Predictions are tricky.

From betting which pledge drops out first, to picking just exactly who will be the bad guy in the next Batman movie, it’s something we all do.

One of the preseason predictions from Bronco fans came in the form of three words: four and twelve.

Denver fans are known for their passion and die-hard loyalty to the men in orange and blue, yet forecasts for this season have been dire. But who could blame them? The team’s Hall-of-Fame coach and franchise quarterback were replaced by 33-year-old Josh McDaniels and Kyle Orton. You could practically hear the rebuilding going on at Dove Valley.

Despite how ugly the team’s overhaul appeared, the only thing looking unattractive now are the preseason predictions. After a gutty performance, the Broncos held off the Cowboys Sunday, edging them 17-10.

Just like that, this team has as many wins in four weeks than most thought they’d have all season. Four and twelve? Try four and zero.

After sneaking by Cincinnati in week one, Denver had two convincing victories over Cleveland and Oakland. Then on Sunday they held Dallas — fifth-best offense in the NFL at 28.7 points per game — to only a touchdown and field goal. Overall, the Broncos have allowed the fewest points in the league, 26, and have given up the least amount of yards per game, 214.7.

My prediction: none of it will last. Their schedule is too brutal.

It’s not that the Broncos necessarily are a bad team; it’s just that the teams they’re going to face ahead are better. A lot better.

Out of Denver’s next five opponents, not only were four of them playoff teams last year, but also had a combined record of 50-30. And on top of that, of the remaining twelve games the Broncos have left, a whopping eight of them are against teams that were playoff teams in 2008. I don’t care if you’re the ’72 Dolphins, that’s a tough schedule anyway you look at it.

The Broncos still have three games left against the lowly Chiefs and Raiders at the back end of the season. But to make the playoffs, that still wouldn’t be enough. Denver’s going to have to steal a few games they’re not expected to win. If they can pull all that off, suddenly there will be a different buzz coming out of Dove Valley, the playoffs.

The bottom line is Denver has arguably one of the toughest schedule left in the league. While they weren’t expected to do well, their 4-0 start has given them quite a nice cushion for the turbulence ahead. If they can weather the storm and come out with their heads afloat (or even still on), then suddenly four and twelve is a playoff contender.