5 Bold Broncos Predictions vs. Commanders

While the Denver Broncos lost their season opener, they looked somewhat decent on offense. The Broncos lacked explosive plays, but they moved the ball decently well and were helped with some timely penalties on third down.

However, the Broncos need to walk out of Week 2 with a win. That's a must, as Denver can't find itself 0-2 before a brutal five-game stretch with three games on the road, including each of the following two weeks.

If the Broncos pull off my five bold predictions for Week 2, it would result in that much-needed victory. So let's dive into them for the Broncos' Week 2 tilt with the Washington Commanders.

Marvin Mims Jr. Scores Twice

Mims was the first draft pick of the Sean Payton era in Denver, yet he saw the field for just 17 snaps in the season opener. While it typically takes a year before receivers break out in the NFL, the Broncos need to get Mims involved, especially with Greg Dulcich on injured reserve. Jerry Jeudy's return should help with the loss of Dulcich and create some opportunities for Mims.

I predict that Mims will score two touchdowns on plays over 40 yards. He showed up well as the kick returner to win the job and got close to a big return in Week 1; this time, he breaks free for a kickoff returned for a touchdown.

Mims' other touchdown comes on offense as the Broncos look to fix their lack of explosive plays. With Jeudy pulling a safety underneath, Mims takes the top off and hauls in a 40-plus-yard touchdown.

Williams Scores Go-Ahead TD

Javonte Williams' recovery has been almost miraculous. You don't see players come back as quickly as he did with the amount of damage to his knee.

Moreover, when a grievously injured player does return, he doesn't show more speed and burst as Williams has done. He had a good day for the Broncos in the opener despite only rushing 12 times. This time, his rush total is closer to 20.

Williams' final carry comes near the end of the game and happens to be the go-ahead touchdown for the Broncos. That's right, my bold prediction is that Williams runs it in for the game-winning touchdown.

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Outlaw Wins vs. Sam the Commander

Commanders' second-year quarterback Sam Howell is essentially a rookie in the NFL and still has much to put together. The fanbase dubbed Sam 'The Commander,' but he doesn't have an easy matchup this week.

Not only is Justin Simmons waiting to pounce on misreads, but linebacker Josey Jewell is quite underrated with his play in coverage. Jewell has excellent instincts and awareness, especially when working in the middle of the field, and can often bait quarterbacks into bad decisions.

'The Outlaw' Jewell does just that against Sam 'The Commander,' leading to an interception that sets up the aforementioned game-winning touchdown drive by the Broncos' offense.

You Shall Not Run!

The Broncos' defense stepped it up against the run against the Las Vegas Raiders, holding them under 100 yards rushing, with Josh Jacobs under 50 yards. The Commanders don't have that type of guy at running back, but they do have some solid rushers.

In the season opener, the Commanders rushed for 92 yards against the Arizona Cardinals, with 59 coming from Brian Robinson Jr. The Broncos' defense steps up against the run, holding the Commanders' offense to under 50 yards rushing. That could be extra tough with the receivers the Commanders have and their love of the end-around.

Fourth Down Trickery

There's been some dissatisfaction with Payton's fourth-down decision on the Broncos' final drive against the Raiders. That dissatisfaction is deserved.

However, Payton can be pretty spiteful and petty, at times, as a coach. As a result, on a fourth down, not even a critical one, he dials up a fake punt, which ends up being successful and leads to a needed touchdown.

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