Coming off a big road win over AFC West rival Oakland, the Broncos are headed toward a Thanksgiving Day game at Dallas.
But the New York Jets (2-7) are sandwiched between the Raiders and Cowboys for Sunday’s game at Invesco Field at Mile High.
The makings of a classic trap game? Sure, but the Broncos (7-2) have a couple of reminders to snap them to attention: Green Bay won at Atlanta and Minnesota won at the New York Giants on Sunday.
“I know we’re not going to follow that trap because I think a couple teams did that last weekend,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “We know we’re dealing with a team that is used to winning. They are very upset that they haven’t found a way to win.”
The Jets are as banged up as any team in the league, using Brooks Bollinger as their fourth starting quarterback of the season. The Jets had high hopes this year after making the playoffs last season, but injuries have ravaged the team, which has lost four games in a row.
Denver, 5-0 at home, is looking at the Jets as a dangerous team, particularly on defense. They are ranked seventh in the NFL against the pass.
“Their defense has been playing really well,” Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer said. “If they are not the top defense, they are in the top two or three defenses that we will play this year.”
How about Denver?
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said he was happy to see Kansas City awarded a future Super Bowl on the condition a retractable roof is put on Arrowhead Stadium. But as much as Bowlen yearns to host a Super Bowl, he doesn’t foresee doing such a thing in Denver.
“We would have to probably put a roof on our place to get a Super Bowl, and I don’t really think it’s worth it,” Bowlen said. “I don’t think we need a roof.”
Bowlen said he will keep lobbying to get a Super Bowl in Denver.
“I’ve tried to convince everyone it will be 65 degrees and beautiful in February here,” Bowlen said. “But I think I have a lot more convincing to do.”
Injury report
Denver cornerback Champ Bailey is probable on the injury report for the second consecutive week. He missed two games in October and has been less than 100 percent since injuring his left hamstring Sept. 26.
Wide receiver Ashley Lelie practiced Wednesday and is probable with a knee injury suffered last weekend against the Raiders.
Footnotes
Veteran safety Marques Anderson, cut by Denver on Tuesday, went unclaimed and is a free agent. … The Jets returned 140 tickets for Sunday’s game, available through Ticketmaster. … Rookie Joel Dreessen, a Colorado State product, is a tight end for the Jets. … Former Denver third-round pick Jeremy LeSueur is playing safety for the Jets. … Veteran safety John Lynch is the only Bronco leading his position in fan voting for the Pro Bowl.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
