(Photo: Action 247)
Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 15
Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos
Packers (9-3-1):
That’s two consecutive wins over division opponents, and those wins are always key. What have I said over the years? To win your division, you must win within the division. I remember last season they were one of three teams that made the playoffs from the NFC North, and the biggest caveat I had with them was their record in the NFC North, which was 1-5. What a difference a year can truly make because they now have a perfect record of 4-0 this year, and this is exactly why they are on top of the division as we speak. The verdict was out on them after the Eagles loss, but they have won their last four games and have played better. Their defense hasn’t been the problem whatsoever, and this is one of their better units I have seen in such a long time. They play so collectively well together as a group and can get off the field to give the ball back to their offense. As I think about it now, the Packers’ issue for years has been one side of the ball being stronger than the other, and I remember saying this dating back to the days with Aaron Rodgers — when the offense was among the elite, but the defense struggled and could never seem to put it together. This team has an above-average offensive line, serviceable weapons, and I’ve already mentioned the defense. The biggest question is: Which version of Jordan Love are you going to get? When he plays the way he did in the wins over the Lions and Bears, they are a force. This Sunday, Green Bay will make its way to Denver to face a red-hot Broncos team.
Broncos (11-2):
It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it? After their Super Bowl win in 2016, they’ve had some down years along with the rotating carousel of quarterbacks I’ve referenced over the years. One thing I must say is Sean Payton is still one of the best coaches in our league, and I’m glad he’s showing what he’s capable of doing because many labeled him as a coach who benefitted from having a future Hall of Fame quarterback. He helped guide this team back to the playoffs last year, and this year they have come on strong and have proved last season wasn’t a fluke in the slightest. This division was gift-wrapped to the Kansas City Chiefs for the last nine years — and let’s look at the division now. The Raiders… well, their uniforms are still the same. The Chiefs haven’t recovered from the Super Bowl loss last year to the Eagles. The Chargers are winning games. And this Denver group has been among the best, sitting in first place. I knew I had to pay closer attention to them when they beat the Eagles, and they also beat the Chiefs, meaning they have two wins over last year’s Super Bowl representatives. I’m asked often: if I had to lean in a direction, who would I take — the Patriots or these Broncos? Now, I love what the Patriots have done this year and Mike Vrabel has reinvigorated them, but what Denver is doing is special, and I’d lean toward them because of the defense and the coach. They will attempt to keep the winning streak going on Sunday against the Packers.
Packers X-Factor: Christian Watson
He’s such a difference-maker when he’s healthy, and he’s started to heat up for this Green Bay offense. When you feed him the ball, Christian has the ability to flip the switch and make that big play at any moment. This is a Denver front seven that’s tenacious and forces you to win outside on the perimeter, and this is where Christian comes into the picture. If he can threaten vertically, it forces the Denver safeties to back off, gives Jordan Love cleaner pockets to throw from, and allows the other receivers to attack underneath. When Christian is healthy, the offense becomes more dynamic.
Broncos X-Factor: Marvin Mims Jr.
He is a key piece to the puzzle for the Denver Broncos, and here’s the crazy thing — he can impact this game, or any game for that matter, without the offense having to do much. Marvin is so explosive and is a true threat with the football in his hands. He’s the guy who can get a big return and set the Denver offense up with prime field position. All the Broncos need from him is one big play, and the momentum of this game instantly shifts in favor of the home team.
Final Thoughts:
We have two division leaders here, and some have labeled this as a potential Super Bowl preview. Only time will tell. This will be the first meeting between Jordan Love and Bo Nix. The Packers have won their last four games as I mentioned above, and the last time the Broncos lost a game was in Week 3 to the Los Angeles Chargers — they’ve been rolling since. These are two of the best defenses we will see on display in Denver on Sunday, and this game will come down to a few explosive plays (Watson stretching the field or Mims returning the ball), a busted coverage, a 50-yard bomb, or a return into Green Bay territory. Whichever team hits more explosive plays will have the edge. I’ll also be paying attention to third-down and red-zone execution since Denver has been phenomenal on third down defensively, and Green Bay has improved in the red zone. I think the biggest key in this game is turnovers and field position. The Broncos thrive when they have a short field, and the Packers can’t afford to give Denver any easy points. The Broncos’ defense will pressure Jordan, and if he can avoid turning the ball over, that keeps the Packers in control. Denver must also maintain its balanced offensive attack. On the Green Bay side, it starts with keeping Jordan Love protected. I’m ready for this game.
