With the Denver Broncos’ Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills almost upon us, the Mile High Sports Broncos staff answers the most pressing questions in an effort to preview the game.
Let’s take a look.
What is the key to this game?
Rich Kurtzman (@RichKurtzman): The key for this game is the same as the last game: Play with aggression in BOTH halves.
Denver has done well to take shots in the first half of their last two games but the offense went way too conservative in the second halves of those games, losing last week because of it.
Alex Becker (@a_beck9): The key to this game is Denver being effective in rattling Josh Allen.
As the fourth-ranked defense in the NFL, the Broncos will be one of the best defenses Allen has seen this year. If they can get the second-year quarterback to make ill-advised decisions and create turnovers, it will take less pressure off Brandon Allen and the Denver offense.
Aniello Piro (@MediaByAP): The key to this game will be the Bronco’s defense and their ability to slow down Josh Allen.
The Bills offense has been hit or miss throughout this season, and they have been in many close games because of that. Brandon Allen has played well, so Denver should be able to score on offense. If the Denver D flusters Allen, they have a chance.
Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars): The key to the Broncos’ offense will be Courtland Sutton and his matchup with TreDavious White.
Sutton has been a borderline All-Pro this season, especially as of late, but will face his toughest matchup since his Week 5 duel with Casey Hayward in the Bills’ White. The Broncos offense is dependent on Sutton and if White shuts him down, it could get ugly quick.
What must the Broncos stop?
Rich Kurtzman: The Broncos have to worry that Josh Allen gets hot. If they can create some consistent pressure, the inaccurate QB may turn the ball over multiple times. That would be a recipe for success in Denver.
Alex Becker: Denver needs to stop Buffalo’s pass rush. The Bills have 29 sacks on the season and you can bet they will try to put some heat on Brandon Allen. Brandon Allen’s mobility will come into play as he may be facing a collapsing pocket for much of the day.
Aniello Piro: The Broncos need to worry about the Bills defense. Buffalo’s defense is one of the best units in the NFL and they will look to feast on the Broncos rookie quarterback.
Zach Segars: Buffalo’s offense is the antonym to potent and it has below-average talent at almost every position. The one thing rolling for them is John Brown, who’s also leading the AFC in receiving yards. Shutting him down would not only suffocate the Bills’ attack but give Sutton a good shot at that AFC receiving crown.
Which Bronco gets the game ball?
Rich Kurtzman: Courtland Sutton. When the Broncos go to him consistently, we’ve seen him dominate in recent weeks. If they go to Sutton all game long, he’ll be the game’s leading receiver and Denver will win.
Alex Becker: Phillip Lindsay. The Broncos will have trouble throwing the football, so they will see if the ground game, led by Lindsay can get it done. He’ll end the day with over 100 rushing yards against a defense that is allowing 106.3 rushing yards per game.
Aniello Piro: I think Courtland Sutton will get the game ball. Since Emmanuel Sanders was traded, Sutton has emerged as the Broncos top receiver. He’s played well in each of the last two games, and that should continue against Buffalo.
Zach Segars: The game ball goes to Von Miller, who is more than due for a signature game. The Bills have a weak offensive line that will only be made weaker by the absence of tackle Ty Nsekhe. Add in a quarterback who holds the ball too long and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a multi-sack performance.
Score Prediction
Rich Kurtzman: Denver finds their rhythm on offense in the second half as they finish off the Bills. Broncos win 24-23.
Alex Becker: Broncos find a way to lose in a tough place to play. Bills win 24-19.
Aniello Piro: Call me crazy, but I think Denver can pull this one out on the road. Brandon Allen has been solid and the defense should rebound against a subpar Bills offense. Broncos win 17-13.
Zach Segars: The Broncos’ offense remains hot and defense suffocates Buffalo’s flat offense and exposes a Bills team that has gained a 7-3 record off the backs of tomato cans and cupcakes. Broncos win 23-10