When the Broncos run
It’s hard to say either team has the advantage in this department based on their recent success. Without Ndamukong Suh, Detroit isn’t as intimidating up front. They are the fourth worst run-stopping unit in the NFL. And their leader in the middle, linebacker DeAndre Levy, likely will not play Sunday. C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman should have opportunities to get the run game off. But their 2.8 yards per carry average, which is second worst in the NFL, forces a “prove it” outlook. Edge: Lions
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When the Lions run
Detroit can’t run the ball either. Running backs Joique Bell and Ameer Abdullah had 10 carries for 11 yards Sunday against the Vikings. Sylvester Williams has been a beast in the middle anchoring the Broncos’ defense. They’ll have a little to prove after Jamaal Charles rushed for 125 yards Thursday. Kenny Anunike’s expected return should provide a boost. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
The lack of a running attack has forced Peyton Manning to throw 85 passes through two games, fifth most in the NFL. Yet his 5.1 yards per attempt average is the third worst. The big plays are there. It’s about connecting and protecting Manning. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders should have the edge over a Lions secondary that is prone to give up the big play. Detroit allowed Phillip Rivers to throw for 404 yards in Week 1. Edge: Broncos
When the Lions pass
Four Pro Bowlers facing off should be the most entertaining matchup Sunday: Aqib Talib and Chris Harris vs. Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. The difference will be the other nine players. Matt Stafford was hit eight times Sunday and is battling a rib injury. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware are licking their chops. Denver opponents average a league worst 133.5 passing yards a game. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
The return of former Broncos and current Lions kicker Matt Prater. Detroit rookie Ameer Abdullah is averaging 31.5 yards per kick return. And punter Sam Martin excels in pinning opponents inside the 20, with five of his nine punts landing in that zone. He does, however, struggle with consistency. Brandon McManus is 5-of-5 on field goals, with three makes from 50-plus. Britton Colquitt is averaging 47.8 yards per punt. If Omar Bolden (foot) is unable to play, Andre Caldwell is expected to return kicks for the second straight week. Edge: Broncos
Scouting Report
Tote the rock, a lot
Enough about Peyton Manning. The Broncos offense is built on its run game. C.J. Anderson’s 56 yards and 2.3 yards per carry after two games just isn’t going to cut it. Denver’s offensive line has struggled both in pass and run blocking. They’ll face a Lions defense that gave up 199 rushing yards to Minnesota last week. By Sunday, the Broncos will have had 10 days to polish their line. They’ll need better communication and execution. Manning can’t carry this team with his arm anymore.
It’ll be a Golden night
Most of the Broncos focus, and for good reason, will be stopping the Lions’ No. 1 weapon Calvin Johnson. Expect to see Aqib Talib covering Megatron with safety help all night. On the other side it’ll likely be up to Chris Harris to shut down fellow Pro Bowl receiver Golden Tate man-to-man. Tate led the Lions with 99 receptions and 1,331 yards last season, but he causes the most trouble after the catch. He was the leader in yards after contact in 2014.
Block out the noise
This one is two-faceted. Denver is 2-0, but they have the No. 32 ranked offense in terms of yards per game. Sunday, they’ll need to stop worrying about proving their explosiveness and get back to the basics. That starts with running the ball, protecting Manning and getting the ball to their playmakers. On the defensive end, they’ve heard how good they are for the last two weeks. And playing the 0-2 Lions, it’d be easy to drop their guard. If they do, this could be a letdown game against a desperate team in their home opener.
