Now that the Broncos finally seem to be hitting their stride, they’ll head into a color-rush matchup with the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills.
What are the keys to that game, who will win, and should the Broncos have drafted Josh Allen back in 2018? Our experts Rich Kurtzman and Zach Segars have all those answers and more below.
What Broncos player has the most to gain (and/or lose) over the final 3 weeks?
Rich Kurtzman (@RichKurtzman): There are multiple who have a lot on the line. Drew Lock can further cement his status as the starter with three more good-to-great performances. Justin Simmons can continue to prove he deserves to be paid, greatly. And Tim Patrick can show everyone how valuable he is going into 2021 when Courtland Sutton returns from injury.
Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars): Michael Ojemudia is the name that really sticks out to me. He’s been excellent in bursts this season, but he’s also had stretches where he’s struggled tremendously. If he closes the season with one of those stretches of high-end play, it could convince the Broncos to cut A.J. Bouye, and start Ojemudia on the perimeter next season alongside a first-round rookie.
Given the power of hindsight, should the Broncos have taken Josh Allen instead of Bradley Chubb?
Rich Kurtzman: No. Allen was the worst passer in terms of accuracy coming out of college and he played at Wyoming, in the Mountain West. Meaning he wasn’t facing the toughest competition; it was anyone’s guess how he’d turn out. Allen took a huge step forward last year and then another massive leap this year in terms of accuracy, which resulted in his other stats skyrocketing as well. Simply, no one knew Allen would turn out to be this good, the Bills were desperate and got lucky.
Meanwhile, Chubb has been magnificent outside of his injury last year. He is carrying the torch Von Miller lit and will be the star edge rusher for years to come.
Zach Segars: No because Josh Allen wouldn’t have been this version of Allen with the Broncos. It feels weird to say, but the Bills are much more stable than the Broncos as a franchise now, and they have also built an elite coaching staff. Given 3 years to work within that system, and to have the front office surround you with skill position players, is something few NFL teams would have been able to afford, and it’s the reason he’s worked out.
Instead, the Broncos got an elite edge-rusher who can rack up double-digit sacks annually. Not too shabby.
What is the biggest key to a Broncos victory this week?
Rich Kurtzman: The key will be for the offense to be on fire again this week because it’s going to be a barn-burner against the Bills. Lock needs to be on once again and expect Denver to use some power running like we’ve seen recently.
Zach Segars: Redzone defense. No one is better at forcing offenses to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns, than Vic Fangio. It’s a massive key to his defensive success, and he’ll have his work cut out for him this week against Josh Allen, who is a force in the redzone as deadly as Derrick Henry, Mike Evans, or Travis Kelce. He’s got the arm to fit it into any window, and is the best power-rushing quarterback in football. He’s Cam Newton 2.0.
Who will be Denver’s player of the game?
Rich Kurtzman: Phillip Lindsay will go over the century mark with two TDs.
Zach Segars: Drew Lock. The Broncos are going to have to put it up a lot of points and attack through the air to hang around in this one.
What’s your score prediction?
Rich Kurtzman: Broncos win 33-26
Zach Segars: Bills win 28-27