After picking up a crucial home win over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Denver Broncos are set to face off with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13 for a pivotal AFC West clash.
The Broncos had their way on both sides of the ball in Week 12 against the Chargers. Melvin Gordon and the Broncos rush offense combined for 11 first downs on the ground, while rookie cornerback Patrick Surtain II secured a pair of timely interceptions off of quarterback Justin Herbert.
For more insight on the Broncos' Week 13 matchup against the Chiefs, listen below:
On the other side, the Chiefs are coming off of their bye week in Week 12. They have turned the tide on their season due to the active four-game winning streak, which has included a trio of wins at home. This has pushed them to the top spot in the AFC West standings.
In the chaotic AFC West, there is a possibility that the Broncos could move from last to first place in the division following Week 13. But they must check off each of these four feats in order to snap their 11-game losing streak against the reigning AFC champions.
Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Broncos Week 13 predictions
4. Patrick Surtain II picks up another interception in his rookie campaign
Surtain was the star of the show in Week 12 against the Chargers, as he finished with a career-high two interceptions. He returned one of the two interceptions the other way for a crucial 70-yard pick-six, which essentially put the game away in the fourth quarter. More so, he posted a 2.8 passer rating allowed while in coverage as the nearest defender and allowed a mere three completions on the day.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back has had formidable success as of late, whether in man-to-man or zone coverage. And while quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been more efficient in taking care of the football with only one interception thrown in the Chiefs' last three games, Surtain should still come away from the contest with at least one interception.
While Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parson has garnered much acclaim to be the heavy favorite for the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Surtain is making a strong case as well for this coveted honor.
3. Teddy Bridgewater continues to find success in the red zone
In his lone season with the Carolina Panthers, Teddy Bridgewater had his fair share of struggles in making the most out of red zone drives; he threw a trio of interceptions and posted an 80.2 passer rating in this area of the field.
The script has certainly flipped for Bridgewater this season. He has thrown for 12 passing touchdowns to go along with a 99.7 passer rating in the red zone so far this year with Denver. The veteran quarterback has found keen success in connecting with the likes of wideout Tim Patrick and tight end Noah Fant in the red zone.
Bridgewater sure must take advantage of his red zone opportunities against a Chiefs defense that has allowed a 64.7 percent red zone touchdown percentage, which ranks at 23rd in the league this season.
2. Broncos secondary slows down Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill
Tyreek Hill has not been at his usual dominant self as of late with extending plays via yards after catch. He has posted a 4.7 yards after catch per reception average so far this season, which is the lowest mark among his last four campaigns.
The Broncos secondary has been among the more potent units in the league this season when it comes to containing receivers after they haul in receptions. For one, Denver has allowed a total of 1,173 yards after catch, which ranks as the seventh-lowest mark this season.
Whether it will be Surtain or free safety Justin Simmons, the Broncos must secure timely stops in the open field against Hill this week.
1. Broncos move to the top spot in the AFC West standings
A mere one game separates the first place Chiefs and the last place Broncos in the AFC West standings heading into Week 13. But this should change in the coming days.
The Broncos would need the following to occur in Week 13 in order to move to first place in the AFC West: a win over the Chiefs in Sunday Night Football, a Cincinnati Bengals home win over the Los Angeles Chargers and a Washington Football Team road victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. In what has been an unpredictable season in the NFL, this should all transpire in Week 13.
Follow Us
Subscribe