Although the Broncos have been an underdog every week this season, including this week and in their win over the Jets, this matchup with the Panthers lines up well for the offense to take a leap just like Drew Lock forecasted in his press conference earlier this week.

But, does our panel of Broncos experts think Lock can make that leap?

Is there such a thing as a ‘moral victory’ in regard to the Broncos close loss to the Chiefs

Doug Ottewill(@DOttewill): No. Not unless the Broncos have aspirations to become the New York Jets. Can you take positives from any game, win or lose? Sure. But no good team should take solace in a “close” loss to a division rival that appears to be building a dynasty that could last years.

Zach Segars(@Zach_Segars): Absolutely there is. Right now, the most likely finish to the season is the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl at 18-1. If you can come a missed 57-yard field goal and a first-half interception away from upsetting them in Arrowhead, that’s a victory. Especially considering that under Vic Fangio and/or Drew Lock, the series had been very one-sided so far.

Rich Kurtzman(@RichKurtzman): Diehard fans will say there are no things as moral victories. That’s fine, but we can use nuance. The Broncos played up to the Chiefs, and Kansas City woefully misjudged how well Denver can play. Football is a game of momentum, which is why Fangio should have gone for that late 4th down, and if they can carry that strong play into this week, consider that a win.

What do you need to see from Drew Lock down the stretch to feel comfortable about him being the team’s lone starter in Week 1?

Doug Ottewill: Is a 300-yard game with no picks too much to ask? Probably, but it would be nice to see he’s capable. Realistically, he needs to be “consistently serviceable” – more TDs than INTs, more yards than 100-something, and wins…gotta get wins.

Zach Segars:

Rich Kurtzman: First and foremost he has to limit turnovers. He played well last week in between the two turnovers that were killers. Secondly, he needs to learn when to simply throw the ball away. And finally, no more throws off his back foot. Those three issues show up in every single game.

What is the biggest key to a Broncos victory this week?

Doug Ottewill: It’s the same key for Lock: Don’t turn the ball over. If they Broncos don’t beat themselves, they might have had a legitimate shot at winning in Kansas City.

Zach Segars: Don’t let the Panthers run the ball. It goes without saying that Christian McCaffrey is the engine Carolina’s offense runs on, but even if he’s out, they have a more than capable backup in Mike Davis.

Rich Kurtzman: If the Broncos let the run game carry Lock and the passing game, Denver has a solid shot. However, Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay must hold onto the football; Carolina has forced a league-high 12 fumbles this year.

Who will be Denver’s player of the game?

Doug Ottewill: Melvin Gordon. Given his legal troubles, this might be his last shot to show that he’s worth keeping. And if he runs anything like he did against the Chiefs, he very well might be.

Zach Segars: Will Parks. I think the Denver secondary is gonna have a surprisingly good game this week, and while Ojemudia is one candidate to bounceback, I see Philly Will having a triumphant return to the Broncos instead.

Rich Kurtzman: Phillip Lindsay. Use that power run game and let the Colorado native run free.

What’s your score prediction?

Doug Ottewill: Panthers win 23-20

Zach Segars: Broncos win 31-13

Rich Kurtzman: Broncos win 20-16