Once the Denver Broncos are out of playoff contention, the team would be wise to start Paxton Lynch to get a longer look at its former first-round pick. That may still be a few weeks away, though.

Appearing on Orange & Blue 760 on Tuesday, KUSA-TV reporter Mike Klis said Denver won’t turn the offense over to Lynch unless it’s lost seven games (presumably because making the playoffs at 9-7 is unlikely in a tight AFC race).

The Broncos will start Brock Osweiler against the Patriots this week, and even if he struggles, they would turn to Trevor Siemian — not Lynch — against the Bengals next week.

A loss to New England would drop them to 3-6. It would take a loss to Cincinnati and dropping to 3-7 for Denver to start Lynch in Week 12 against the Raiders on the road.

After that, the Broncos will play the Dolphins, Jets, Colts, Redskins and Chiefs to close out the season. Those final games will either be a final push for the playoffs or a chance to take a longer look at Lynch.

Hat tip to Tim Lynch of Mile High Report for this information.