Here’s how the Denver Broncos can pick up a win at home against the Atlanta Falcons.
This week the Denver Broncos face a pivotal game at home, and this one against the Atlanta Falcons may be the determining factor if they make the playoffs or not (still exciting that the playoffs are something even on our minds right now).
The Broncos currently lead the all-time head-to-head record against Atlanta 9-7, but recent history has not been kind to them. After winning eight of their first 11 games, the Broncos have won just one of their last five, and are on a three game skid, with their last win not coming since 2008.
The last time these two met was in 2020 and Denver was only able to manage two field goals up until the fourth quarter, until Drew Lock lead three scoring drives, with Lock being responsible for all three touchdowns. What a time that was.
Back to the modern day though. A day where the Broncos have their franchise quarterback.
Following two tough matchups on the road, the Broncos are heading back to a brand new field against a very beatable opponent. Here’s how they can beat the Falcons.
1. Run the dang ball
There seems to be a new spark in the Denver backfield and that is because Audric Estime (if the Chiefs game is anything to go off of) is the new RB1, and there’s a reason why.
The offensive line was once again moving people up front against a stout defense last week, creating plenty of rushing lanes for the backs to attack. And they even threw in a new wrinkle with Marvin Mims taking snaps out of the backfield.
The Atlanta rushing defense is bottom-12 in the league, giving up nearly 130 yards per game so far this year. I’m expecting the Broncos to put up at least 150 yards on Sunday.
2. Find out how mobile Kirk Cousins is
It’s no secret that Cousins has not been as athletic and nimble in the pocket as he was pre-surgery, and that might spell disaster against this Denver defense that is currently leading the league in pressures. They also are sitting second in the league in sacks at 35, just one behind the league-leading Giants with Nik Bonitto leading the charge at seven.
And let’s make a note that Bonitto is currently having a season that’s been as good as any since Von Miller was dominating opposing offenses for the Broncos.
With Zach Allen dominating every center he comes across and their edge rushers having career years, and the Falcons giving up an average of two sacks per game, the front seven should feast this week.
3. Beat the Atlanta secondary
If there is any strength to this Falcons defense, it’s their safeties. Everyone knows that Justin Simmons and Jessie Bates are very formidable. But the rest of this defense is very beatable.
Starting to think Bo Nix and the #Broncos offense are going to be in for a big day on Sunday vs the #Falcons. Atlanta is 32nd in sacks (9) and 27th in pressures (66). Their defense is 26th in passing yards and 27th in passing TDs allowed. It’s also the 2nd most penalized defense…
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) November 13, 2024
With the Denver offensive line giving up just 1.7 sacks per game (a number skewed by Nix being responsible for all four sacks against the Ravens) and Garett Bolles leading nearly all tackles in the least amount of pressures given up, Nix should have all the time he needs this week to dissect the Atlanta defense.
Courtland Sutton needs to stay hot, and maybe this can even be the week that Troy Franklin hauls in the big pass that can change the momentum of a game. And with Nix leading the league in attempted passes of 20+ yards, I’m sure Franklin will have that chance on Sunday.
As long as the Broncos can open up the top of this defense, then the rest of the unit will be even easier to take care of.