Tag: Sports Weekly

Broncos vs. Chargers: Game preview for Week 17

The Broncos will host the Chargers in their final home game of the 2023 season on Sunday. Check out our game preview.

The Denver Broncos (7-8) will host the Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) in Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Check out our quick game preview below.

Chargers’ keys to victory: With starting QB Justin Herbert (finger) on injured reserve and WR Keenan Allen (heel) banged up, L.A.’s offense has to lean on RB Austin Ekeler. The veteran RB is on pace to have the worst season of his career as a starter, but Ekeler averaged 5.1 yards per carry, caught five passes and scored a touchdown against the Broncos in Week 14. Denver’s run defense remains a liability, so the Chargers should lean on their ground game on Sunday. QB Easton Stick would love to have Allen back on the field this week, but the WR’s status for Week 17 is uncertain. On defense, OLB Khalil Mack will look to build on his career year.

Broncos’ keys to victory: When these teams met three weeks ago, the Broncos rushed for 106 yards and RB Javonte Williams scored on the ground. QB Russell Wilson added two passing touchdowns as Denver’s offense didn’t face much resistance against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The Broncos will aim for similar all-around success on offense this week while their defense focuses on slowing down Ekeler and forcing Stick into mistakes. If they are able to build a lead early, the Broncos could coast to a win in Week 17.

Matchup to watch: Chargers OLB Khalil Mack vs. Broncos LT Garett Bolles. Mack is in contention to lead the NFL in sacks this season after totaling 15 sacks through 15 games. Bolles, Denver’s best offensive tackle, held Mack to no sacks in Week 14. The rematch will be a must-watch showdown.

Who wins? The Broncos are desperate to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive while the Chargers are already looking ahead to 2024. Denver is the clear favorite at home. Broncos 22, Chargers 12.

This story originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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Broncos vs. Vikings: Game preview for ‘Sunday Night Football’

Here is our game preview for a ‘Sunday Night Football’ showdown between the Broncos and Vikings in Week 11.

After a big upset win over the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, the Denver Broncos are now set to host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in Week 11. Here’s our early game preview.

Vikings’ keys to victory: QB Josh Dobbs got up to speed quickly in Minnesota. Already 2-0 with the Vikings, Dobbs might now get reinforcements this week as WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) could return from injured reserve, which would be a huge boost to Minnesota’s offense. Regardless of Jefferson’s status, the Vikings should continue feeding RB Ty Chandler because RB Alexander Mattison has continued to underwhelm and he is now in concussion protocol. Minnesota won’t want to get into a situation where Dobbs has to lead a pass-heavy attack against a stingy Denver secondary, despite the QB being hot lately. On defense, the Vikings will aim to slow down the Broncos’ rushing attack, daring Denver’s offense to beat them through the air. 

Broncos’ keys to victory: QB Russell Wilson has thrown 18 touchdown passes through nine games, but that total has been somewhat inflated by red-zone screens. The more notable numbers are Wilson’s four interceptions, five fumbles and 30 sacks this year. Denver coach Sean Payton has done a good job bringing out Wilson’s strengths and minimizing his weaknesses, but the QB isn’t best-suited to lead a pass-heavy offense. The Broncos will pound the rock against a spotty Minnesota defensive line. On defense, Denver will aim to contain Dobbs and not let him beat rushers to the edge after he rushed for 110 yards and two TDs over the last two weeks.

Matchup to watch: Vikings OG Dalton Risner vs. Broncos DL Zach Allen. At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Risner said he wanted to be “valued” going into NFL free agency. Denver clearly didn’t value him — they let Risner walk in the spring and he remained a free agent for more than six months before getting a one-year deal in Minnesota. Risner now starts for the Vikings and he’s set to face Allen, who has totaled 10 QB hits and three sacks in his last six games.

Who wins? Dobbs has given Minnesota hope, but Denver is at home and seeking another win to get into the playoff hunt. Broncos 26, Vikings 23.

This game preview originally appeared in Sports Weekly. 

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Broncos vs. Jets: Quick game preview for Week 5

The 1-3 Broncos are set to host the 1-3 Jets this week. Here’s our game preview for Sunday’s showdown in Denver.

The Denver Broncos (1-3) are set to host the New York Jets (1-3) in Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday afternoon. Here’s our quick game preview for the AFC showdown.

Jets’ keys to victory: Denver’s defense is allowing 176 rushing yards per game, which is good news for second-year RB Breece Hall and veteran RB Dalvin Cook. After losing QB Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1, New York turned to former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson. The young QB has struggled with turnovers and sacks early in the season, so the Jets will need to rely on their talented RBs against a Broncos unit that has struggled to defend the run this year. Going up against the team he coached last season, New York OC Nathaniel Hackett will scheme up a run-heavy attack for his return to Denver.

Broncos’ keys to victory: QB Russell Wilson needed 12 games to throw nine touchdown passes under Hackett last season. He has matched that total of nine TDs in just four games under new HC Sean Payton this year. Wilson is having a bounce-back season thanks in large part to Payton tailoring Denver’s offense to the QB’s strengths. Wilson is now making more throws on the move, connecting with WRs Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims on short, intermediate and deep passes. Add in exciting rookie RB Jaleel McLaughlin and Denver has the pieces in place to jump out to an early lead against the Jets. Once they build a lead, the Broncos’ defense should be able to fend off a Zach Wilson-led passing attack.

Matchup to watch: Broncos CB Pat Surtain vs. Jets WR Garrett Wilson. Even without Rodgers, Wilson remains one of the most exciting young WRs in the NFL. This week, he’ll face off against Surtain, a first-team All-Pro. 

Who wins? Hackett was run out of town with two games remaining last year, in large part because of Denver’s inept offense. This year, the Broncos’ offense has drastically improved under Payton, but New York’s defense should keep it close. Broncos 21, Jets 20.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly. 

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Broncos vs. Commanders: Game preview for NFL Week 2

Here is our quick preview for the Broncos’ game against the Commanders this week.

The Denver Broncos (0-1) are set to host the Washington Commanders (1-0) in Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here is our quick preview for the AFC vs. NFC showdown. 

Commanders’ keys to victory: Washington QB Sam Howell is a capable game manager, helped by having three extremely talented WRs in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel. The Commanders will look to establish the ground game early with RBs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson to draw attention away from Howell. If they can get going on the ground, that will open things up for Howell to continue executing his effective run-pass option plays at a high level. Denver’s secondary is tough to beat through the air, but Howell should be able to find short-yardage openings on RPOs. On defense, Washington’s fearsome pass rush will look to disrupt the Broncos’ passing game, giving their talented safeties opportunities to create turnovers.

Broncos’ keys to victory: Protecting QB Russell Wilson will be a big key. Wilson was sacked a career-high 55 times last season despite playing in 15 games (he missed two because of injury). New HC Sean Payton addressed the team’s protection this offseason by signing G Ben Powers and RT Mike McGlinchey during free agency. The new-look line had a mostly positive performance in Week 1, allowing two sacks. If given time this week, Wilson can attack the Commanders’ linebackers, who are a weaknesses in coverage. Sunday’s game could prove to be a good matchup for TE Adam Trautman, who will be asked to step up this week with Greg Dulcich (hamstring) sidelined. On defense, Denver will aim to harass Howell and force mistakes from the young QB.

Matchup to watch: Commanders DT Jonathan Allen vs. Broncos G Ben Powers. Powers excels as a run blocker but has struggled at times in pass protection. This week, Powers will face Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler who has totaled 22.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Washington’s defensive line likely has the edge over Denver’s offensive line.

Who wins? The Broncos will look to bounce back after last week’s one-point loss to a division rival. The Commanders are coming off a win over Arizona, but Denver will have the edge at home. Broncos 23, Commanders 17. 

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly. 

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Broncos vs. Raiders: Quick preview for NFL Week 1

The Broncos are set to host the Raiders in their season opener on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos (0-0) are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders (0-0) on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2:25 p.m. MT in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. Here is our quick preview for Sunday’s showdown at Empower Field at Mile High.

Raiders’ keys to victory: New QB Jimmy Garoppolo will benefit from playing with one of the NFL’s best WRs in Davante Adams, and RB Josh Jacobs — the league’s leading rusher in 2022 — got a deal done with Las Vegas and ended his holdout two weeks before Sunday’s season opener. The Raiders have plenty of firepower on offense and they will need their stars to make big plays against a stout Denver defense in Week 1. In a game that is shaping up to be a run-heavy affair, the Raiders will aim to outpace a rejuvenated Broncos offense.

Broncos’ keys to victory: New HC Sean Payton made it clear this offseason that he plans to pound the rock on offense. Payton brought in multiple blocking tight ends and signed a fullback during free agency. He also signed RB Samaje Perine to complement starter Javonte Williams, and Denver also gave big-money contracts to guard Ben Powers and tackle Mike McGlinchey. All of that was done to create a formidable rushing attack, which will help take pressure off QB Russell Wilson in 2023. The Broncos will ask Wilson to play mistake-free football while implementing a run-heavy game plan.

Matchup to watch: Raiders WR Davante Adams vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdown catches last season and ranked third with 1,516 receiving yards. Surtain was named a first-team All-Pro in 2022, but Adams totaled 242 receiving yards and 1 TD in two games against Denver. Surtain did not follow Adams on every snap last season, which is something the Broncos might consider this time.

Who wins? Payton wants to establish a winning culture with his new team and he can start by helping Denver snap a six-game losing streak against Las Vegas. Playing at home, the odds are in Payton’s favor. Broncos 27, Raiders 21.

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Broncos buzz: RB Javonte Williams back in action

Javonte Williams’ return will provide a big boost to the Broncos’ offense.

Broncos Wire will have weekly updates now through the end of training camp on the latest storylines from practice and preseason. This is the fifth edition.

Javonte returns: After missing 13 games last season with a torn ACL and LCL, RB Javonte Williams recovered quickly and he avoided the PUP list to begin training camp this summer. Williams made his return to the field in Week 2 of preseason against the 49ers and made an immediate impact. The third-year running back rushed three times for 12 yards and he was targeted five times as a receiver out of the backfield. Williams hauled in four receptions for 18 yards, giving him seven total touches for 30 yards in his return. The running back looked healthy and elusive and he is on track to start against the Raiders in Week 1. Denver’s second-string RB, Samaje Perine, rushed three times for 22 yards against San Francisco.

Rookie watch: TE/FB Nate Adkins delivered several key blocks on running plays against the 49ers and caught three passes for 17 yards (he also had two receptions nullified by penalties). Adkins seems unlikely to make the 53-man roster over veteran FB Michael Burton, but he will likely be a top candidate for the Broncos’ practice squad this season. Burton will become a 32-year-old free agent next year, so Adkins might be a long-term option at fullback.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

Broncos buzz: Russell Wilson and Sean Payton partnership underway

“He was sharp,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of QB Russell Wilson’s preseason debut.

Broncos Wire will have weekly updates now through the end of training camp on the latest storylines from practice and preseason. This is the fourth edition. 

Russ watch: Coming off the worst season of his career, Broncos QB Russell Wilson is now entering Year 2 in Denver and Year 1 under new coach Sean Payton. His first game under Payton was mostly positive with the veteran QB going 7-of-13 passing for 93 yards and one touchdown against the Cardinals in Week 1 of preseason. “He was sharp,” Payton said of Wilson after the game. “He’s had a good week at practice.” Wilson’s numbers could have been better if not for a drop from WR Jerry Jeudy and spotty protection from Denver’s offensive line (Wilson was sacked once and hit multiple times). The performance of that offensive line will play a big role in Wilson’s ability to have a bounce-back season, but the QB himself is off to a good start. 

Rookie watch: RB Jaleel McLaughlin set the NCAA’s all-time record with more than 8,000 rushing yards in five seasons. The small (5-7, 187 pounds), speedy running back could be a candidate to fill a role that Darren Sproles once held under Payton with the Saints. McLaughlin rushed four times for 20 yards and a touchdown and caught one pass for 12 yards in his NFL debut last week. He’s competing for Denver’s RB3 job behind Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine this summer.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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Broncos buzz: Injuries damper start of training camp

One and a half weeks in, Broncos training camp has been dampened by injuries.

Broncos Wire will have weekly updates now through the end of training camp on the latest storylines from practice and preseason. This is the third edition. 

WR depth tested: The Broncos had a crowded WR depth chart going into training camp with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims and KJ Hamler poised to have key roles in 2023. That depth took a big hit when Denver lost two WRs on the first day of padded practice — Patrick to a non-contact Achilles injury and Hamler to pericarditis, a mild heart irritation. The Broncos waived Hamler with a non-football illness designation, and coach Sean Payton said the WR will need about a month to recover and then a few weeks to get up to football speed. After he recovers, Hamler will be a candidate to re-sign with Denver. Patrick, meanwhile, is set to miss the entire season after being placed on IR. It’s heartbreaking news for Patrick, who also missed the entire 2022 season after tearing his ACL during camp last year.

Rookie watch: Mims will be asked to step up following the losses of Patrick and Hamler. A second-round pick out of Oklahoma, Mims will have an opportunity to win the WR3 job this summer. Mims is a speedy deep threat who could prove to be a perfect fit for QB Russell Wilson‘s signature “moon ball” in 2023.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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Broncos buzz: Sean Payton’s comments highlight first week of camp

Sean Payton’s comments about Denver’s former coach (and the responses) created a buzz early in camp.

Broncos Wire will have weekly updates now through the end of training camp on the latest storylines from practice and preseason. This is the second edition. 

Spicy start: Sean Payton kicked off training camp by defending QB Russell Wilson in an interview with USA TODAY. In defense of Wilson, Payton cast blame for the team’s 2022 struggles on former Denver HC Nathaniel Hackett, saying last season “might have been one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.” Hackett is now the OC for the Jets, and Payton suggested New York could face a similar fate as last season’s Broncos. Jets HC Robert Saleh stood up for his assistant. “Obviously, we’re doing something right if you’ve gotta talk about us when we don’t play until Week [5],” Saleh quipped. That’s right — the Broncos are set to host Hackett and the Jets on Oct. 8. That game is still four months away, but Payton’s harsh, unexpected comments about the team’s ex-coach stole the headlines during the first week of training camp. The next day, Payton said his comments were a mistake and he said he needs to be more filtered, but New York heard the message loud and clear. 

Rookie watch: LB Drew Sanders is currently below Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton on the ILB depth chart, but Sanders has experience playing both inside and on the edge from his time at Alabama. A third-round pick, Sanders could earn first-team snaps quickly as a versatile rotational linebacker.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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Broncos vs. Chargers: Game preview for NFL Week 18

The Broncos will host the Chargers in their season finale on Sunday.

Story update: The Chargers have announced they will not rest their starters for Sunday’s game against the Broncos. See our original post below. 

The Denver Broncos (4-12) are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) in their season finale on Sunday, Jan. 8 at Empower Field at Mile High. Check out our preview for the AFC West showdown below.

Chargers’ keys to victory: It remains to be seen how the Chargers will handle their starters in a regular-season finale that does not have a playoff berth on the line. If L.A. decides to rest QB Justin Herbert, backup QB Chase Daniel will be tasked with protecting the ball against a play-making Denver defense that limited Herbert to no touchdowns and one interception in Week 6. On defense, the Chargers will likely focus on a Broncos rushing attack that features three capable RBs who helped the team rush for 117 yards last week.

Broncos’ keys to victory: This year has been a season to forget for QB Russell Wilson, who has a career-low 13 touchdown passes in 14 games this season. He would need to score a record seven TDs against the Chargers just to match his previous single-season career-low of 20 in 2014. If Denver is going to beat L.A. (and have any hope of better days ahead), Wilson will need to finish the 2022-23 season on a strong note. On defense, the Broncos’ pass rushers will look to generate pressure and force the Chargers into mistakes.

Matchup to watch: Chargers CB Bryce Callahan vs. Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy. Going up against his former team for the second time this season, Callahan will be tasked with covering Jeudy when the receiver lines up in the slot in Week 18. Jeudy, who caught three passes for 54 yards against L.A. earlier this year, has been Denver’s best WR this season. 

Who wins? The Chargers have already clinched a playoff spot and their potential seeding for a first-round matchup probably isn’t a big concern this week. Denver has nothing to play for except pride, but with their regular starters in the lineup, the Broncos could pull off a win at home. Broncos 20, Chargers 17.

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