a losing record.

As fans all know, Peyton Manning is injured. The future Hall of Fame quarterback will not play this upcoming weekend against the Chicago Bears because of a serious foot injury. Manning was hardly playing the best football of his career, but Brock Osweiler has never started an NFL game. The Broncos defense ranks in the top five in almost every major category, but offensively, they have been pretty abysmal.

So, how much trouble are the Broncos in? They still have a commanding three game lead in the AFC West, but it is slowly evaporating.

While the Broncos have lost their last two games, the Chiefs are on a three game winning streak. The Chiefs are still 4-5, and it would take a huge surge in the second half of the season for them to win the division, but stranger things have happened, and there's still plenty of time remaining.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have their huge game at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears, who have won four of their last six games.

More than likely, the Broncos will hold on and win the AFC West. But with back-to-back losses, there's a lot of doubt about whether or not this team can still grab the No. 1 seed in the conference.

The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals both have superior records in the AFC, and it's going to be very difficult for the Broncos to surpass them, given Manning's injury.

Still, lack of a running game has been the biggest issue for the Broncos this year, as they rank 29th in rushing yards this season. DeMarcus Ware has already been ruled out for the Bears game with a back injury, and Emmanuel Sanders is questionable.

If the Broncos lose this game to the Bears and the Chiefs defeat the San Diego Chargers, the Broncos lead in the AFC West would dwindle down to just two games. Again, the Broncos should be able to win the division, but getting a top two seed is far more critical because it guarantees a bye week in the postseason. For the last three years -- all with Manning -- the Broncos have finished with the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the AFC. If the Broncos remain as the No. 3 seed, that means they would have to play a wild card game where anything could happen.

The Broncos don't have an easy schedule down the stretch. They still have to face the Patriots, Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Owen Daniels has been fairly productive this season, but he's clearly not Julius Thomas. Thankfully for the Broncos, their defense is still elite. The Broncos have allowed the fewest total yards, fewest passing yards and rank No. 6 in rush defense. As long as the Broncos defense continues to play at this high of a level, they will always have a chance.

The Broncos are slumping, but they're very much still in the Super Bowl conversation. It's going to take a strong finish and some luck to grab the top seed in the AFC this season.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1