At least fans of the Denver Broncos will get to see Peyton Manning this weekend.
Will the Broncos actually honor the former quarterback with a performance worthy of the occasion? Since they didn’t do that against the Las Vegas Raiders for former head coach Mike Shanahan two weeks ago, don’t hold your breath.
For the second home game, Denver will induct another member to the Ring of Fame. In the embarrassing 34-24 loss to the Raiders, Shanahan was honored. Now comes the Washington Football Team and the induction of PFM, who becomes the 35th member.
The Broncos (3-4) come into Sunday’s game at Mile High on the heels of another embarrassing loss and a four-game losing streak. The Football Team (2-5) is struggling, having lost three in a row.
Football Team vs Broncos odds
After being an underdog for the first time this season against the Cleveland Browns, Denver is once again the favorite.
Whether you actually want to take the current market on this game is a big question mark. The team in orange is a mess right now and you have no idea what team you’ll see on the field.
The current odds on the Broncos have them as the slight -point favorite over Washington.
The better play on Sunday’s game might come in the total. And while Denver’s defense is being manhandled, it doesn’t give up a lot of points. The Broncos are third in points allowed per game at 18.1.
On the flip side, Washington is dead last in points per game allowed at 30.
The other factor to keep in mind for the total is the weather. The Denver forecast calls for rain and snow with mild winds and temps in the 40s. Though since it’s Colorado, that could change in a moment’s notice.
The over/under is set at for Sunday’s game.
How the Broncos win
This game comes down to Denver’s offense.
If Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos can’t move the ball or score against this Washington defense, they’ll struggle to win a game the rest of the season.
That means Denver must do a much better job of run blocking and protecting Bridgewater. If the offensive line doesn’t improve upon the last four games, bettors and fans should expect a repeat outcome.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Broncos’ front must get a consistent push up the field. Whether it’s in the pass or run, Denver’s defensive line has been non-existent the last four games. That must change if the Broncos hope to have any chance.
The other key is turnovers. After seven games, Denver is -3 in turnover margin. The Broncos defense has forced only six turnovers and hasn’t created one in the last two games. If Denver’s defense can give an extra possession or two back to the offense, and the offense holds onto the ball, the team can get back on track.
As it stands right now, that’s a lot of ifs for what appears to be a bad football team.
At least Manning will be in the stadium on Sunday. Too bad he can’t suit up.
