The Denver Broncos are currently in the NFL playoff picture, but that could change quickly. Currently they are 8-4, and hold the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC. But the schedule is about to increase significantly in difficulty.
On Sunday, Denver travels to Tennessee to face the 6-6 Titans. And then, the Broncos square off against three opponents that are atop of the AFC standings.
Next week, the Broncos will host the 10-2 New England Patriots. And in the final two weeks, they will go to Kansas City to face the Chiefs, and then host the Oakland Raiders in the regular season finale.
With those formidable games coming, it is important that the Broncos take care of the business at hand and defeat the Titans this week.
Here are five things they will need to do in order to get a win against the Tennessee Titans:
Last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lynch earned himself a 19.4 quarterback rating, and showed us that while he may have a bright future, his time has not yet come.
If the Broncos are going to do anything this season, they will need Siemian at the helm.
And Titans outside linebackers Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo will be looking to get to the Broncos backfield very quickly on every play. The offensive line must step up their game, and keep Siemian on the field down the stretch.
2. Don’t bend, because you will probably break
The Titans are currently leading the NFL in red-zone scoring percentage at 72.5 percent. If their offense crosses their opponents 20-yard line, they are putting up six points.
The Broncos defense is currently ranked 10th in the NFL in opponent red-zone scoring, but Mariota is a different kind of weapon. The three-year starter gets rid of the ball very quickly, making him tough to sack, and his quick feet allow him to buy some extra time and find the open man.
The Denver defense can’t depend on a late-game, red-zone stop; they could end up coming up short.
3. Value the football like your season depends on it
As we head down the final stretch and into the postseason, let’s not forget that last year the Broncos suddenly improved in their turnover margin, and then coincidentally got hot and won Super Bowl 50.
In 2015 the Broncos finished the season forcing 27 turnovers, while committing 31 of their own. But once the postseason began, Denver started winning the turnover battle, as they forced seven turnovers while committing just three.
The Titans have forced only 13 turnovers this season, but they have only turned it over 13 times themselves.
Denver needs to come out on top of that statistic on Sunday.
4. Free Von Miller
The Super Bowl MVP is playing at an insanely high level, with 52 tackles and a league-leading 13.5 sacks.
But can he get a little help from his teammates?
Von is consistently being double teamed, and sometimes even triple teamed, which means that a number of his teammates are struggling to beat even a single block.
The Titans offensive line has vastly improved in protecting their quarterback, as Mariota has been sacked just 18 times. On Sunday, they will be looking to cheat off of lesser players, and send more people at Miller.
If the Titans have to play Von honestly, he can add to his already impressive season.
But getting some additional help would be nice.
5. Get tougher up the gut
They love to run between the tackles, which has proven to be a weak spot for the Denver defense.
The Broncos are currently allowing 123 yards rushing per game on the ground, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise, that we have seen them wear down late in games as a result.
If the Titans are able to run the ball effectively with DeMarco Murray, it will set up the play-action pass for Mariota.
That will make for an extremely long day.
The Broncos have to close off those running lanes and clog the middle, if they are going to come out on top this Sunday.
Their season may depend on it.