It’s Week 16 and the 2019 season is slowly coming to a merciful end for both the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions. But that doesn’t mean each team is ready to roll over and not put forth their best performance on Sunday.
The Broncos have gone 0-3 against the NFC North this season, but the Lions come in at 3-10-1 and have one of the worst records in the league. They are also down to their third-string quarterback.
The Broncos, despite being just 5-9, have much more to be excited about with the recent play of Drew Lock. With a strong final two games, Lock can give the team’s fanbase much to be excited about heading into next season.
While this will be a battle of non-playoff teams, there will still be reasons to watch.
How will Lock rebound?
Lock struggled last week during the Broncos’ 20-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but because it was a snowy day at Arrowhead Stadium and the field conditions were less than ideal, we’re giving the rookie a pass.
The key word there is rookie because there will come a time when he will need to be great despite the conditions. However, because his previous two starts were solid, we’ll look at last week’s game from a far less critical standpoint.
However, at home against a poor Lions team, he really needs to respond in a big way.
Will players snubbed of the Pro Bowl make a statement?
The Pro Bowl rosters were released this week and only one player from the Broncos was voted in, that being Von Miller. Several players on the team can be considered “snubs”, most notably Courtland Sutton and Justin Simmons.
Will either player look to ball out in this game as a way to send a message that they should have been included on that roster?
Locking down Kenny Golloday
Wide receiver Kenny Golloday is really the only offensive weapon the Lions possess that should strike any fear into the Broncos. The 6-foot-4 wideout is capable of jumping over defenders or running right past them.
On the season, Golloday has caught 56 passes for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns. Chris Harris will likely be responsible for sticking with him for much of the game and hopefully keeping him quiet.
Broncos defense needs to be dominant
The Broncos defense hasn’t been bad this year, but it’s time for them to step up and completely shut down an opponent. The Lions are that opponent.
The game is being played in Denver, away from the indoor stadium the Lions are used to and historically have been much more successful in.
The Lions will also be starting David Blough, an undrafted third-string quarterback.
Von Miller needs to show why he’s a Pro Bowler in this game (many feel he didn’t deserve it this year) and the rest of the defense needs to follow his lead.
Look for the Broncos to force multiple turnovers in this game and sack Blough multiple times while holding the Lions to 10 points or less.
