When the Broncos run
The Broncos are 30th when it comes to running the football averaging 85 yards per game. Although they are coming off their best performance of the season, it was against Cleveland. Improved does not mean fixed, and the run game is still a struggle until proven otherwise against good run defenses. Luckily for the Broncos, the Packers don’t have one. Green Bay is giving up 4.7 yards per carry, sixth most in the NFL. Edge: Packers
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When the Packers run
James Starks is coming off a 112-yard rushing performance on only 10 carries. Eddie Lacy appears to have lost the sole ball carrier role because of injury and inconsistency. Lacy did not appear on the injury report in Week 6, but received only four carries for 3 yards . The Broncos give up 3.6 yards per carry, third least in the NFL. That comes from their stout linebackers and nose tackle. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
Struggles in the Broncos’ pass game have centered around turnovers and red zone inefficiency. Moving the ball isn’t as much of a problem as scoring the ball. The Packers give up the least points in the NFL, 16.8. Packers cornerback Sam Shields and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix anchor a solid secondary, but they gave up more than 500 passing yards to Phillip Rivers during Week 6. Edge: Packers
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When the Packers pass
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the master of the free play and making the people around him better. Perfect example: James Jones, Green Bay’s leading receiver with 424 yards and six touchdowns, was released by two teams this offseason before being picked up by the Packers. The Broncos’ No. 1 ranked passing defense in yardage allowed will need to be cautious of Rodgers forcing penalties that lead to big plays. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
Brandon McManus was named AFC special teams player of the month for his two game-winning kicks and 10-of-11 accuracy on field-goal attempts in three October games. Broncos special teams coach Joe DeCamillis acknowledged the dangerous presence of Randall Cobb as the Packers’ speciality punt returner and kick returner, but said their starting punt returner Micah Hyde might be even more dangerous. Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby is 10-of-11 on field-goal attempts this season. The Packers don’t kick many field goals. Edge: Broncos
Scouting Report
1. Only one Rodgers
The Broncos face their first truly elite quarterback this season. Sorry Joe Flacco. The Broncos’ defense is legit, but it will have little margin for error this week. One misstep or lull in coverage could lead to a 50-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers. The key will be to get pressure on Rodgers early off the edge, but contain him so that his freelance ability is limited. A low-scoring game will be the Broncos’ best chance to win, so it’ll be imperative for the defense to be on its A game.
2. Treat the ball like a baby
The Broncos are tied for the most interceptions thrown this season. Denver got away with that against the Cleveland, Baltimore and Detroits of the world, but won’t with Green Bay. Let’s put the turnover over/under at two Sunday. If the Broncos hit the under, there’s a good chance to win. Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has been around for a while, he’ll likely throw some disguises at Peyton Manning.
3. Who will be the guy?
Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders each have 527 receiving yards. No other Bronco has more than 107 receiving yards. Somebody has to step up and become a third threat. Will it be Owen Daniels, Bennie Fowler, Jordan Norwood or perhaps one of the backs? The best guess is that guy will be Fowler, who seems to make a play every time he touches the ball. The 6-foot-1, 212 pound receiver has been targeted seven times this season and made all catches, six for first downs.
