Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Virgil Green is the most valuable player on the Denver Broncos.

“What? Is this guy nuts?”

“Whatever he’s smoking, give me some.”

“Over Peyton Manning? Over Von Miller? Over Chris Harris? C’mon, fella. You don’t know bunk about football.”

This is no doubt a jolt to Broncos Country. Green is not the first name that comes to mind when you list off the Broncos’ MVPs. Most wouldn’t have him in the Top 10.

But it’s 100 percent true. The success Denver has had this season is tied to Green.

Had we paid attention earlier in the season this wouldn’t come as a surprise.

It was after the Week 3 loss in Seattle to the Seahawks that both coach John Fox and Peyton Manning said the offense wasn’t the same when Green got injured.

It’s just everyone thought both Fox and Manning had their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks. That they were trying their hand a new comedy routine.

They weren’t.

The Broncos tight end is the most valuable player on this roster.

Numbers never lie, and Denver is 8-0 when he’s on the field and 1-3 when he’s not. The one win came against the Oakland Raiders, so most of the offense could have taken the game off and still won.

The Broncos offense is better with him on the field. He makes the running game way more effective. He ensures the offense has balance.

And Denver isn’t even utilizing Green to his full potential.

By all accounts, he’s an incredible athlete. He can catch. He can run.

The play that comes to mind is from the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. In the second quarter, Green rushed for six yards on 2nd-and-7 to the Denver 42-yard line.

January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (85) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the first half of the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

A draw to Green?

That shows he’s capable of so much more. But he just does what he’s told to do and doesn’t say a word about it. He’s the epitome of a team player and what teams need to win a championship.

Green is another example of what you do when you get the chance.

C.J. Anderson has done the same. The reason Anderson has had the success he’s had is because of Green.

The offensive line has come to life because of him.

For the first time in Manning’s tenure in Denver his offense has balance.

And it’s because of Green.

Again, the team is 9-0 when he’s on the field and 0-3 when he’s not.

Virgil Green: The most valuable player on the Broncos’ roster.

Had we paid attention this would come as a surprise.

Is Virgil Green the Broncos' MVP? Yes

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Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (right) is pursued by San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports