When the Broncos run
It’s hard to say either team has the advantage in this department based on recent success. Without Ndamukong Suh, Detroit isn’t as intimidating up front. It’s the fourth-worst run-stopping unit in the NFL. And its leader in the middle, linebacker DeAndre Levy, probably won’t play Sunday. Broncos running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman should have opportunities. But their 2.8 yards-per-carry average, second-worst in the NFL, forces a “prove it” outlook. Edge: Lions
When the Lions run
Detroit running backs Joique Bell and Ameer Abdullah had 10 carries for 11 yards last week against the Vikings. Sylvester Williams has been a beast in the middle, anchoring the Denver defense. But it has something to prove after Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles rushed for 125 yards in Week 2. Kenny Anunike’s expected return should provide a boost. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
The lack of a run game forced Peyton Manning to throw 85 passes through two games, fifth-most in the NFL. Yet his 5.1 yards per attempt is the third-worst average. Big plays are out there; it’s about connecting and protecting Manning. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders should have an edge over a Lions secondary that tends to give up big plays. Detroit allowed San Diego QB Philip Rivers to pass for 404 yards in Week 1. Edge: Broncos
When the Lions pass
Four Pro Bowlers facing off should be entertaining Sunday night: corners Aqib Talib and Chris Harris versus wideouts Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. The difference? The other nine players on each team. Matt Stafford was hit eight times last week and has a rib injury. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware are licking their chops. Denver opponents average a league-low 133.5 yards passing. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
The Broncos will face their former place-kicker, Matt Prater. Detroit rookie Ameer Abdullah is averaging 31.5 yards per kick return. Detroit punter Sam Martin excels in pinning opponents inside the 20, with five of his nine punts landing in that zone. But he struggles with consistency. Denver place-kicker Brandon McManus is 5-for-5 on field-goal attempts, with three 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 consecutive game. Edge: Broncos
Things to watch
Tote the rock, a lot
Enough about Peyton Manning. Denver’s offense is built on its run game. C.J. Anderson’s 56 yards (and 2.3 yards per carry) after two games aren’t going to cut it. Denver’s offensive line has struggled in pass and run blocking. The Broncos will face a Lions defense that gave up 199 yards rushing to Minnesota last week. By Sunday, the Broncos will have had 10 days to polish their O-line. They’ll need better communication and execution. Manning can’t carry this team with his arm anymore.
It will 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 Johnson, with safety help all night. On the other side, it probably will be up to Chris Harris to shut down Pro Bowl wide receiver Golden Tate in man-to-man coverage. Tate led the Lions with 99 receptions and 1,331 yards last season, and he causes the most trouble after the catch. He led in yards after contact in 2014.
Block out all the noise
Denver is 2-0, but it has the No. 32-ranked offense in average yards per game. Sunday the Broncos will need to stop worrying about proving they’re explosive and get back to the basics. That starts with running the ball, protecting Manning and getting the ball to playmakers. On defense, Denver has heard how good it is the past two weeks. Playing the 0-2 Lions, it’d be easy for the Broncos to drop their guard. A letdown game against a desperate team in its home opener would be dangerous.
