DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Broncos hit the highway this week for the primary time in a month as they head to Buffalo, New York, to tackle the Payments on Monday Evening Soccer.
The Broncos have gained their previous two video games, together with a 24-9 victory over the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, and must be well-rested after a bye final week.
The Payments, alternatively, have misplaced two of their earlier three video games, together with final week’s matchup towards the Bengals, which Cincinnati gained 24-18.
The right way to watch Broncos vs. Payments on TV and streaming
A main-time matchup for the Broncos this week means everybody watching soccer can have their eyes turned to this sport.
- Kickoff: 6:15 p.m. MT
- Channel: ESPN
Whereas it’s nonetheless a bit too early to be trying on the playoffs, each groups are presently on the surface trying in. The Payments are a bubble workforce, however the Broncos would wish a powerful end to the season in the event that they’re hoping to get a shot.
Forecast for Broncos vs. Payments
Monday night time goes to be an fascinating night time for soccer in Buffalo.
The forecast contains an opportunity for rain, and whereas the excessive in the course of the day shall be 50 levels, temperatures will drop towards freezing in a single day.
Followers watching right here in Denver can have nicer climate, with a excessive of 65 levels in the course of the day and sunny skies. However in case you’re watching someplace that’s uncovered to the weather, be ready with a sweatshirt and jacket, because the after-dark begin means temperatures will cool shortly.
Issues to know for Broncos vs. Payments
The rut the Payments discover themselves in has grown so deep, that operating again Latavius Murray referred to as an offensive players-only assembly to remind his teammates simply how a lot expertise is on Buffalo’s roster.
“He does a extremely good job of simply ensuring that we don’t lose ourselves throughout the course of,” receiver Khalil Shakir mentioned Thursday, revealing the assembly happened earlier than observe.
The three-time defending AFC East champions have dropped three of 5 to fall out of the playoff image. Their protection is lacking three key starters, and Buffalo’s once-prolific Josh Allen-led offense is sputtering.
In its previous 5 outings, Buffalo has produced extra punts (14) than touchdowns (13) after combining to attain 16 TDs and punting simply seven instances in its first 4.
“The sense is, we’ve obtained our greatest soccer to play and it’s in entrance of us,” Allen mentioned. “We’re not going to let the truth that we’re 5-4 make this workforce or divide us aside.”
The Broncos have confronted sufficient adversity already — a 70-20 loss to Miami actually stands out — throughout coach Sean Payton’s first season that they’re starting to point out indicators of turning the nook. Denver has gained two straight and can also be well-rested popping out of its bye week.
“I really feel like we’re a greater workforce immediately than we had been 4 or 5 weeks in the past,” Payton mentioned. “I feel we’re so much additional down the highway, and due to that, you get that rather more invested and acknowledge the following alternative at hand.”
Whereas a lot of the main target would have usually revolved round Payments edge rusher Von Miller dealing with his former workforce for the primary time since being traded by Denver to the Los Angeles Rams two years in the past, this isn’t the time to reminisce.
Apart from the Payments’ struggles, Miller continues to be looking for his footing whereas making ready to play his sixth sport since lacking 10 months following proper knee surgical procedure and has but to register a sack.
“I felt higher final sport, however clearly there’s nonetheless some issues that I’m making an attempt to work by,” Miller mentioned. “You realize, it’s time. No have to sound the alarm, but it surely’s getting shut.”
The Broncos are coming off a 24-9 win over Kansas Metropolis two weeks in the past by which Denver snapped a 0-16 skid towards its division rival. It was an outing by which Denver pressured 5 turnovers. Whereas Russell Wilson had three landing passes, the offense was spurred by a operating assault that racked up 153 yards on 40 carries.
Wilson has thrown 16 TDs to match his whole from final season whereas throwing simply 4 interceptions.
“It was robust early on, however we type of hit slightly little bit of a stride right here,” Wilson mentioned. “And I feel that we’ve simply obtained to maintain our heads down and maintain working.”
Keep in mind 2021: That’s the message from Payments gamers and coach Sean McDermott in referring to the final time Buffalo was in jeopardy of lacking the playoffs. Buffalo misplaced 5 of eight to drop to 7-6 earlier than closing the season with 4 consecutive wins.
“Yearly it looks like you’re banging your head towards the wall,” McDermott mentioned. “So it’s by no means straightforward. However the perception is essential. … I feel they’re prepared for the problem and that’s what the Buffalo Payments do.”
Broncos about-face: Denver’s protection nonetheless ranks final within the league in yards allowed (405) and is tied for thirty first in factors surrendered (28.3), however the Broncos have held their final three opponents to 19, 17 and 9 factors — and two of these had been towards the reigning Tremendous Bowl champion Chiefs. The unit that allowed a whopping 10 touchdowns to the Dolphins in Week 2 held Patrick Mahomes out of the top zone fully.
“They could make some performs, however as soon as we get into that pink zone, our commonplace is to carry them to a few or no factors,” cornerback Patrick Surtain II mentioned. “That’s the usual we’ve held ourselves to those previous few weeks, so it’s an awesome factor occurring.”
Miller time: Miller mentioned there’s no unhealthy blood between him and the Broncos as a result of he left on good phrases after spending his first 10-plus seasons in Denver. He nonetheless retains in contact along with his former teammates, together with attending receiver Courtland Sutton’s marriage ceremony this offseason.
“It’s not like a revenge sport or something like that for me,” Miller mentioned, earlier than acknowledging how vital it may be for him to make an influence. “What a greater week to get it finished than this week, ‘Monday Evening Soccer’ going towards my outdated workforce.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.