ClutchPoints
The calendar says the NFL is in the home stretch of the regular season but the matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers in the Mile High City is shouting Super Bowl preview.
The Broncos (11-2) are fighting for the top spot in the AFC playoff structure against the New England Patriots. Denver has reeled off 10 straight victories and head coach Sean Payton has a team that has played effectively on offense and dominated on defense. Bo Nix leads an attack that ranks 10th in total offense, as the Broncos are averaging 342.0 yards per game. The defense has been able to choke off opponents as that unit ranks 3rd in yards allowed (282.0) and is 4th in points given up per game (18.1).
The Packers (9-3-1) appear to be built in a similar matter with quarterback Jordan Love and edge rusher Micah Parsons leading the way. The Green Bay offense ranks 14th in total yards with 340.3 per game and slightly better in points with an average of 24.8 points. The defense regularly chokes off opponents as the Packers are 5th in yards allowed (287.2) and 6th in points per game (19.0).
This game could come down to special teams performance late in the 4th quarter. That would seem to be an edge for the Broncos, because Wil Lutz has made 20 of 23 field goal attempts, including 3 of 5 from beyond the 50. Brandon McManus has battled injuries and has made 15 of 21 three-point attempts.
The key in this game may be the matchup between Payton and Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Payton needs to put Bo Nix in an advantageous position so he can find his receivers and also pick up key yards on the ground when he senses an opening. That means he has to avoid Micah Parsons throughout the game.
It is unlikely either coach will win by a knockout, but expect Payton to do just a bit more than Hafley in this matchup. Nix is a confident leader who has a full understanding of the Broncos offense. He will occasionally show some scatter-arm tendencies, but he is usually at his best at the most critical moments. Nix has completed 297 of 470 throws for 2,954 yards with 19 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
He has a big-play receiver in Courtland Sutton who has caught 56 passes for 773 yards and 5 touchdowns. Sutton is likely to see a lot of double coverage, but he can use his speed and athleticism to high point the ball when the Broncos need it most. Fellow wideout Troy Franklin is a solid No. 2 pass catcher who has been a key contributor with 51-541-5.
The Broncos running game has had a positive impact all season with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey making impact plays on a regular basis. Dobbins has rushed for 772 yards and 4 touchdowns, Harvey has 354 rushing...
