The Broncos need Philip Rivers.
Not as their quarterback, though that remains a delicious scenario worth imagining.
They need him as a villain.
When the San Diego Chargers wander into Denver, they make skin crawl. Animosity exists because San Diego ruled the AFC West before the Broncos' current four-year title run. But it reaches frothing levels because Rivers embraces the full heel role.
Bad guys are good for business. The underdog is great for Disney, but not 16 consecutive Sundays. This seams heartless, preferring the opponent who enjoys ripping hearts out.
Booing Rivers as he cackles and talks sanitized trash (no curse words are used) creates "glue the eyes to the TV" moments.