The 7-6 Broncos take on the 7-6 Bengals in an AFC showdown with big playoff seeding implications. Denver this year when counted on, has not performed well. They usually play their best ball when they are counted out, for example the Cowboys and Chargers games. For this week, I would say it is pretty even from the national perspective when it comes to who believes which team will win this matchup. Hopefully Denver, regardless of where the national media stands, comes out with that underdog mentality and plays a complete game vs the Bengals. Here's how they can do it:
Come Out With Intensity
We will know if the Broncos will win this game or not based on the first 10 minutes of the game. When Denver comes out hot, they win! When they don't, they usually end up losing. Denver is 7-0 when leading at the half and 0-6 when trailing at the half. This team is built to play with a lead because of the dynamic ground game and the conservative play style from the QB. So it is paramount that Denver comes out with energy because if they fall behind the 8- ball they have shown they are unable to get back in front. I truly believe intensity is from the coach to the players. When Fangio is pumping his fist with emotion, the Broncos play with more fire under their seat and can dominate any team. Unfortunately we have seen Vic with his hands under his armpits with a stoic look on his face every play and that sometimes translates to how the team plays which explains the number of slow starts and lethargic body language on the field.
2. Win The Trenches!
Denver must play well on the offensive and defensive line in order to have a real chance in this game because the number unfortunately say that the Bengals should have their way all game between the trenches. The Broncos rank 11th in rush offense averaging 123.1 yards per game but the Bengals rank 4th in rush defense so they could be effective taking away the bread and butter of the offense if the Broncos do not stay patient with the run assuming they don't have early success. Meanwhile, the Bengals rank only 19th in rush offense but the last few games Joe Mixon has really started playing well and Denver's 10th ranked rush defense, that gave up over 120 yards to the Lions, must find a way to slow them down and make make the Bengals offense one dimensional. If Denver is forced to play up and bring a safety to the box, Jamar Chase could have big day facing many single high safeties. Speaking of Chase, he will most likely be covered by Patrick Surtain and how cool will that matchup be. On the flip side, this is a game where Teddy could make some big plays to his big name receivers as the Bengals play a lot of press man and like to bite on routes so double moves could be effective this game. TB will have to make some plays with his arm in order for Denver to come out victorious on Sunday.
3. Win vs Loss: How Much it Matters!
If the Broncos win this week, they will jump the Bengals in the standings and possibly, with a Chargers and Browns loss, potentially be in the 7th spot in the AFC by the end of the week which would be a playoff spot. However, if they lose, they can fall to as low as 12th or 13th depending on who wins the Dolphins Broncos Tie Breakers. Hopefully Denver can pull this one off and get one step closer to punching their ticket to the postseason.
Predictions:
Teddy: 270+ yards 2 TDs no int
Williams/Gordon: 120 yards 2 TD
Defense: 1 int and 3 Sacks
Broncos 31-24
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