The Denver Broncos were just embarrassed on national TV.
That decision to flex the Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs to Sunday Night Football was no doubt the right move.
The good news is football fans got to see just how awesome Javonte Williams is as a running back. The bad news, the Broncos (6-6) still stink.
In the latest sign that this NFL season is mad, the team that heads into Week 14 on a win is the Detroit Lions (1-10-1).
Lions vs Broncos odds
If you’re betting on the Broncos, there are two ways to look at this Detriot game heading into Week 14. You could view the fact the Lions got their first taste of victory against the Minnesota Vikings as a positive since the motivation to ensure they don’t go winless is now gone. Or that Detriot is a damn scrappy team who will bite and fight for everything on the field.
Conversely, that’s not a way to describe Denver in any form or fashion. This team folds quicker than a cheap tent in a mild breeze.
Yes, the Lions have just one win, but they’re 8-4 against the spread, including four straight.
So it’s no surprise the Broncos are heavy -point favorites over Jared Goff and Detriot.
If you were curious, Denver is 6-6 against the spread this season.
The other popular NFL betting market is the total.
Before we get to the current number, keep in mind the over has hit just twice in Denver games this season.
As it sits, the over/under is .
Based on what the Broncos offense looked like against Kansas City, on top of that season trend, the under is definitely the smart play for this game.
Denver will definitely have some inspiration after the tragic news of Demaryius Thomas’ death. The former Broncos receiver died at his Georgia home at the age of 33. To say there will be heavy hearts at Mile High on Sunday is an understatement.
How the Broncos win
For weeks, Broncos Country, bettors and fantasy owners have been clamoring for Williams to get the lion’s share of the touches.
Against the Chiefs, Pookie got that.
The problem is the rest of the offense stayed in Denver.
Starting with Teddy Bridgewater, the offense must play better. Bridgewater has to be more efficient. The receivers, namely Courtland Sutton, should at least look like they care.
The defense just needs to do what it did against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
As for the special teams, the hope for Denver is that it doesn’t wreck the game. By now, that unit is beyond saving so any hope it can flip the game in a positive way is long gone.
Denver looks to keep slim playoff hopes alive
The other factor to consider is coaching.
Despite their record, the Lions scrap. Dan Campbell gets that from his guys.
Can Vic Fangio get his guys to bounce back after another humiliating loss to Kansas City?
And don’t you just the sense that the Broncos will take this Detroit team lightly? Isn’t that the natural path for this team?
Of course, they continue the trend of pulling a huge upset followed by a shellacking followed by another win. The problem is Denver is favored and the Lions stink.
No doubt you’ll hear all week how the Broncos “control their destiny.”
Well, we just heard how ready for prime time Denver was, too.
On paper, this looks like an easy win for the Broncos.
Until you remember it’s Denver and nothing comes easy.
Can the Broncos save their season with a win over Detroit?
There’s a phrase no one thought they would hear.
