The Denver Broncos take their 10-game winning streak into a battle of first place teams against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.
It’s a win-and-in situation for the Broncos and a win for the Packers keeps them in first place of the National Football Conference North division. If Denver wins against a tough Packers team, it will cement their status as Super Bowl contenders.
Denver’s offense has continued to evolve from a run-first approach to a heavy-passing attack. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is third in the National Football League in passing attempts and completions, signaling the team’s willingness to throw the ball.
That will likely continue this week, but it won’t be as easy as it was against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Packers’ pass-rush is phenomenal and headlined by star edge rusher Micah Parsons, who leads the team with 12.5 sacks (tied-third in NFL). The Broncos aren’t slouches when it comes to pressuring the quarterback, either.
In fact, Denver has the most sacks in the NFL (55, next closest team is Atlanta Falcons with 48) and features 11 different players with at least two sacks. Star linebacker Nik Bonitto is tied with Parsons with 12.5 sacks and is a candidate to win Defensive Player of the Year.
If you love watching defenses rush the quarterback, this is the game of the year for you.
“This one goes out to all of the pass-rush lovers. This game will feature the player who leads the league in pressure rate -- Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons -- and the players who rank Nos. 1, 3 and 5 in QB hits -- Broncos DT Zach Allen, Parsons and Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto,” ESPN’s Jeff Legwold wrote Friday. “So, it could come down to which offense can keep its QB out of harm's way long enough to score against defenses that are among the league's top six in points allowed (Broncos are fourth; Packers, sixth).”
The Broncos must keep track of receivers Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Watson is Green Bay’s deep threat and has been playing well the last few weeks, scoring five touchdowns over his last four games. Reed is the slot receiver and returned to the Packers lineup against the Chicago Bears last week, catching four passes for 31 yards and logging 22 rushing yards on two carries.
If the Broncos can’t get to Packers QB Jordan Love early, he may have some success against Denver’s historic defense.