Tag: Sports Weekly

Broncos vs. Cardinals: Game preview for NFL Week 15

The Broncos-Cardinals game could be a Colt McCoy vs. Brett Rypien showdown.

The Denver Broncos (3-10) are set to host the Arizona Cardinals (4-9) in Week 15 of the 2022 NFL season at Empower Field at Mile High. Here’s our quick game preview for Sunday’s showdown.

Cardinals’ keys to victory: After losing QB Kyler Murray to a knee injury on Monday, the Cardinals will turn to QB Colt McCoy, who will need to protect the ball against a playmaking Broncos squad that grabbed three interceptions last week. Denver’s run defense has been leaky at times this year, which is good news for RB James Conner. On defense, Arizona should focus on shutting down Denver’s own rushing attack because the Broncos might also be starting a backup QB in Brett Rypien this week. 

Broncos’ keys to victory: QB Russell Wilson left last week’s game against the Chiefs in the fourth quarter after his head was driven into the ground on a 14-yard scramble. Wilson was motionless on the ground for a few moments and later stumbled when being helped up, which were clear signs of a concussion. If Wilson is not cleared from the concussion protocol before Sunday, Rypien will have to lean on RBs Latavius Murray and Marlon Mack against Arizona. On defense, Denver will aim to harass and fluster McCoy with OLBs Baron Browning and Randy Gregory (if he returns from IR this week) leading the way.

Matchup to watch: Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Hopkins has been a problem for Denver in the past, but Sunday will mark the first time the Broncos have faced “Nuk” with Surtain lining up across from him. In a potential defensive struggle, one big play in this matchup could decide the game. 

Who wins? The Broncos have dominated the all-time series against the Cardinals 9-1-1, and in a potential battle of backup QBs, Denver has an edge at home. Broncos 22, Cardinals 16.

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Broncos vs. Chiefs: Game preview for NFL Week 14

The Broncos will hope to snap a 13-game losing streak against the Chiefs in Week 14.

The Denver Broncos (3-9) at set to host the Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) in Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season on Sunday, Dec. 14. Here is our quick preview for the AFC West showdown.

Chiefs’ keys to victory: Every KC game plan starts and ends with QB Patrick Mahomes, who is 9-0 against the Broncos in his career with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions in those contests. Mahomes won’t have to do it all through the air, though, thanks to the emergence of rookie RB Isiah Pacheco and the arrival of ex-Denver RB Melvin Gordon, who will be eager to make a statement against his former team. On defense, KC will aim to keep Broncos QB Russell Wilson in the pocket and have their defensive linemen put an emphasis on positioning themselves to bat down Wilson’s passes.

Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver’s staff seems to have finally figured out that Wilson is at his best outside the pocket. A late-season switch to a new play caller in Klint Kubiak hasn’t given the offense much of a spark, though, as Wilson continues to struggle to see the middle of the field from the pocket. Kubiak should get Wilson moving with bootlegs and rollouts to give him a better field of view against the Chiefs. On defense, the Broncos’ top priority will be to limit the damage of Mahomes and KC’s high-powered passing attack.

Matchup to watch: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce vs. Broncos SS Kareem Jackson. Kelce has been a mismatch for Denver’s defense for years as inside linebackers have struggled to stick with him in coverage. Jackson won’t line up on the tight end on every play, but he will likely have a key role in the Broncos’ game plan for Kelce, particularly in the red zone. 

Who wins? The Chiefs’ dominance over Denver predates the Mahomes era – KC has won 13 straight against their division rival. All signs point to the streak continuing. Chiefs 25, Broncos 16.

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Broncos vs. Raiders: Quick game preview for NFL Week 11

Can a bad Broncos team beat a bad Raiders team this week?

The Denver Broncos (3-6) will host the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 11 of the 2022 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s our quick preview for the AFC West showdown.

Raiders’ keys to victory: Las Vegas should lean on RB Josh Jacobs the same way they did when they played Denver in Week 4. Jacobs rushed 28 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns the first time he faced the Broncos this season, and Denver hasn’t made any notable personnel changes since then. The Raiders will want to establish a rushing attack to help take pressure off of QB Derek Carr, who has five interceptions and three fumbles through nine games this year. On defense, DE Maxx Crosby will lead a unit aiming to disrupt the Broncos’ passing game with a relentless pass rush.

Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver’s offense is at its best when QB Russell Wilson feels comfortable making plays with his legs. Wilson is still among the league’s best QBs in terms of his ability to extend plays to either find a WR downfield or scramble himself to pick up positive yards. When the QB is restricted to the pocket, the Broncos’ offense has found less success. Denver’s staff should find ways to get Wilson moving because that’s when he’s most dangerous, and it gives the team’s talented weapons more time to get open. On the other side of the ball, the Broncos’ line has to shore up a sometimes leaky run defense.

Matchup to watch: Raiders WR Davante Adams vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Adams had a good game against Denver earlier this year, catching nine passes for 101 yards. Four of those receptions (and 46 yards) came against Surtain. The young cornerback might follow the veteran receiver more often in Sunday’s rematch.

Who wins? The Raiders are 0-5 on the road this season, and Denver always has a notable home-field advantage playing a mile above sea level. Broncos 24, Raiders 20.

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Broncos vs. Jets: Quick game preview for Week 7

Here is our early preview for the Broncos’ game against the Jets this week.

The Denver Broncos (2-4) are set to host the New York Jets (4-2) at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 7. Here’s our quick game preview for the AFC showdown.

Broncos’ keys to victory: Jets QB Zach Wilson is off to a slow after returning from injury with one touchdown pass, two interceptions and five sacks through his last three games. The second-year QB will be making just his 17th career start in the NFL and Denver’s defense will aim to pressure him into mistakes. Broncos OLB Baron Browning has looked excellent filling in for injured OLB Randy Gregory and he’ll face a shaky New York line this week. In the secondary, CB Pat Surtain has emerged as one of the NFL’s best in his second season. The combination of pressure and tight coverage should help Denver force turnovers, which could decide the game.

Jet’s keys to victory: RB Breece Hall has been a bright spot for New York, especially over the last two games. Hall has totaled 318 yards from scrimmage and scored four touchdowns since Week 5. To beat the Broncos’ defense, Wilson will need to protect the ball and lean on Hall and fellow RB Michael Carter. Denver’s offense has struggled to score this year, so the Jets can control the clock and wear the Broncos’ defense down with a run-heavy attack. On defense, the Jets will look to create mismatches on the line to disrupt Denver’s inconsistent passing attack.

Matchup to watch: Broncos LT Calvin Anderson vs. Jets DE Carl Lawson. After losing LT Garett Bolles to a broken leg, Denver turned to Anderson, who will make his seventh career start on Sunday. Anderson will face a tough matchup in Lawson, who has totaled 14 QB hits and 2.5 sacks this year.

Who wins? In a battle of talented defenses, the Jets’ run game should give New York an edge on the road. Jets 21, Broncos 20.

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Broncos vs. Colts: Quick game preview for NFL Week 5

The Broncos are set to host the Colts on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 5.

The Denver Broncos (2-2) are set to host the Indianapolis Colts (1-2-1) on Thursday Night Football this week. Here’s our quick preview for the AFC showdown.

Broncos’ keys to victory: Any game plan for beating the Colts starts with slowing down star RB Jonathan Taylor, if he plays this week (ankle). Since 2021, the Colts are undefeated (6-0-1) when Taylor rushes more than 20 times in a game. Denver will likely stack the box and go all in on shutting Taylor down, forcing QB Matt Ryan to throw against a talented secondary that features star CB Pat Surtain. On offense, the Broncos will have to lean on backup RBs Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone with Javonte Williams (ACL) set to miss the rest of the season.

Colts’ keys to victory: Establishing the run game will be key for Indianapolis after an underwhelming three-game stretch for Taylor. The Colts’ offensive line has been shaky this year and can’t be counted on to give Ryan enough time to beat Denver through the air. On defense, DT Grover Stewart will lead a line that will be tasked with keeping the Broncos’ run game in check. Indy’s defense will aim to punch the ball out when Gordon rushes — the veteran RB has fumbled four times through four games.

Matchup to watch: Colts LT Matt Pryor vs. Broncos OLB Bradley Chubb. Pryor is a fifth-year player who’s in his first season as a full-time starter with Indianapolis. He is off to a poor start this year, and Chubb won’t be an easy matchup. Chubb has totaled three sacks through four weeks.

Who wins? Both teams will be looking to bounce back on a short week after losses on Sunday. Playing at home, Denver will have the advantage now that QB Russell Wilson is starting to heat up – he had two passing TDs and a rushing score in Week 4. Broncos 24, Colts 17.

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Broncos vs. 49ers: Quick game preview for NFL Week 3

The Broncos will host the 49ers on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 3.

The Denver Broncos (1-1) are set to host the San Francisco 49ers (1-1) in Week 3 of the 2022 NFL season on Sunday Night Football this week. Here’s our game preview for the AFC vs. NFC showdown. 

Broncos’ keys to victory: QB Russell Wilson and HC Nathaniel Hackett will aim to improve the red zone offense this week after going 0-6 inside the opponent’s 20-yard line through two games. To do that, Hackett should call more running plays to RBs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, who have helped Denver average 5.0 yards per carry this year. When the Broncos do throw, the offensive line will have to key on 49ers DE Nick Bosa, who’s totaled three sacks through two games. On defense, the Broncos will aim to slow down San Francisco RB Jeff Wilson and force QB Jimmy Garoppolo to beat them through the air.

49ers’ keys to victory: After losing QB Trey Lance to an ankle injury, the Niners are going back to Jimmy G, who’s 33-14 as a starter in his career. Garoppolo will have an opportunity this week to exploit Denver’s linebackers in passing situations as ILBs Josey Jewell and Jonas Griffith have struggled at times in coverage, particularly against tight ends. After missing the first two games of the season with a groin injury, 49ers TE George Kittle aims to return in Week 3, and he could be a big mismatch against Denver’s linebackers. On defense, the 49ers should focus on guarding the sidelines and the flat in passing situations. Wilson tends to target WRs on the outside and dump the ball off to RBs in the flat — he’s less prone to target the middle of the field.

Matchup to watch: 49ers WR Deebo Samuel vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Samuel will line up all over the field and he even gets snaps at RB, but when he’s lined up on the outside, the WR will likely draw Surtain in coverage if the CB is cleared to return from a shoulder injury. Samuel caught five passes and rushed four times last week.

Who wins? This might be the week that Denver puts it all together, but San Francisco certainly looked like a better team last week. 49ers 24, Broncos 21.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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Broncos vs. Texans: Quick preview for NFL Week 2

The Broncos will aim to bounce back this week after a heartbreaking loss to begin the season.

The Denver Broncos (0-1) are set to host the Houston Texans (0-0-1) in Week 2. Here’s our quick preview for the matchup.

Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver and Houston will likely have the same best-case-scenario game plans for this AFC showdown: Build a lead and control the clock. Broncos QB Russell Wilson is still making plays through the air in his 11th season, but Denver’s offense is highlighted by the dynamic RB duo of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon. If Denver can jump out in front early and then turn to the ground game to milk the clock, the Texans would likely struggle to catch up given that they have an even more run-oriented offense. On defense, Broncos NT D.J. Jones will aim to clog up the middle, freeing up LBs Josey Jewell and Jonas Griffith to make plays against the run.

Texans’ keys to victory: Houston’s defense can’t afford to put the Texans in a hole early. Second-year QB Davis Mills posted serviceable numbers against the Colts last week (23-of-37 for 240 yards with 2 TDs), but Houston doesn’t want to rely on him to win games. Instead, the Texans seemingly want to run their offense through RBs Rex Burkhead and Dameon Pierce. On defense, Houston will aim to slow down a Denver offense that’s full of weapons — the Texans won’t want to get into a shootout.

Matchup to watch: Texans LT Laremy Tunsil vs. Broncos OLB Randy Gregory. Before missing most of last season with a thumb injury, Tunsil allowed one sack in 14 games in 2020. Tunsil, a two-time Pro Bowler, is now healthy again and he’ll be going up against Gregory, who received a five-year, $70 million contract from Denver this offseason after he totaled 52 QB hits in 50 games with the Cowboys from 2015-2021.

Who wins? The Broncos will be motivated to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss last week that featured a pair of goal-line fumbles in Seattle. Houston won’t present Wilson and Co. with the same kind of emotional test as the Seahawks did in Week 1. Broncos 27, Texans 20.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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Broncos buzz: Quick notes after final week of preseason

KJ Hamler’s first game snaps since his ACL injury were “very encouraging,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said.

The Denver Broncos wrapped up preseason over the weekend and they are now turning attention to their Week 1 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. Here’s our final Broncos buzz update of the summer.

KJ Hamler returns to action: After tearing his ACL last September, Hamler had a grueling offseason of recovery and rehab. The Broncos were extremely cautious with the WR over the summer, but they felt he was ready to return to action in their season finale and he looked healthy and confident. “For a guy that hasn’t played for as long as he had, it’s very encouraging, and he’s feeling a lot better,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said. Hamler caught three passes for 18 yards in his first game back since the injury. After the game, Hamler said he asked to play even longer than he did (25 snaps), but the coaching staff wanted to be conservative.

Rookie watch: Safety Delarrin Turner-Yell helped stuff the Vikings on a 4th-and-goal run in the first half, but after a challenge, Minnesota was awarded a touchdown. No problem for Turner-Yell, who later stopped another 4th-and-goal attempt with a sack in the fourth quarter. That play did stand, and it essentially sealed a win for Denver. The fifth-round draft pick finished preseason with 12 tackles, including one tackle behind the line of scrimmage and one sack. The Broncos are deep at safety, so Turner-Yell will likely contribute primarily on special teams as a rookie.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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Broncos buzz: Quick notes after second week of preseason

Brandon Johnson might be the Broncos’ latest UDFA gem.

With preseason in full swing, here’s our third installment of weekly Broncos buzz notes heading into the regular season.  

Brandon Johnson’s summer rise: After an excellent training camp and a strong performance in the team’s first preseason game, Johnson was given borderline-starter treatment in Week 2 of preseason. Fellow WRs Seth Williams, Jalen Virgil, Darrius Shepherd and Trey Quinn all played much later in Saturday’s game against the Bills than Johnson, presumably a sign that he’s above them on the depth chart. Johnson caught one pass before later taking a seat on the sideline with Denver’s regular starters in Buffalo. There’s still one more preseason game to go, but Johnson appears to be an early favorite to make the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie, continuing the team’s history of finding UDFA gems.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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Broncos buzz: Quick notes after first week of preseason

Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett had a good debut last week, and Montrell Washington provided a spark on special teams.

With preseason in full swing, here’s our second installment of weekly Broncos buzz notes heading into the regular season.  

Coach debut: Sure, it’s only preseason, but Nathaniel Hackett is off to a great start with the Broncos. Denver hired the former Packers offensive coordinator after firing Vic Fangio in January. Fangio and Hackett are opposites in nearly every way — Fangio (63) was a defensive guru; Hackett (42) is an offensive mastermind. Fangio was an old-school, no-nonsense, borderline no-fun coach. Music at practice? Not on Fangio’s watch. Hackett’s a younger, fun-loving coach who’s brought the music and energy back to Denver. Fangio’s defense often played well, but his game management was poor. Hackett, despite being a first-year head coach, already appears to be an upgrade in that category. While Fangio often kept timeouts in his pocket going into halftime, Hackett used his against the Cowboys last week to get the ball back and score a field goal just before halftime. That might not sound significant, but it marks a big improvement from the team’s clock management under previous management.

Rookie watch: With Tim Patrick (ACL) sidelined, Brandon Johnson has stepped up at WR. The undrafted rookie caught four passes for 64 yards in the team’s first preseason game, and he’ll have a real chance to make the 53-man roster if he continues playing well over the next two weeks.

This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.

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