The Denver Broncos, riding the momentum of back-to-back victories for the first time since September 2022, are gearing up for a Monday night showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Coming off their bye week, the Broncos (3-5) are set to take on the AFC championship contender Bills (5-4) in a crucial matchup.
The Bills, seeking redemption after a primetime loss to Cincinnati, are grappling with turnover challenges, particularly in quarterback Josh Allen’s performance. While Allen is tied for second in the league with 18 touchdown passes, he has been intercepted nine times, contributing to Buffalo’s turnover margin of zero.
Bills coach Sean McDermott acknowledged the learning curve for Allen, emphasizing the importance of making the right decisions to address their turnover concerns. McDermott stressed the team’s commitment to takeaway emphasis, citing effort as the key factor in creating turnovers.
With every AFC East team coming off a loss, the Bills aim to stay competitive in the division, currently trailing the first-place Miami Dolphins by one game. McDermott acknowledged the tough road ahead, with challenging opponents like the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles before a bye week, followed by matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Chargers.
On the defensive front, the Broncos have displayed solid numbers in recent games, keeping three straight opponents under 20 points. However, their run defense remains a vulnerability, ranking 32nd in the NFL in allowing 154.1 rushing yards per game.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in the team’s improvement over the past few weeks, emphasizing progress despite early-season challenges. Payton highlighted the impact of the Dolphins game on defensive averages, acknowledging the team’s growth since then.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, despite initial criticism, has been instrumental for the Broncos, impressing with off-schedule plays and effective pocket management. Wilson, with 16 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, has contributed significantly to the team’s offensive performance.
The Broncos are making a clear commitment to the ground game, evident in a season-high 40 rushing plays against the Chiefs. With 19 touchdowns but only one rushing score, the team is focusing on offensive balance and finding success on the ground.
As the Broncos come out of their bye week nearly at full strength, linebacker Baron Browning and guard Ben Powers, the only players on the injury report, practiced in full and are expected to contribute to the team’s Monday night challenge against the Bills.
