The Denver Broncos (10-7) are on the road today against the Buffalo Bills (13-4) in a playoff matchup that features rookie quarterback Bo Nix facing off against former friend Von Miller. Denver faces the tough task of trying to slow down Josh Allen, who is having an MVP-caliber season.

Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills Wildcard Roundup

If the Broncos are going to win in today’s game, these are some of the key storylines that will be important at kickoff.

  1. Can the Broncos shock the world?
  2. How will the Broncos defense defend the Bills offense?
  3. Can Bo Nix shine in his playoff debut?
  4. The best effort of the season is necessary

Here is the tale of the tape for Sunday’s AFC Wildcard Playoff matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Denver has a ticket to the dance, can they stay on the floor?

Broncos offense:

  • Net Yards Per Game: 324.6 (19th)
  • Points Per Game: 25.0 (10th)
  • Net Rushing Yards Per Game: 112.6 (16th)
  • Net Passing Yards Per Game: 212.4 (20th)
  • Sacks Allowed: 24 (T-3rd)
  • Third Down Conversion Percentage: 39.6% (13th)
  • Red Zone Conversion Percentage: 62.5% (7th)
  • Top Offensive Players: Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims
  • Leading Rusher: Javonte Williams (513 rushing yards)
  • Leading Receiver: Courtland Sutton (1081 receiving yards, eight touchdowns)

Bills Defense:

  • Net Yards Allowed Per Game: 341.5 (17th)
  • Points Per Game Allowed: 21.6 (7th)
  • Net Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 115.5 (12th)
  • Net Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 226.1 (25th)
  • Sacks: 36 (T-18th)
  • Third Down Conversion Percentage: 43.8% (29th)
  • Red Zone Conversion Percentage: 57.4% (16th)
  • Top Defensive Players: Greg Rousseau, Von Miller, Ed Oliver, Christian Benford
  • Leading Sack Producer: Greg Rousseau (8.0)
  • Leading Tackler: Dorian Williams (114)
  • Interception Leader: Seven players tied with two

Broncos Defense:

  • Net Yards Allowed Per Game: 317.1 (7th)
  • Points Per Game Allowed: 18.3 (2nd)
  • Net Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 96.4 (3rd)
  • Net Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 220.7 (20th)
  • Sacks: 63 (1st)
  • Third Down Conversion Percentage: 37.3% (11th)
  • Red Zone Conversion Percentage: 46.9% (3rd)
  • Top Defensive Players: Patrick Surtain II, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen
  • Leading Sack Producer: Nik Bonitto (13.5)
  • Leading Tackler: Brandon Jones (115)
  • Interception Leader: Patrick Surtain II (4)

Bills Offense:

  • Net Yards Per Game: 359.1 (10th)
  • Points Per Game: 30.9 (2nd)
  • Net Rushing Yards Per Game: 131.2 (9th)
  • Net Passing Yards Per Game: 227.9 (9th)
  • Sacks Allowed: 14 (1st)
  • Third Down Conversion Percentage: 44.1% (7th)
  • Red Zone Conversion Percentage: 71.6% (2nd)
  • Top Offensive Players: Josh Allen, James Cook, Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, Dalton Kincaid
  • Leading Rusher: James Cook (1009 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns)
  • Leading Receiver: Khalil Shakir (821 yards, four touchdowns)

Notable Injuries for Sunday’s game

Denver Broncos:

  • OT Frank Crum has been ruled out with an illness and placed on the non-injured reserve list.

Buffalo Bills Injury Report:

  • The Buffalo Bills do not have any notable injuries.

Biggest key for the Denver Broncos – A hot start is the way

Getting off to a hot start on the road is going to be crucial for the Broncos offense and defense. My coach always used to tell me that you’re down 14-0 the moment you get off the bus, and every moment of preparation, from warmups to the opening kick, gets you on track. If the Broncos get the ball to start off the game, they have to come out aggressive to try and take a 7-0 lead early on. Denver will play much more loose and in control with a touchdown lead, and that can play heavily into their favor by possibly forcing Josh Allen and the Bills to press.

Defensively, the Broncos have to get off the field on third down and can’t allow for consistent conversions by the Bills offense. Allen and the Bills offense have a unit that’s not afraid of going for it on fourth down. It will be crucial to get a few early stops defensively.

Other keys to victory

  • Threaten the Bills with a run game.
  • Quick passing game — allow Bo Nix to get the ball out quickly.
  • Bring forth the best defensive effort all season.

Matchup to watch for – Troy Franklin in line for a big game?

There are a handful of matchups that will be on display in today’s game, and Courtland Sutton will have a major part in this coming to fruition. With Bills cornerback Christian Benford likely following around Sutton, Buffalo may also bracket him with Taylor Rapp over the top.

Marvin Mims will be the next focus of the Bills defensively regarding Bo Nix and Denver’s passing game, and if they try to eliminate what he’s able to do, that’s where Troy Franklin comes into play. All season long, Nix and the offense have tried to connect on some deep shots to Franklin, but this game might set up perfectly to get him the ball.

One thing we’ve needed to see more of is Franklin getting the ball in the short and intermediate passing game and possibly on some deep shots, but moving the chains and keeping drives alive will be the most crucial point for the offense, and Franklin will be in the best position to do just that.