BILLS @ BRONCOS
Jason Barbin
It’s always nice to see a young team rise from mediocrity to the point of playoff contention and that’s exactly what the Buffalo Bills (7-5) have done as they visit Denver to take on the Broncos (9-3) to try and bolster their playoff chances. But the AFC West leading Broncos are riding a two game winning streak and they are looking to gain home field advantage come playoff time. This game has a lot riding on it for both teams and this will be one of the more exciting contests we see come Sunday afternoon (Monday morning for us Aussies!).
With their rise to playoff contention, this Buffalo Bills team has turned into an outstanding defensive unit. The Bills rank 5th in the NFL for both total yards allowed per game (312.4) and passing yards allowed (216.1) while ranking 7th in total rushing yards allowed (96.3). This defensive unit is one of the best all-round defensive units in the NFL and it’s led by perhaps the most fearsome defensive front. Their four man front, including defensive ends Mario Williams (12 sacks, 1 forced fumble), Jerry Hughes (9.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) and defensive tackles Marcell Dareus (10 sacks, 1 forced fumble) and Kyle Williams (5 sacks), have combined for 36.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles so far this season. Their secondary isn’t so bad either with cornerback Leodis McKelvin leading the team with 4 interceptions.
When looking at the Bills, it’s clear that their defense is winning them games. But don’t overlook this young offence. Led by veteran quarterback Kyle Orton, this team features two wide receivers who are opening eyes with every catch made. 2nd year receiver Robert Woods is having a reasonable year with 550 yards from 49 catches to go along with three touchdowns while 1st round rookie Sammy Watkins has overcome a slow start to be one of the favourites for offensive rookie of the year, posting 695 yards and five touchdowns from
51 passes to be half a chance at posting a 1000 yard season.
But they come up against a Broncos outfit that is good in all areas. Complete with their own lean mean linebacker machines in Demarcus Ware, Brandon Marshall and Von Miller, who have combined for 179 total tackles, 23.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Their secondary is also one of the best in the NFL with free agent signing TJ Ward posting two sacks of his own to go along with his 54 tackles and two picks.
But offensively is where Denver do their damage. We all know how good Peyton Manning is so I won’t dwell too much on the 3500+ yards and 36 touchdown passes he has had this year. Instead I will focus on some of the unheralded players on this Denver Broncos offense. Jacob Tamme has been solid filling in for the injured Julius Thomas. Oh who and I kidding, Tamme has been terrible but the rest of the offense has been on a roll. Running back CJ Anderson has shown that he is the real deal with back to back 150+ yard games and wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmaunel Sanders have combined for 553 yards and five touchdowns between them in the last three weeks and with Julius Thomas set to return for the Broncos, this offense is close to unstoppable.
I’m really interested to see if the Bills can do what few have done this season and put pressure on Peyton Manning. He has only taken 13 sacks this year and seemingly has all the time in the world to throw the ball. That’s the key in this game. Tough ask.
DENVER by 13.