When the Broncos run
Coach Gary Kubiak challenged the run game to be better to help out the Broncos young quarterbacks. That starts with the offensive line where after a strong start rushing for more than 130 yards in each of their first two games, they’ve been stuck in neutral failing to notch 90 yards in each of their last two games. The Falcons have struggled in pass defense, but they’re middle-of-the-pack in run defense. Edge: Falcons
When the Falcons run
Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman may be the NFL’s best and most versatile one-two punch out of the backfield. Freeman is the slasher with great hands and quick changes in direction. Coleman is the speedy, elusive change-of-pace back. Atlanta’s rushing offense is sixth in the NFL. The Broncos contained the Bucs’ run well besides a few QB scrambles, but this would be the spot for offenses to attack rather than by air. Edge: Falcons
When the Broncos pass
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said they are preparing for both Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch at quarterback, but the expectation is if he’s healthy enough it will be Siemian. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are in the midst of a hot streak, punishing teams for loading the box against C.J. Anderson and the run game. Atlanta has the NFL’s second-worst passing defense allowing 317 yards per game. Edge: Broncos
When the Falcons pass
The NFL’s top-ranked offense, leading passer, Matt Ryan, and leading receiver, Julio Jones, will likely be the Broncos’ most difficult challenge yet. But Denver hasn’t allowed a quarterback to throw for more than 200 yards yet. They lead the NFL with 17 sacks and they’ve forced more interceptions than passing touchdowns. It’s hard to give anyone an advantage over Denver’s defense. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
The Broncos have had some success with the mortar kick pinning opponents inside the 25-yard line on returns and that’s likely to continue. Falcons punt returner Eric Weems is third in the NFL with a 17.1 punt-return average. He also ranks top 10 in kick-return average. Both Broncos kicker Brandon McManus and Falcons kicker Matt Bryant are off to great starts going 15-of-16 combined. Edge: Broncos
