The Broncos keep finding ways to win games and will look to head into the bye on three-game winning streak.
The Denver Broncos are learning how to win games.
A case in point is the game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos fought on both sides of the ball, but they ultimately won 29-19.
Denver (7-5) will next face Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns (3-8) on Monday Night Football. The Browns just upset the Pittsburgh Steelers, so this will be another tough matchup.
The Broncos have the AFC playoffs in sight, but they know they have to keep rolling and playing great football to secure their spot.
Offensive Rankings
Cleveland: Twenty-ninth in total offense (292.5 yards per game), 29th in rushing offense (88.2 YPG), 21st in passing offense (204.3 YPG), 30th in scoring (16.9 points per game).
Denver: Twenty-third in total offense (313.5 yards per game), 23rd in rushing offense (111.6 YPG), 22nd in passing offense (201.9 YPG), 19th in scoring (22.0 points per game).
Defensive Rankings
Cleveland: Twenty-first in total defense (345.0 yards per game), 24th in rushing defense (130.6 YPG), tied for 15th in passing defense (214.4 YPG), 22nd in scoring (24.3 points per game).
Denver: Third in total defense (296.0 yards per game), sixth in rushing defense (96.2 YPG), ninth in passing defense (199.8 YPG), third in scoring (16.8 points per game).
Here are the MHR staff’s keys to Monday’s game.
Dominate on defense
Stop the Browns from running the football. Harass and pressure Jameis Winston all game long to force him into bad decisions and turnovers, which he is prone to do when put in those situations. Denver must carry over how the defense played in the second half to Monday night. Against Las Vegas, the Denver defense allowed just six points and got five sacks in the final 30 minutes. Don’t allow Cleveland any shot to make this a game. — Ian St. Clair
Establish the run
If the Broncos want to be serious about making the playoffs, running the ball well during the final stretch of games is a must. Outside of a few carries against the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver really struggled to get their running game going. This week’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns provides them with a great opportunity to revive their rushing attack. The Browns are ranked 24th in the NFL in run defenses and have been giving up over 140 yards a game on the ground the past three weeks. I’d love to see Sean Payton get this group of players rolling in the right direction on Monday Night Football. — Christopher Hart
Keep Myles Garrett away from Bo Nix
The Browns fit the category of a team that Denver should beat. However, Garrett is a game-wrecker. Don’t allow him to influence the line of scrimmage. Make sure that Nix has the ability to operate with the fear of Garrett being disruptive in the backfield. Much like the Raiders Maxx Crosby, Garrett is kind of a one-man wrecking crew. Keeping him in check makes the offense dangerous and should lead to a win. — Adam Malnati
The offense must win on third (and fourth) down
When you look at what went down between the Browns and the Steelers/Ravens, the common denominator is that the Browns’ defense held firm on those crucial late downs. The Ravens went just 2-for-10 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth down. The Steelers did better on third down, converting 7 of 16 attempts, but then went 1-for-3 on fourth down as well. The Broncos must push through and not let drives stall out at mid-field like that, or else the Browns’ offense may do just enough to win. — Taylor Kothe
Stop the run
As much as the Broncos need to find their legs in their own running game, they also need to clamp down and keep opposing offenses from getting any momentum on the ground. Force these non-elite quarterbacks to beat you via the air. — Tim Lynch