The Denver Broncos will look to get back in the win column on Sunday but must do so but winning a tough rough game against the Buffalo Bills. The Broncos have not won in Buffalo since the 2007 season.
The Bills sit at 7-3 and are looking to solidify themselves as a true playoff team this season but the Broncos have been a tough, scrappy team despite a poor record. Will the Broncos be able to put together a full game and pull out a victory on Sunday?
Here are four things to watch for.
1. Josh Allen’s running ability
Allen, the quarterback for Buffalo, has a cannon for an arm, but don’t sleep on his ability to run as a passer.
Though he’s far from the threat that Lamar Jackson is, Allen has gained 331 yards on the ground this year. More importantly, he’s rushed for seven touchdowns.
As a rookie, he ran for 631 yards and eight touchdowns and in 22 career games, he is averaging just under six yards per carry. The Broncos must be ready for this.
2. Isaiah McKenzie
Remember this guy? The former Broncos draft pick is now a member of the Bills roster and he has actually found a way to be somewhat productive.
He has caught 33 passes in 16 career games with the Bills and he has a touchdown reception. He had just four catches in 11 career games with Denver.
He likely would love to stick it to his former team in this game.
3. Receivers not named Courtland Sutton
The Broncos have a future star in Courtland Sutton, but the offense would be so much more dynamic if another receiver could step up and start making some plays.
Tim Patrick had a solid return to the field last week against the Minnesota Vikings, but he’s listed as questionable this week with a shoulder injury. DaeSean Hamilton needs to step up and start living up to his draft status with the team.
4. How do Broncos handle the fourth quarter?
The Broncos are a much better team than their record would suggest, they just need to figure out how to close out a game. As stated here, this team could just as easily be 7-3 as it is 3-7.
Games in the NFL are often close and often decided by one or two plays. There is a good chance that this game will be no different. The Broncos must execute properly down the stretch, avoiding mistakes and making a key play when they have to.
Can they do that?
