Even the most optimistic of Broncos fans would probably be lying if they told you they imagined the team would be in the middle of the AFC playoff race through 12 weeks. Expectations have greatly shifted and the Broncos have begun to gain respect across the league. Bo Nix continues to improve each week and finds himself in a two-man race for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The team has already surpassed their projected total of 5.5 wins across various betting apps in Colorado and aims to add to that total this Monday vs the Cleveland Browns.

While the AFC West title is likely out of reach, the Broncos have a strong chance of earning a wild card spot. That starts this week against the Jameis Winston-led Browns. The path to the playoffs is very achievable. Of the 5 remaining games, the Broncos play 3 teams with a losing record. Also, the Chiefs will likely have the first seed clinched and rest their starters for the week 18 matchup. Without getting ahead of ourselves, taking care of business against the 3-8 Browns at home is the first step.

While the Browns record isn’t impressive, they aren’t a team to be taken lightly. Two of their three victories have come against very good teams in the Ravens and Steelers. Both of those wins have been with QB Jameis Winston at the helm. The Browns have found new life that has come with the change in leadership at the quarterback position.

There will be extra energy coming into the game as it takes place on Monday night. The Broncos had an ugly primetime Thursday night game against the Saints in week 7, but the team now has a chance to show the nation how far they have come. Home-field advantage certainly comes into play here, as we saw how difficult it was to play in snowy Cleveland last week. The forecast calls for cold weather, which both teams are accustomed to. However, the altitude is always a big advantage for the Broncos. Regardless, prime-time games can be an equalizer as both teams will have a little extra fire.

The Broncos’ defense ranks 3rd in the NFL for points allowed and face a team still finding their identity. Nick Chubb has yet to surpass 60 yards in a game, and that will be tough to do against a stiff Broncos defensive line. Zach Allen is one of the biggest breakout players of the entire league this season, and will likely cause problems for a makeshift Cleveland offensive line. Meanwhile, the Browns’ defense hasn’t been as dominant as in years past. Nix will have to keep an eye out for Myles Garret, but there are holes to exploit in the 22nd-ranked defense. Scoring in the 20s should be enough for the Broncos to come out with a win.

The biggest position group to watch this game is the Broncos secondary. Winston is known to take risks and air the ball out, so there will be multiple chances for the Broncos to come away with interceptions. Broncos fans know the greatness of Pat Surtain, but cornerback Riley Moss has established himself as a key piece of the defense this season. With 7 pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery on the season, Moss has been making game-changing plays. He left early due to injury against the Raiders but should be ready to go this week.

While this won’t be a walk in the park, I do believe that the Broncos will come out with a win. My prediction is Bo Nix goes for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions, while the run game contributes more than the previous week. Devaughn Vele leads the team in receiving since Courtland Sutton draws the attention of star CB Denzel Ward. Jameis Winston throws at least one interception, and the Broncos’ defense is able to stall drives forcing the Brows to settle for field goals. I see the Browns having a chance to tie it up on a final drive but the defense standing firm to seal the win.

A win would put the Broncos at 8-5 heading into the late bye week, a prime spot for them to be. If they can make it through the game fairly healthy and take care of business as expected, they will be a tough matchup for anyone the remainder of the season.

Spread: Broncos -5.5
Game total: Over/Under 42
Score prediction: 24-16 Broncos over the Browns
by Jake Koehler

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

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