Broncos-Lions is More Crucial Than an Average Non-Conference Game
Week 15's tilt with the Detroit Lions is a huge game if the Denver Broncos hope to have any chance of winning the AFC West. It'll also serve as a litmus test to reveal just how deep the Broncos can go in the playoffs.
If the Broncos can go on the road and win this Saturday's primetime matchup, it will let the world know that they're a team ready to contend. It would also be a key victory in a common game calculation if the Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs finish with the same number of wins and division record.
Entering Broncos-Lions, there are three numbers that can push the road team to a non-conference victory. Let's examine.
20
The Lions have not been careful with the ball this season, ranking 21st in the league with 20 giveaways. Detroit's been especially bad the last six games, with a total of 13 turnovers.
On the other hand, the Broncos have been exceptional at taking the ball away, leading the NFL with 24 takeaways. A whopping 17 have come in Denver's last six games.
This is a combination that could prove fruitful on the road in Detroit. If the Broncos’ defense can give its offense a couple of extra chances to score, they can win this game going away.
57
Quarterbacks who can use their legs and choose to do so can really make a difference against the Lions. That defense has struggled to contain those types of quarterbacks and has given up an average of 57 yards per game in situations where a signal-caller is scrambling for yards or on designed run plays.
Russell Wilson can use his legs effectively and could do some damage on Saturday. He doesn’t need to run for significant yards, but scrambling for a couple of first downs could change the game.
Wilson using his arm will be huge in this contest, but using his legs will also pay dividends.
4
Forcing the Lions to win the game with Jared Goff’s arm is the key to victory. Could he win the game? Yes, but Goff can also throw picks and cost his team victory.
The Broncos should accept those odds versus letting the Lions' ground game get going. The Lions are 5-1 when they can rush the ball for a 4-plus-yard average in the first half.
Conversely, Detroit is 4-3 when it rushes for under that average. Stuffing the run, putting the Lions in third-and-long situations, and putting the onus on Goff to move the ball, is how the Broncos can get this win on the road.
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