The Atlanta Falcons will try to get their fourth road win of the season when they face off against the Denver Broncos this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Both teams are coming off close losses in Week 11.
The Falcons lost by three points to the New Orleans Saints while the Broncos were a blocked field goal away from giving the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of 2024.
To help us preview Sunday’s game in Denver, we went behind enemy lines with Broncos Wire writer Brandon Walker for the inside scoop.
1). Expectations were low for the Broncos coming into the year. What has been the biggest key to the team’s success this season?
Walker: The biggest key to the Broncos’ success has been Vance Joseph and the Denver defense. Who would’ve thought that this unit would be as good as they are after getting 70 dropped on them just over a year ago? I sure didn’t. Joseph has been one of the catalysts for this Broncos team, and the defense is rallying behind him, becoming a top-5 unit in the NFL.
2). How has rookie QB Bo Nix fared thus far?
Walker: Like any rookie quarterback thrust into the starting job, Nix has had to learn the hard way. He’s had more than his fair share of head-scratching moments, but the biggest thing Nix has brought to Denver is a sense of hope of better things to come. Nix has reinvigorated the offense and the Rocky Mountain region with hope for arguably the first time since Peyton Manning donned the orange and blue.
3). After a rocky first year, does the team appear to be buying into what Sean Payton is selling?
Walker: The Broncos have fully embraced Payton and his style of coaching. Payton has a drive to never be satisfied, and that has trickled down to the players. Nix and Payton’s sideline fracas is just an example of how passionate this team is, and where it can go.
4). Where is Denver’s defense most vulnerable?
Walker: I think Denver’s defense is most susceptible to the run. They’ve had multiple opponents rush for over 100 yards this season, despite the success of the secondary.
5). Game score and prediction for Week 11?
Walker: The Broncos need a win after back-to-back road losses against AFC playoff favorites. The game last week against the Chiefs was backbreaking. It’ll be a low-scoring, hard-fought game, but this is a must-win for the Broncos. Denver 18, Atlanta 15.