The Broncos are back in the playoffs for the first time since Peyton Manning retired. They had a solid season, but this matchup might be too difficult of a task for them. They have to go into Buffalo and take on one of the best teams in the league, the possible NFL MVP in Josh Allen, and do it in one of the toughest environments to win in the league.
When the Broncos have the ball:
Many people were shocked that the Broncos decided to start Bo Nix as a rookie. However, Sean Payton saw something in Nix that made him believe that he could handle the responsibilities of the position. Payton was certainly right, and Nix has been tremendous. He’s shown excellent mobility and decision-making throughout the season. This is going to be the toughest test of his young career playing in frigid Buffalo.
Running Back By Committee:
Buffalo’s biggest weakness is that they are bad against tough running backs. What the Broncos like to do is rotate their backs, as they have three very good ones, and they will probably lean on them and run about 60% of the time. The bad news for Buffalo is that their top tackler, Terrell Bernard, may miss the game. If he does, this could mean real trouble for the Bills.
Courtland Sutton Is Key:
The Bills don’t normally get beat deep by opposing receivers, so Nix is going to have to take what the Bills secondary gives him. Courtland Sutton is very difficult to handle in the red zone as he is a big, bodied receiver who wins a lot of 50/50 balls. Marvin Mims is also emerging as the big play threat that the Broncos were seeking when they drafted him.
When the Bills have the ball:
In previous seasons, Buffalo has been more of a pass-first offense, but under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, they have become more of a run-first team. The beauty of Josh Allen is that he has exceptional mobility and is used as a running back in the red zone. It would not be surprising to see him run for at least one touchdown against Denver and perhaps more.
James Is Cooking:
James Cook has become one of the top rushers in all the NFL. Cook can take any carry to the house but is also a solid enough receiver out of the backfield to keep defenses honest. The Bills are very deep at running back and use Ty Johnson and Ray Davis as change-of-pace backups.
Pass Catching Weapons:
Khalil Shakir is the Bills best receiver against zone coverage and Amari Cooper is their top receiver against man coverage. Cooper is not 100% healthy but he’s expected to play. Rookie Keon Coleman is a big red zone target due to his size, and Dalton Kincaid is reliable over the middle and could have an impact in this game as Denver is susceptible to good tight ends.
Prediction:
Sean Payton has brought the Broncos back from the depths of oblivion, but it might be asking too much to win in frigid Buffalo against Josh Allen and company.
