The 2019 Denver Broncos Week Two|Chicago Bears @ Denver Broncos

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LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction: Denver 24 @ Oakland 17

Actual:  Denver 16 @ Oakland 24

BACKGROUND

How much does one game mean? Some have said that, after the lackluster performance in their opening game, the 2019 version of the Denver Broncos is already playing for next year and that this season is over. They will be favored – at this point – in fewer than five games and the prospects for easy wins looks very, very bleak.

On the other hand, the Chicago Bears have problems of their own having laid more of an egg in their first contest than the Broncos managed to do in their own.

Style points, however, do not count in the NFL and both teams come into this one 0-1.

KEY MATCH UP

After being carved up with precision by a surprisingly good (or as a result of a a surprising bad Denver defense) Oakland Raider offense, the Broncos face a Chicago team that didn’t do very much against Green Bay last week. Their star quarterback, Mitch Trubisky, looked average at best and this should play into the Broncos’ hands as should the fact that Denver head coach Vic Fangio should know the kid well having spent Trubisky’s entire career in Chicago. The Denver defense should be able to look better at home than it did on the road. If it can, Denver has a shot.

X-FACTOR

The X-Factor this week has to, again, be Fangio. Denver comes into this one with a head coach who should be able to predict tendencies in both the Bear defense and offense. That ought to give Denver a bit of an advantage on both sides of the ball.

Ought…

PREDICTION

Somehow, the 2019 edition of the Broncos looked worse than the 2018 and 2017 editions. Here they come back on a short week against a team that had a long preparation week and are expected to improve and win.

They better.

It’s early and first game performance does not define a season, but Denver better find a way to win this one or the sharks will be circling… I think they get it done.

Chicago Bears – 18

Denver Broncos – 23

The 2019 Denver Broncos Week One|Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders

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LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction: Los Angeles 31 @ Denver 17

Actual:  Los Angeles 23 @ Denver 9

BACKGROUND

Can the Denver Broncos wash the taste of 3 consecutive losing seasons from their mouths and the mouths of their fans? Will new head coach Vic Fangio and his mix of veteran and rookie assistants be up to the challenge of leading this team back to respectability? Does the unflappable Joe Flacco have more magic left in him and his the chip on his shoulder motivation for a Peyton Manning like renaissance?

There are more questions than answers about the 2019 Denver Broncos but many of those queries will begin to be address Monday night when they open this campaign against their hated rival the Oakland Raiders.

KEY MATCH UP

Denver should have one of the best defenses in the league. If they stay healthy, this unit should be in the top five all year long. Conventional wisdom would suggest that, if Denver is going to be competitive this year, they are going to ride the defense all the way. If the results resemble the 2015 team, fans will be very okay with that. Oakland’s offense is something of an unknown as they try to incorporate Antonio Brown into a underachieving group that is not predicted to do big things.

X-FACTOR

Vic Fangio is in his first game as an NFL head coach Monday night and, though it remains to be seen if he will have the time of his life, he seems very ready for the challenge. The preseason is behind us and it is likely that what Fangio has done with the Denver defense will be on full display Monday against Oakland. Fangio and his gray sweatshirt are the X-Factor this week. How does anyone root against this guy?

PREDICTION

Denver gets out of the gates with a win against a team that might be one of the most entertaining but least winning this year. The offense shows more than expected and the defense plays up to its potential. This is a rousing first win for Vic Fangio and the team gets off to a great start in the last game of the opening week for the NFL.

Denver Broncos – 24

Oakland Raiders – 17

The 2018 Denver Broncos Week Seventeen|Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos

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LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction: Denver 14 @ Oakland 24

Actual:  Denver 14 @ Oakland 27

BACKGROUND

Things simply have not worked out for the 2018 Denver Broncos. The free agent moves had limited impact, especially at quarterback. Too many players were injured for the team to overcome the impacts. The coaching was suspect. At best. While it suffered fewer blow out loses than the 2017 version of the team, the 2018 Broncos were just not that good. And they were not that fun to watch, either. This has been an historically bad season and that term is not used lightly. This is the first time in over 40 years the team has posted back-to-back losing seasons. Changes must come. Monday.

KEY MATCH UP

The only match up that counts in this game is the Chargers vs. the Chargers. Depending on the results of the Chiefs game, they may well have much for which to play. If they do, the question is can they overcome themselves. Los Angeles should easily handle Denver, even if the early games do not go their way and they sit some starters. And they likely will.

X-FACTOR

Do the Broncos care? And about what do they care? That is the X-Factor. Do they care about winning this game? Do they care about Vance Joseph? The players say they care about both but we will see based on how they play and who they play.

PREDICTION

The finale for the Broncos, no matter the result of the game, will bring the end of tenures with the team, tenures for players and tenures for coaches. This will be a good thing. Change may well inject some excitement back into this team and this town. The Denver Broncos need it. Super Bowl 50 seems a long, long time ago.

Too long.

I am betting on a blow out which would be a most fitting end to this year.

Los Angeles Chargers – 31

Denver Broncos – 17

The 2018 Denver Broncos Week Fourteen| Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers

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LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction:  Denver 27, Cincinnati 17

Actual:  Denver 24, Cincinnati 10

BACKGROUND

Three game win streak?

Wow. I wouldn’t have believed it a few weeks back. That being said, it was not that long ago when the Broncos were reeling off five, six and seven games streaks like it was nothing.

Denver beat two teams they “shouldn’t have” and, in the Bengals last week, a team they “should have.” San Francisco is another team they “should” beat. Denver is better and has far more for which to play than the 49ers in that the 49ers have nothing for which to play.

The tangibles and intangibles favor the Broncos. They ought to win this one.

KEY MATCH UP

Newly minted AFC Offensive Player of the Week Phillip Lindsay has another chance to show the NFL that he is the real deal. If he can continue to run the way he has, the Broncos can beat (almost ) anyone. the formula is to run, to protect the ball and to get ahead on the scoreboard.

Denver can and should do that Sunday and Phillip Lindsay should be on his way to a very, very big day.

X-FACTOR

Injuries. Period.

Can the Broncos beat the 49ers without Emmanuel Sanders (who suffered a season ending injury) and Chris Harris, jr who is out indefinitely? Likely, yes, they can. Denver should be able to take care of business against San Francisco even without these two stars and perennial pro-bowlers.

How they will fare in weeks to come? That remains to be seen.

PREDICTION

This season has been strange, frustrating and odd but Denver is suddenly relevant and a win in San Francisco keeps them that way. I do not completely trust this team yet. They handled the Bengals in the same fashion they have won the last few weeks, but is this method sustainable?

Time will tell.

That being said, the Broncos will beat the 49ers and keep the late season interesting in the Mile High City. And they might do so by a lot.

Denver Broncos – 31

San Francisco 49ers – 20

The 2018 Denver Broncos Week Thirteen| Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals

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LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction:  Pittsburgh 17, Denver  26

Actual:  Pittsburgh 17, Denver  24

BACKGROUND

Don’t look now, but the Denver Broncos have made a move into relevance.

They have also played one of the most challenging schedules in the NFL this year and, in actuality, have completed a stretch of games that are among the most difficult (judging by opponents’ win percentage) of any in the last 50 years.

And they are only a game out of playoff contention.

They have also, in the last two weeks, benefited from the kind of luck and boneheaded play by opponents that alluded them or that they themselves were committing earlier this year. They have taken care of the football. They have had timely big plays. They have exhibited a “no quit” attitude.

How long can this last? Can they run the table of their last 5 games? I do not know.

Can they beat the Cincinnati Bengals? Yes, they can. They will.

KEY MATCH UP

Jeff Driscol will be making his first start as an NFL quarterback against the Broncos’ defense and this is a defense that has been one of the best in the league over the last four weeks – weeks in which they have faced some of the most potent offenses in the league and have shut them down. Can Driscol fare better than the likes of Mahomes, Rivers and Rothlisberger?

That seems unlikely.

X-FACTOR

The X-Factor on Sunday is turnovers. The only way Denver might lose this contest is if they turn the ball over – a trait that they have avoided in the last few games. If they take care of the ball, they will take care of the Bengals. Cincinnati can beat the Broncos if they win the turnover battle. If it’s a draw, advantage Denver.

PREDICTION

The Broncos have historically not fared well in the early time slot for games and they have fared horribly here under Vance Joseph, losing all of the games he’s coached that have kicked off before noon local time.

That trend gets broken on Sunday. Beating the Bengals – the very wounded Bengals – should be the easiest test of Denver’s last 5 games. A win here keeps Denver rolling towards post season. It doesn’t get them in, but it does get them closer.

Denver Broncos – 27

Cincinnati Bengals – 17

The 2018 Denver Broncos Week Twelve| Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

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LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction:  Denver 24, Los Angeles 20

Actual:  Denver 23, Los Angeles 22

BACKGROUND

The Denver Broncos won a game last Sunday. This is notable for two reasons: First, the Broncos do not win as much as they used to and, second, this was the type of game that they have typically lost over the last 3 years. It was great to see them pull one out (and stunning to realize this 4-6 team is a missed long pass and field goal away from being 6-4!). I am not the type of want the team I love to lose games for better draft position. I’d so much rather watch them win!

Now comes a test: the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers just won an emotional game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and may overlook the Broncos. The Steelers also rarely play well in Denver (Denver has won 4 of the last 5 meetings, including playoffs). Are the Broncos catching the Steelers at the right time?

KEY MATCH UP

Denver’s offensive line was special against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. It is a patchwork group, at best, made up of backups and people playing out of position. And, still, they kept quarterback Case Keenum clean and did not record a holding call. If they play as well against Pittsburgh’s defensive line this week, Denver will have a chance to get the running game going at home which could make for a long day for the Steelers.

X-FACTOR

Case Keenum played horribly for 3 quarters last week. Then he played great. Like, super great. He has also not thrown an interception over the course of the last two weeks and has had the team in position to win both games.

Has he turned a corner?

If he plays well against the Steelers, we may have to re-evaluate this signing.

PREDICTION

Given that I picked my heart over my head last week and things worked out, I am going to do so again this week. I like Denver. I like the intangibles. I think they point in the Broncos’ direction.

Pittsburgh Steelers – 17

Denver Broncos – 26

The 2018 Denver Broncos Week Nine| Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos

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LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction:  Denver 24, Kansas City 38

Actual:  Denver 23, Kansas City 30

BACKGROUND

The Cinnamon Girl, Stretch, Sous Chef and I saw the Broncos lose last Sunday in Kansas City and I can honestly say I have never had a better time seeing Denver drop a game. Bonus points: they kept it closer than I anticipated and had a chance, albeit a slim one, to steal it.

Quite a fun time for us, not a great time for them.

In fact, one can make a salient argument that the season ended, for all intents and purposes, in Kansas City last weekend… and this was before the trade of #88. That one hurts.

KEY MATCH UP

Denver’s offensive line versus Houston’s defensive line. If Denver can continue to generate the run, open gaps for Phillip Lindsey, a resurgent Devonte Booker and, perhaps, a healthy Royce Freeman, the Broncos can win this one. But it remains hard for this fan to believe that Denver’s O-Line has been as good generating the run as it has been because, honestly, the line just is not that good overall.

And now it faces some guy named JJ Watt and his cast of companions.

Yeesh.

X-FACTOR

I will never root against the orange and blue but I would be just fine if Demaryius Thomas caught a touchdown or two for the Texans on Sunday.

PREDICTION

Denver has winnable games in the back half of the schedule. Because this one is played at home, it is one of them. If the Broncos wish to silence their critics and to stay on the outer edge of NFL relevance in 2018, they better pull this one off.

Houston Texans – 17

Denver Broncos – 24

The 2018 Denver Broncos Week Seven| Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals

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LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction:  Los Angeles 45, Denver 13

Actual:  Los Angeles 23, Denver 20

BACKGROUND

There is something about when “close” counts, right?

Here’s what I know: it doesn’t count in the National Football League. And it doesn’t count for a town that is used to a far better brand of football than we are currently seeing the Denver Broncos play. That Denver did better against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday says… something.

I am just not sure what it is.

Now, on a short week, Denver gets to face one of the lower-tier teams in the NFL. It just so happens that Denver is a few rungs lower than the Arizona Cardinals. Denver can win this one. If they do not, Vance Joseph should book himself a room at the Scottsdale Resort, Camelback Mountain.

I think he should do so even if Denver does win.

KEY MATCH UP

The key to this one is the Denver defense against Arizona’s rookie quarterback. Josh Rosen has not been “all that.” And the offense around him has been humbled in Arizona’s 1-5 start. While Denver’s defense has been gashed by the run, lost in the current (latest?) losing streak is that they have done okay against the pass.

The defense should be able to handle Rosen and the offense. If they do, Denver will win this one.

X-FACTOR

Gary Kubiak.

Coach “Kubes” is the X-Factor whether Denver wins or not. If Kubiak signals his willingness to take over this Broncos team at this “mini-bye” portion of the season, this game does not matter at all. If he’s willing to come back, he will bring hope with him. If his health is up to it, I hope he returns. Ff it is not, I hope he says “no, way, Elwood” and Elway turns to Mike Shanahan to take over this team.

Either way, Kubiak is the X-Factor.

PREDICTION

Denver has played to the level of their opponents in recent weeks but someone has to win this one. Denver can win the week twice by beating the Cardinals and parting ways with Vance Joseph.

I think both happen.

Denver Broncos – 26

Arizona Cardinals – 17

The 2017 Denver Broncos Week Fourteen: New York Jets @ Denver Broncos

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 New York Jets @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, December 10, 2017

 

LAST WEEK’S RESULT

Prediction: Denver 9, Miami 35

Actual: Denver 23, Miami 17

BACKGROUND

And the beat (ings) goes on… We will stick with this line until the beatings stop or my morale improves.

 

Two teams. Going nowhere. Changes coming. This Sunday on CBS!

There has not been a time in my adult life when I have thought “why would anyone (me included?) watch the Denver Broncos play football.

The time is now.

I am not sure why this is watchable.

KEY MATCH UP

This feels like another winnable game for the Broncos. The Jets? They are no good. The Broncos? Are they worse?

I guess that remains to be seen.

Let’s watch the Denver defense again this week. Not only have they been bad, they were embarrassed last week. Deep throws completed in the fourth quarter of a game that was already over? NOT COOL, Adam Gase. Perhaps the Broncos respond angrily and, at home, get the crowd on their side and beat up the J-E-T-S, Jets!

I would love to see it.

X-FACTOR

I want to see Von Miller break through. It is not that he has been anything but stellar this “wasted” year, but I want to see him dominate and take over a game.

This would be a great one to do it in.

He’s due, right?

PREDICTION

Make mine, for no other reason than they really CAN win this game, Denver.

I just cannot believe they will lose out. They will pick up a game or two. This is as likely a candidate as any.

Give me another defensive score and some… SOME… offense.

Denver Broncos – 17

New York Jets – 13

The 2016 Denver Broncos – Week Ten: Denver @ New Orleans

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Denver Broncos @ New Orleans Saints

Sunday, November 13, 2016

 

BACKGROUND

 

Ah, crossroads… doesn’t it feel like this week finds the Broncos at the crossroads of their season? It does feel that way, though that feeling may not be true. Look, win, and the Broncos are 7-3 at their Bye Week and feeling good about their chances at a playoff birth and challenging again for the division title. Lose and they are 6-4 with more questions than answers. Don’t forget, though, that the eventual Super Bowl champion Broncos lost to Kansas City at home this same week last year in a spectacular flame out. We know how that season ended. Will this one end the same way?

So, the Saints game isn’t truly a “must win” but it would be nice to hit the Bye with a “W”. That’s going to be a tall order.

KEY MATCH UP

 

 

The Broncos must look RUN. They have to run on offense. They have to stop the run on defense. If they don’t do those two things, the Saints will have their way with them. Period.

The offense must limit the 3 and outs. They are leading the league in that category and it’s killing them not only on offense, but defensively as well. A banged up defense will have enough of a challenge handling any team without being on the field for 40 plus minutes. Did you know the Broncos only had ONE DRIVE in the third quarter in their loss to the Raiders last Sunday night?

And, on the other side of the ball, they have to stop the run. If the offense performs better and scores a touchdown or two, the defense can get back to dominance. Complimentary football, people.

 X-FACTOR

You did see Kapri Bibbs on his fourth quarter touchdown run last week, didn’t you? So did I. His effort on the pitch and run reminded me of CJ Anderson, heart and will no matter the score. I have to believe that run will net him more time with the ball in his hands this week and that may – may – help awake a moribund Broncos running game.

We better hope something does.

 

 

 PREDICTION

This one is going to be tough. The Broncos are significantly undermanned on defense. The Saints are the number one offense in the league. The Saints are at home. This game is in the dreaded 11:00 MST time slot. The Broncos are limping toward the break.

My head tells me Saints. My heart, well, it does, too.

What I want to remember is the season isn’t over if the Broncos lose Sunday. There are 6 more games, all of them against conference foes, half of them against division foes. Win or lose, the Broncos won’t be out of this thing on Sunday.

I’ll tell myself that after they lose, because I think they will.

  BRONCOS   24          SAINTS  31