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Game Preview: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers | Week 14

Published

1 year ago

December 9, 2023

Press Room

Game Preview: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers | Week 14

ONE BIG QUESTION:

Can the Broncos rebound on third down?

The Broncos struggled on third down in their loss to the Texans, as they did not convert on any of their 11 chances. In prior weeks, Denver found more success on the pivotal down. In seven of their last eight games, the Broncos converted at least 40 percent of their third downs, and they were 6-of-14 in the previous week’s win over Cleveland.

“It’s a turnover down, obviously,” Payton said Wednesday. “When you have a really good offense, you’re up in the 40 [percent conversion rate]. We have been north of 50 [percent] before. It’s the reason you’re able to get to 70 and 80 plays some games. It’s the reason you are only at 59, 60 or 61 plays. The field position changes with a punt, but nonetheless, there’s a lot that goes into it. You put a pretty lengthy game plan together. If you are not having success on third down, you don’t get to a lot of those items.”

The challenge for the Broncos won’t get easier in Week 14, as the Chargers boast the league’s third-best third-down defense. Los Angeles has allowed conversions on just 34.6 percent of attempts, and Denver must find a way to find success to stay on the field and maintain drives.

The Broncos did put themselves in position to convert third downs, as they gained yardage on early downs. Denver faced four third downs of three yards or fewer and another three that were five or six yards. If the Broncos can continue their early down success and then make key plays in critical moments, they should be able to rebound in Week 14.

MATCHUP TO WATCH:

Denver’s cornerbacks vs. WR Keenan Allen

Already a five-time Pro Bowler, Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is on pace for the most productive season of his career. Allen has recorded a league-leading 102 catches, and he has posted five 100-yard games this season, including an 18-catch, 215-yard performance in Week 3. The Chargers’ main offensive weapon following a season-ending injury to Mike Williams, Allen has posted at least 10 catches and 100 yards in three of his last four games.

Allen posted eight catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns in last year’s season finale against Denver, but the Broncos still found a way to earn a win. In two meetings in 2021, Allen posted a combined 11 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown.

“He’s obviously one of their best weapons,” Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday. “Every game plan we have is to take away their best weapon and their best concept. It goes through him. That’s definitely part of the game plan. How we do it, I won’t share that. He’s definitely one of their best players right now as far as numbers and targets and those things. We’ll have a plan to hopefully minimize him on Sunday.”

Part of the plan could include All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, who has found success against the Chargers in the first two seasons of his career. Nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian may also see reps against Allen, who has a proclivity for playing in the slot.

In Week 14, Denver’s defensive unit will look to get back to its prior level of success against opposing receivers. With his breakout game in Week 13, Nico Collins became the first receiver since Week 4 to record more than 75 yards against Denver.

STAT TO KNOW:

The Broncos’ defense came within inches of recovering a crucial fumble in Houston territory in Week 13, and it could be critical to get back to forcing turnovers against the Chargers. The Broncos are 5-1 this season in games in which they force at least two turnovers, and they’re just 1-5 when they don’t hit that threshold.

Denver leads the league with 15 takeaways since Week 8, and the team used short fields to put opponents away during its five-game win streak. The Chargers are tied for the sixth-fewest takeaways through Week 13.

Equally as important will be Denver’s ability to avoid turning the ball over. The Broncos are 6-2 in games in which Russell Wilson does not throw an interception. The Chargers have recorded just six interceptions this season, which is tied for the second-lowest mark in the league.

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Related Topics:Aric DiLalla Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (2023-REG-14)Featured Game Preview Story Top Stories

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Denver, CO

Biggest Winners & Losers from Broncos’ 38-0 Blowout of Chiefs

Published

5 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

Biggest Winners & Losers from Broncos’ 38-0 Blowout of Chiefs

The Denver Broncos are heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, and they made it happen emphatically with a 38-0 dismantling of the Kansas City Chiefs. Facing a depleted Chiefs squad, the Broncos showed no mercy, dominating both sides of the ball and solidifying their place in the postseason.

This victory showcased the Broncos’ growth, resilience, and readiness for playoff football. Who were Denver’s biggest winners and losers from this playoff-clinching victory?

Let’s dive in.

Bo Nix | QB

Nix was flawless, completing 26-of-29 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns while adding 47 yards on the ground. His command of the offense was masterful, resulting in a 152.4 passer rating. Nix’s ability to stretch the field and keep the chains moving was the driving force behind Denver’s offensive explosion.

Marvin Mims Jr. | WR

Mims continues to ascend, catching all five targets for 51 yards and two touchdowns. He displayed excellent footwork on his second touchdown, leaving defenders grasping at air in the corner of the end zone.

Courtland Sutton | WR

Sutton was a reliable target again, recording 98 yards and a 47-yard touchdown on five catches. His chemistry with Nix has made him the team’s go-to option in critical situations.

Devaughn Vele | WR

Vele had a highlight-reel moment, hauling in a double-tipped pass for a three-yard touchdown. His four catches for 50 yards showcased his ability to make clutch plays when called upon.

O-Line (Pass Protection)

The offensive line was a fortress, allowing no sacks and giving Nix ample time to pick apart the Chiefs’ secondary. The unit’s dominance upfront also created rushing lanes for Nix to scramble effectively.

Nick Bonitto | OLB

Bonitto continued his breakout season with two sacks, three tackles, and multiple pressures. His speed and relentless pursuit were too much for Kansas City’s offensive line to handle.

D-Line

The Broncos’ defensive line feasted on Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz, sacking him five times and limiting him to 98 passing yards. Their ability to collapse the pocket and clog running lanes completely stifled Kansas City’s offense.

Sean Payton | HC

Payton called a near-perfect game, blending aggressive play-calling with methodical clock management. His preparation and focus on execution were evident as the Broncos dominated every phase of the game.

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O-Line (Run Game)

While the Broncos’ offensive line excelled in pass protection, its run blocking left much to be desired. Denver’s running backs combined for just 104 yards on 34 carries, averaging a meager 2.9 yards per attempt.

The Broncos’ playoff drought is over, and they’re entering the postseason with momentum and confidence. Nix’s development has been extraordinary, and the offensive balance created by Payton’s system gives Denver a dangerous edge.

Defensively, the Broncos look like they have gotten back to center and are ready to take on any challenge, as their pass rush and secondary are firing on all cylinders. However, the run game remains a concern. Denver’s inability to establish consistent rushing lanes could become an issue against more balanced defenses in the playoffs.

Next up for the Broncos: a wildcard clash against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park. While the challenge is daunting, this team has shown the grit and growth necessary for a sliver of hope for a deep playoff run.

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Denver, CO

Broncos-Chiefs inactives for Week 18

Published

12 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

The Denver Broncos are being gifted a berth into the AFC playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs today. As you can see from the below inactives list, they will be resting all of their best players and likely will limit the snap counts of those that remain active for this game.

There is literally no excuse for Sean Payton in this game. The Broncos should win by double-digits, but I don’t care how they win as long as they win. It has been a long nine year wait for Broncos Country.

Here are your gameday inactives for the Broncos-Chiefs game in Week 18.

Broncos inactives

Player	Position
Player	Position
Zach Wilson	QB
Blake Watson	RB
Levelle Bailey	ILB
Frank Crum	OT
Matt Henningsen	DL
Eyioma Uwazurike	DL

Chiefs inactives

Player	Position
Player	Position
Patrick Mahomes	QB
Isiah Pacheco	RB
Chris Jones	DT
Travis Kelce	TE
Jawaan Taylor	OT
George Kaarlaftis	DE
Trent McDuffie	CB

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Denver, CO

How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos – NFL: Week 18 | Channel, stream, preview, prediction

Published

20 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos – NFL: Week 18 | Channel, stream, preview, prediction

DENVER — An AFC West rivalry clash to end the 2024 NFL regular season has a lot riding on it for at least one team, as the Denver Broncos fight for their playoff lives when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial) and Paramount+

Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) vs. Denver Broncos (9-7)

When: Sunday, January 5
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Where: Empower Field at Mile High (Denver, Colo.)
Channel: CBS
Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), DirecTV Stream, Sling, Paramount+

The Broncos have battled hard this season. With a rookie quarterback and a stout defense, the team has played good enough to keep them in postseason contention. They have had opportunities to clinch their fist playoff spot in nine years. However, losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals put them in a bind heading into the final week of the season.

The task heading into the game is rather simple on paper: do not lose to the Chiefs. A win or a tie puts Denver into the postseason for the first time since 2015, the year they last won the Super Bowl. If they lose, they will need the Miami Dolphins to lose.

It might not be that hard, as Kansas City is resting some of its top stars, such as Patrick Mahomes. That’s because the team has already locked up the first seed in the AFC, getting a bye of the Wild Card round. The team has certainly been an interesting team, as their numerous one-score wins lead many to wonder if this team has the ability to make a run to a third Super Bowl in a row.

The first time these two teams met, the Broncos fell short thanks to a blocked field goal. The Chiefs have won 17 of the last 18 meetings with Denver, with KC holding a 73-56 record against their rivals.

MY PICK: Broncos win, 24-21