DENVER (WKBW) — The Buffalo Bills have a chance to clinch the AFC East for the first time in over 25 years with a win over the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City.
Here's the predictions for Bills vs. Broncos
Matt Bové
Before the season began, the match up against the Broncos looked like it would be a tricky one to predict. Many people, myself included, thought the Broncos would be a playoff contender. Then early in the season Denver lost arguably their best players on both sides of the ball with linebacker Von Miller and wide receiver Courtland Sutton. As the season has progressed the Broncos have shown flashes of why so many were high on them, but they certainly haven’t been consistent.
After 13 games, the Broncos lead the NFL in turnovers with 29. Needless to say, that’s not a recipe for success. As you look deeper into the numbers it’s understandable when you consider the Broncos have started four different quarterbacks this season. But even Drew Lock, who barely turned the ball over as a rookie, has been throwing it to the wrong team more this season. In 10 games this season, Lock has 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. There is no denying Lock’s talent, but he hasn’t taken the steps in year two that Broncos fans were hoping for.
Expect the Broncos to try and expose the Bills inconsistent run defense with their two-headed monster of Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay. Both players are talented and can break off a big gain on any given play. For the Bills, stopping the run should be the number one priority. If Buffalo can build an early lead, Denver won’t be able to run the ball as much as they’d like.
On defense, even with a laundry list of injuries, the Broncos are still a tough group. Only two weeks ago they held the Kansas City Chiefs to 22 points and the week before that, they knocked off the Miami Dolphins by only allowing them to score 13 points. Safety Justin Simmons leads the way in the secondary with four interceptions and linebacker Bradley Chubb gets constant pressure on the quarterback. Josh Allen and company should be able to score some points, but this doesn’t seem like a game where the offense is going to explode.
So can the Bills punch their postseason ticket? Most casinos and betting websites have the Bills as a six point [-6] favorite. I don’t think the Bills will cover, but I think they’ll get the job done.
Bills 28, Broncos 24
Season record: 11-2
Jenna Callari
December 17th, 1995. Where were you the last time the Bills clinched the AFC East?
The Bills can give fans something they've been longing for with a win over the Denver Broncos.. and I don't see them letting Bills Mafia down.
With their win over Pittsburgh last weekend, the Bills showed they can hang with anyone. That includes a team that plays in a stadium with a higher altitude than the Bills are used to, and a team that may be better than their record shows. The Bills are playing some of their best ball on defense and I expect them to test and pick off Drew Lock at least once in this game. With a depleted Broncos cornerback room, the Bills wide receiving corps should have a field day and continue what they've been doing nearly all season.
The Bills are contenders... and contenders get the job done when they need to.
Bills 30, Broncos 20
Season record: 9-4
Adam Unger
On paper, this might be the Bills' easiest test since the last time they played the New York Jets. Some of the Broncos' best players on both sides of the ball have been out with injuries all year that have derailed their season.
The challenges Denver presents on offense are a backfield by committee and a pair of rookie deep threats in Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler. But a Bills defense that has come to life in December should be more than up to the task.
When Buffalo has the ball, expect a few more checkdowns than usual. Even without Von Miller, Denver boasts quite a pass rush, and Justin Simmons & Kareem Jackson cash in with big plays on the back end.
But if the Bills play like they did against the 49ers, or later on in the Steelers game, they may finally put away an inferior opponent like a true contender should.
Bills 31, Broncos 16
Season record: 8-5
