Tag: things to watch

5 things to watch for when the Broncos host the Colts in Week 15

The Broncos are set to host the Colts on Sunday. Here are five things to watch for in Week 15.

The Denver Broncos (8-5) are set to host the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season in a game with massive playoff implications in the AFC. Ahead of Sunday’s showdown, here are five quick storylines to keep an eye on leading up to and during the game.

1. Denver’s cornerback rotation: Riley Moss (knee) seems unlikely to play this weekend and Levi Wallace was a disaster in his place in Week 13. Might the Broncos turn to rookie Kris Abrams-Draine this week? Josh Downs (shoulder) has returned to practice for the Colts and Indy’s offense also features Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell. Denver needs to get the cornerback rotation right against a talented group of Colts receivers.

2. Containing Colts QB Anthony Richardson: He’s had his share of struggles as a passer, but Richardson has a big arm and dangerous legs. The 22-year-old quarterback has rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns through nine starts this season, picking up 28 first downs along the way. The Broncos have a brilliant group of pass rushers, but the unit will need to be careful to not get too far upfield and allow Richardson to get outside of the pocket and beat them around the edge.

3. Broncos’ rushing attack: Jaleel McLaughlin has been the team’s most productive running back in their last two games, but Denver will likely continue its committee approach against Indy. The Colts allow 147 rushing yards per game, second-most in the NFL. That’s good news for McLaughlin, Javonte Williams and rookie Audric Estime. Building an early lead and running over Indy’s defense could be a winning game plan on Sunday.

4. Denver’s defense vs. Jonathan Taylor: The Colts also have a productive rushing attack. With one of the NFL’s best rushing quarterbacks and an elite running back in Taylor, Indy has averaged 118.8 rushing yards per game this season. The Broncos’ defense, meanwhile, has allowed 94.7 rushing yards per contest. Denver’s defensive line against the Colts’ offensive line will be one of the most important matchups in Week 15.

5. Bo Nix coming out of the bye week: For the first time in his career, Nix is set to play an NFL game coming out of a bye week. He should be well-prepared as coach Sean Payton is 10-6 coming off a bye in his career, including a 24-22 win over the Buffalo Bills last season. Nix has totaled 3,148 all-purpose and 22 total touchdowns through his first 13 games in the NFL. This week, he’ll look to build on those totals against an Indy defense that has allowed the fourth-most yards (379.4) per game this season.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites against the Colts.

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Broncos vs. Browns: 5 things to watch for in Week 13

Here are five storylines to watch for when the Broncos host the Browns on ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 13.

The Denver Broncos are set to host the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football on Dec. 2. Here are five quick storylines to watch for going into the game.

1. Drew Sanders status and role: Sanders was activated from the PUP list earlier this week. Now there are two questions: 1) will he play on Monday and 2) what position will he play? Sanders began last season as an inside linebacker out of necessity but later moved to outside linebacker and the Broncos hinted this spring that he would play as an OLB in 2024. Denver has plenty of depth on the edge, though, and they could use help at ILB. We’ll see what kind of role Sanders has on Monday (assuming he plays).

2. Jerry Jeudy’s return to Denver: Jameis Winston taking over as Cleveland’s starting QB was good news for Jeudy, who has totaled 24 receptions for 379 yards and one touchdown over the last four games. The receiver will undoubtedly have something to prove against his former team on Monday.

3. Broncos running back rotation: Over the last three weeks, Audric Estime, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin have led the team’s backfield in rushing yards once each. It’s nearly impossible to predict how the RB rotation will shake out, but it looks like a good matchup for Denver on paper. The Browns are allowing 130.6 rushing yards per game, ninth-most in the NFL.

4. Denver’s offensive line vs. Myles Garrett: The Broncos held up well against Garrett last year, limiting him to just two tackles and no sacks. Garrett has just 1.5 sacks in four career games against Denver, a number he’d like to improve in Week 13. The Broncos’ offensive line ranks No. 1 in pass protection this fall, but Garrett will be a big test.

5. Broncos’ defense vs. Jameis Winston: Denver ranks 11th with nine interceptions this season and the unit’s 44 sacks rank No. 1 in the NFL. Winston has thrown four interceptions through four starts with the Browns and he’s been sacked 12 times. Monday could be a big day for the Broncos’ defense.

Monday’s game will be nationally televised on ESPN. Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites in Week 13.

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Broncos vs. Raiders: 5 things to watch for in Week 12

The Broncos will go on the road to face the Raiders in Week 12. Here are five things to watch for on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos (6-5) will go on the road to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a quick list of five storylines to watch for leading up to the AFC West showdown.

1. Denver’s running back rotation: It appeared that Audric Estime might be taking over as the new RB1, but Javonte Williams quickly put that notion to rest by leading the backfield in touches last week. So, what will the backfield rotation look like going forward? It’s tough to predict — especially if the Broncos ride the hot hand — but it seems that Williams is still the lead back with Jaleel McLaughlin and Estime rotating in behind him.

2. Brock Bowers vs. Broncos’ defense: When Denver played the Raiders in Week 5, rookie tight end Brock Bowers totaled eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Bowers has been a bright spot for a struggling Las Vegas squad in recent weeks, and he will be a tough test for the Broncos’ secondary. “You can see how they made it a point of emphasis to give him the ball in any spot and any position,” cornerback Pat Surtain said. “They even have him at ‘X’ [receiver] backside and at his tight end spot at the ‘Z.’ He is playing all positions, and they are utilizing him very well. It will be a good challenge for us.”

3. Maxx Crosby vs. Denver’s offensive line: The Broncos beat the Raiders 34-18 earlier this season, but Bowers and defensive lineman Maxx Crosby were both problems for Denver. Crosby ended the day with two sacks and he now has 15.5 sacks in 11 career games against the Broncos. “It’s important [to know where he is at],” quarterback Bo Nix said. “He’s a really good player. He played well last time we played him even though he was a little banged up. I’m sure he’s going to be fresh and ready to go this game. One thing about him is his motor never stops. He’s a hard-working player. He plays every snap really hard, and he tries to get in everyone’s head. That’s just the type of style he is and the player he is. He’s really good. One of the best in the league.”

4. Broncos QB Bo Nix chasing history: Denver’s quarterback has been setting multiple franchise rookie records this fall and he needs just one touchdown on Sunday to break the team’s rookie passing record of 14 (he’s currently tied with Marlin Briscoe). Going up against a Las Vegas defense that allows 327.8 yards and 28.5 points per game, Bo Nix might be poised to have another big performance in Week 12.

5. Denver’s seeking first-ever win in Las Vegas: Since moving to the desert in 2020, the Raiders are 4-0 against the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. “I’m excited to go [there for] a road divisional game,” Nix said. “They’re always a lot of fun. I know it’s an important game. It’s going to be an awesome atmosphere. It’s going to be a fun game. They’re going to have a good team. They’re going to be ready to go. Playing them again, I think it’s going to be a good game. I’m excited for the opportunity we have. Any divisional games are always important.”

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on Fox (view the TV map). The Broncos are considered the favorite despite playing on the road.

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Broncos vs. Falcons: 5 things to watch for in Week 11

The Denver Broncos are set to host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Here are five storylines to watch for in Week 11.

The Denver Broncos (5-5) are set to host the Atlanta Falcons (6-4) in Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a quick list of five storylines to keep an eye on this week.

1. Justin Simmons returns to Denver: Simmons, of course, spent the first eight years of his career with the Broncos before being cut and joining the Falcons this offseason. He expects to hear some boos when he returns to Empower Field at Mile High, but fans in Denver will likely greet him with a warm welcome instead.

2. Denver’s defense vs. Kirk Cousins and Co.: Vance Joseph’s unit ranks fifth in total yards allowed per game (295.7), third in points allowed (17.7) and second in sacks (35) this season. This week, Denver’s defense will face a Falcons offense that ranks fifth in total yards per game (375.1) and fourth in passing yards (250.4). Atlanta’s 124.7 rushing yards per contest rank 12th as Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier have proven to be a dynamic backfield duo. 

3. Broncos running back rotation: Last week, rookie Audric Estime appeared to take over as the team’s new lead running back. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi downplayed that on Thursday by saying the team was riding the “hot hand.” Denver head coach Sean Payton seems to be a big fan of Estime, though, so we expect him to continue leading the way on carries. Javonte Williams will likely remain the RB in passing situations because he is the best blocking and receiving back on the team, and Jaleel McLaughlin will continue to offer a chance-of-pace option. 

4. Alex Forsyth’s field goal protection: The entire kicking unit will be scrutinized this week after a blocked field goal cost the Broncos a win against the Kansas City Chiefs last week. Nobody will be watched more closely than lineman Alex Forsyth, who was culpable for the block in Kansas City. Denver special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica seems confident it won’t happen again.

5. Bo Nix vs. Falcons’ defense: Atlanta has a talented secondary that includes Simmons, but they struggle to get after quarterbacks. The Falcons have a league-low nine sacks this season and they have allowed the ninth-most passing yards per game (223.4) this fall. The stats suggest that Sunday could be a big game for Nix. Coming off a strong performance against the Chiefs, Nix will look to continue making strides against Atlanta. 

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on Fox (view the TV map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered slight favorites in Week 11.

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Broncos vs. Chiefs: 5 things to watch for on Sunday

Here are five things to watch for when the Chiefs host the Broncos on Sunday.

After facing the Baltimore Ravens on the road last week, the Denver Broncos are now set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on the road this week.

The Broncos lost to the Ravens 41-10 and coach Sean Payton must now attempt to stop the bleeding before going up against a division rival.

“Listen there’s a little bit of UFC to our league,” Payton said this week.
“You’ve got to be able to, each week, I don’t care who you’re playing, if you’re not careful you can catch one on the chin. You’ve got to get back up and you’ve got to get back to work.

“That gets back to that mental toughness, the grit, all the things that we’re looking for. Not only in our players, but our coaches and everyone. You get excited to play the next game to hopefully get the taste out of your mouth.”

With the team looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat in Baltimore, here are five storylines to watch for ahead of the Denver vs. KC matchup.

1. Weekend roster moves: The Broncos have seven players set to return to the 53-man roster in the coming weeks, and they’ll have to make some cuts to make room for the returning plays. Denver has one open spot on the active roster after trading pass rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals, but the team will probably need to create at least one more opening this weekend. Center Luke Wattenberg and linebacker Kwon Alexander seem to be likely candidates to get activated to the 53-man roster on Saturday.

2. Denver’s center decision: With Wattenberg expected to return, the Broncos will need to make a decision at center. Wattenberg started the first five games of the season before landing on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Alex Forsyth started the last four games while Wattenberg was on IR. Will the team now stick with Forysth or go back to Wattenberg?

3. Broncos backfield rotation: The Chiefs allow just 83.9 rushing yards per game, third-fewest in the NFL this season. That will be a tough test for starter Javonte Williams and change-of-pace back Jaleel McLaughlin. Payton also hinted this week that rookie Audric Estime could be more involved in the second half of the season.

4. Pat Surtain vs. DeAndre Hopkins: It didn’t take long for “Nuk” to get on the same page with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In his second game after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans via trade, Hopkins hauled in eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns in Week 9. Hopkins is still a formidable receiver, especially in the red zone. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Surtain follow Hopkins on Sunday.

5. Bo Nix connecting on deep throws: Despite playing with Troy Franklin in college, Nix has struggled to connect on deep throws to Franklin this season. Facing a Chiefs secondary that ranks near the middle of the pack, Nix will undoubtedly aim to get on the same page with Franklin this week. Going up a stingy run defense, Nix will need to step up for Denver’s offense to have success on the road.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, KC is considered a heavy favorite against the Broncos.

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Broncos vs. Ravens: 5 things to watch for on Sunday

Here are five storylines to watch for when the Ravens host the Broncos on Sunday.

The Baltimore Ravens (5-3) are set to host the Denver Broncos (5-3) in Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here are five storylines to keep an eye on going into the AFC showdown.

1. Final injury report: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back/knee) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, and Broncos safety P.J. Locke (thumb) and right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) are also sidelined. If Jackson can’t play, Josh Johnson would be the next man up for Baltimore. Devon Key is Locke’s backup and Alex Palczewski is McGlinchey’s backup. The final injury reports for both teams will be released on Friday.

2. Denver’s defense vs. Derrick Henry: Historically, Henry has not had as much success against the Broncos as other teams. In four career games against Denver, Henry has 77 carries for 239 yards (a modest 3.10 yards per carry average) and no touchdowns. The Broncos have never faced Henry in this Ravens offense, however, and the star running back is on pace for the second 2,000-yard season of his career.

3. Last game before the trade deadline: The NFL’s trade deadline is Tuesday and it’s possible that Sunday could mark the final time a player suits up for the Broncos. One player in particular to keep an eye on is pass rusher Baron Browning, who has been frequently mentioned as a trade candidate in recent weeks.

4. Containing Lamar Jackson: If he does play, Jackson will be one of the toughest tests Denver’s defense faces this season. Jackson has completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,099 yards with 17 touchdowns against just two interceptions this fall. The two-time NFL MVP also has 501 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. The Broncos’ defense will need to keep him in the pocket and count on the secondary to win their matchups in coverage.

5. Bo Nix vs. Ravens secondary: Coming off the best game of his career, Nix will face a Baltimore defense that has allowed 291.4 passing yards per game, most in the NFL. Nix downplayed that stat this week by noting that the Ravens build leads and force teams to throw against them, but he didn’t mention the fact that teams have been able to throw against Baltimore. On paper, this is a good matchup for Nix, and the offense will need to count on him as the Ravens allow a league-low 69.9 rushing yards per game. If the Broncos are going to get an upset win on the road, Nix will need to have a big day.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (TV broadcast map). Playing on the road, Denver is considered a big underdog in Week 9.

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5 things to watch for when Broncos face Buccaneers in Week 3

Here are five things to watch for when the Broncos face the Buccaneers in Week 3.

The Denver Broncos (0-2) are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season. Here are five things to keep an eye on during Sunday’s game.

1. Denver’s new right tackle: After losing Mike McGlinchey to a knee injury, the Broncos will start Alex Palczewski at right tackle. “Palcho” will be making the first start of his NFL career after filling in for an injured McGlinchey for two snaps last week.

2. Other lineup changes: Denver coach Sean Payton hinted this week that we could see personnel changes against the Bucs. Payton did not say where the changes would be made, but all of the team’s skill players (wide receivers, tight ends and running backs) have underwhelmed through the first two games of the season.

3. Establishing a ground game: Javonte Williams and Co. have struggled to find success on the ground through the first two games of the season. This week, the Broncos will face a Bucs defense that has allowed 277 rushing yards (14th-most). Denver needs to get its rushing attack back on track.

4. Pat Surtain vs. Mike Evans: Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain is expected to follow Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans on Sunday, an elite-on-elite matchup. The Bucs also have Chris Godwin, but he usually plays in the slot, so he’ll likely be matched up against Ja’Quan McMillian.

5. Bo Nix’s quest for improvement: Nix took small steps forward in his second game, but he has yet to throw his first touchdown pass in the NFL. After throwing two interceptions in each of his first two games, can Nix protect the ball and find the end zone on Sunday?

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5 things to watch for when Broncos host Steelers in Week 2

Here’s what we’ll be watching for when the Broncos host the Steelers on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos (0-1) are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season this weekend. Here’s a quick list of five things we’ll be watching for on Sunday afternoon.

1. Russell Wilson’s status: Wilson (calf) sat out Pittsburgh’s season opener and Justin Fields helped the Steelers defeat the Atlanta Falcons 18-10. Wilson has been limited at practice this week and Fields appears to be the favorite to start again in Week 2, but Wilson would undoubtedly like an opportunity to prove a point against his former team. It remains to be seen if Wilson will be cleared to play.

2. Denver’s wide receiver rotation: Devaughn Vele was the team’s No. 3 receiver last week behind Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds, but the rookie now has a rib injury. That could lead to more work for Marvin Mims — who played just 12 snaps on offense last week — and Troy Franklin, who was a healthy scratch in Week 1.

3. Kristian Welch’s snaps on defense: Welch ate into Cody Barton’s snaps in the team’s season opener. While Alex Singleton played all 67 snaps on defense, Barton got 24 snaps on defense and Welch got 19 snaps despite joining the team just a few days earlier. It will be interesting to see if Welch gets even more work this week now that he has had more practice in Vance Joseph’s defense.

4. Broncos’ rushing attack: Javonte Williams averaged 2.9 yards per carry last week and Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 2.7 yards per tote. That’s not going to cut it, which coach Sean Payton made clear this week. After placing Audric Estime on injured reserve this week, Denver seems likely to utilize Blake Watson as RB3 on Sunday after the rookie was inactive in Week 1.

5. Bo Nix bouncing back: There’s no denying that Nix struggled in his NFL debut, as rookie quarterbacks often do. Now it’s time to see how Nix responds. Can he bounce back in his second NFL start, and will he push the ball down the field more than he did in his debut? We’ll find out Sunday.

Denver’s game against the Steelers will be regionally televised on CBS. The Broncos are considered a betting underdog despite playing at home.

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10 things to watch for when Broncos face Seahawks in Week 1

Bo Nix will make his first NFL start against the Seahawks on Sunday. Here are 10 things to watch for when the Broncos travel to Seattle.

The Denver Broncos are set to go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. Going into the weekend, here’s a quick look at ten things to watch for on Sunday.

1. NFL’s new kickoff format: The league has switched to a new XFL-style kickoff format this year and the Broncos believe they will benefit from it. We’ll see if Marvin Mims can take advantage of more opportunities to return.

2. Season-opening roster construction: Denver can elevate two players from the practice squad to the game-day roster each week. It seems like a fairly safe guess that wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and fullback Michael Burton will be the top candidates to be elevated in Week 1. That could lead to rookie Troy Franklin being a healthy scratch.

3. Luke Wattenberg at center: After losing Lloyd Cushenberry during free agency, the Broncos have replaced him in the starting lineup with Wattenberg. The four other starting linemen are all returning from 2023. Denver will hope Wattenberg is not a weak link as the only new starter.

4. It’s now or never for Greg Dulcich: He’s finally healthy, so can the tight end utilize his speed to make a big impact in Sean Payton’s offense?

5. A lighter Javonte Williams: The running back lost 11 pounds this offseason and Payton has said he looks like “a completely different player.” Sure, that could be coach speak, but Williams is now two years removed from his 2022 knee injury. Perhaps we’ll see a rejuvenated RB in 2024.

6. New-look defensive line: The Broncos signed Malcolm Roach during free agency, then they acquired John Franklin-Myers in a trade with the New York Jets. JFM and Roach joined a d-line rotation that already featured Zach Allen and D.J. Jones. Denver also has Eyioma Uwazurike returning from last year’s gambling suspension, and the team has been impressed with Jordan Jackson. The defensive line could be one of the Broncos’ big strengths in 2024.

7. Cody Barton replacing Josey Jewell: Denver lost Jewell in free agency and replaced him with Barton, who has started 24 games over the last two seasons. Will there be a noticeable difference at ILB?

8. Riley Moss at cornerback: Moss was never able to get going on defense as a rookie after undergoing core muscle surgery last summer. Now healthy entering Year 2, Moss is set to start across from Pat Surtain at cornerback. Let’s see what he can do.

9. Replacing Justin Simmons at safety: After moving on from both Simmons and Caden Sterns this offseason, the Broncos are poised to start free agent addition Brandon Jones and P.J. Locke at safety. There’s obviously going to be a drop-off going from one of the NFL’s best safeties to players with no career accolades, but can Jones and Locke hold their own?

10. Bo Nix makes his NFL debut: Nix is set to become the team’s 14th starting quarterback in the post-Peyton Manning era. Nix will also become Denver’s first rookie quarterback since John Elway to start in Week 1. No pressure, rookie.

After facing the Seahawks, the Broncos will return home to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. First things first, Seattle’s on deck.

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5 things to watch for in Broncos’ preseason finale

Here are five things to watch for when the Broncos host the Cardinals in their preseason finale.

The Denver Broncos are set to host the Arizona Cardinals in their preseason finale on Sunday afternoon. Here are five things we’ll be watching for as Denver closes out preseason.

1. Zach Wilson vs. Jarrett Stidham: Bo Nix is the starter, now who will be his backup? If the Broncos only carry two QBs, Sunday’s game could play an important role in the decision.

2. Battle for last WR spots: Jalen Virgil Brandon Johnson,  Lil’Jordan Humphrey, David Sills and Michael Bandy have all impressed at times this summer. How many — if any? — of them will make the team? Sunday is one last chance to stand out.

3. Backup offensive linemen: Assuming Luke Wattenberg has the center job secured, the starting lineup on the o-line is set. The backup spots are still up for grabs. Calvin Throckmorton, Nick Gargiulo, Will Sherman and Oliver Jervis are among the contenders at guard. Matt Peart, Alex Palczewski and Frank Crum are fighting for backup spots at tackle.

4. Penalties: Denver committed 13 fouls for 120 yards last week, something coach Sean Payton said he wanted to get cleaned up. We’ll see if the backups can play a clean game.

5. Damarri Mathis: Technically, Mathis has been competing for a starting spot this summer, but we have him on the roster bubble. If he impresses in the Broncos’ preseason finale, Mathis can secure a spot.

After wrapping up preseason, Denver will begin finalizing a 53-man roster. We will track all of the team’s roster cuts on Broncos Wire.

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