The Denver Broncos fell to 3-7 last week, finding yet another way to lose a game. With the ball in their hands at Minnesota’s four-yard line, after giving up a 20-0 halftime lead, they couldn’t manage to get into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown.
It hasn’t all been devastation and heartbreak, as Broncos fans can look forward to a high draft pick in a stacked draft class. The team is developing young talent, they are definitely moving on from a lot of bad contracts next season, and they are getting the team ready to be competitive in the coming future.
All that being said, I still believe this team can compete with almost any other team in the league, but at this point in the season, winning football games hurts the future plan. For Week 12 against the Bills, the fans are going to see a defensive battle, that hopefully ends in a close loss for the team. The Broncos shouldn’t lose games intentionally, but the way they’ve been losing games this season is perfect for keeping morale high while getting highly-talented draft picks.
A decision has yet to be made about Drew Lock, as he could have an opportunity to be the backup this week after rejoining the team in practice last week. Brandon Allen should still start; he has proven that he can win football games and get the team in a position to succeed. Speculation is that Lock will start Weeks 15 and 16 to end the year so the team has film to evaluate on their young signal-caller.
The Broncos play the game in Buffalo where temperatures are expected to be cold, if not below freezing. Two of the Bills’ three losses have come at home where they have a 3-2 record. The spread for the game is 3.5 points favoring the Bills, but it’s hard not to believe the Broncos will beat the spread. Winning the game is another question, as it will be close.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen has led the Bills to one of their best starts in recent memory. He’s being supported by the immortal Frank Gore, longtime Dallas Cowboy Cole Beasley, and ex-Cardinal John Brown, who is on pace for a career year with 85 receptions, 817 yards, and four touchdowns so far.
Denver has to hope that their defense can continue to play sound, and the offense will have to score 20 or more points against a defense that ranks third among the entire NFL in yards per game. The Broncos rank fourth on that list.
To win this game, the Broncos’ defense will need to contain Josh Allen, who is a known rusher and ranks third on the Bills’ roster with 331 rushing yards. He has scored seven touchdowns with his legs.
The defense also needs to generate a turnover or two to give the offense a couple of short fields to help Brandon Allen and co. out.
The special teams unit needs to play off last week’s progress and convert on their opportunities, make field goals, pin the opponent inside the 20 if the chance arises, and make plays in the return and coverage games.
Finally, the offense needs to put together a complete game instead of playing a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde game at halftime. The Broncos haven’t scored a fourth-quarter touchdown in over seven weeks, so that trend needs to be bucked.
The Broncos can continue to take positive steps toward improving as a team by taking baby steps and taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented to them. I have attempted to remain positive up to this point in the season, but at 3-7 with four losses by late-game heroics, I’ve thrown in the towel and am on the “play the young guys” train.
I think the 2019 season, as it stands right now, is a lost season where player development is the most positive thing that can come from here on out. Getting tape on the potential guys for the roster next season will put them in a position to round out a 53-man roster that can hopefully win games in 2021 and beyond.
Prediction: Bills 23, Broncos 20
