Awaiting the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16 is a road matchup with the Denver Broncos.
The Jaguars will enter this game at 10-4 on the season and the three seed in the AFC playoff race. Denver is 12-2 and at the top of the conference.
For some added insight into the Jaguars’ upcoming opponent, Brandon Walker of Broncos Wire answered a handful of our questions.
To see how these two teams stack up on paper, you can find that here.
What has Bo Nix done so well in his second season that has led to the team’s success?
Walker: Bo Nix has seen the field better in recent weeks. He showed his progress against the Green Bay Packers, which was arguably the best game of his career. Nix has also stabilized his footwork, which has led to accurate passing, and staying in the pocket, when not on designed rollouts. Even when on those plays, Nix has had the wherewithal to avoid pressure and deliver accurate footballs. His week-to-week improvement has been evident through the Broncos’ 11-game win streak.
What has been the strength of this Broncos team?
Walker: The biggest strength of this team has been red zone defense. By limiting points inside the 20, the Broncos have been able to beat opponents with their offense through the game. Denver is in the top -3 of red zone defenses in the NFL, and it proves it’s hard to score on Vance Joseph’s unit.
If opponents have found success against Denver, how have they accomplished that?
Walker: I’ve been saying this for weeks, and unfortunately, it still rings true. Denver’s coverage against tight ends and running backs has been porous. Josh Jacobs of the Packers catching a great ball from Jordan Love. The Colts’ Tyler Warren going off and having over a big game. Zach Ertz of the Commanders having a monster game. The list goes on and on. Denver just has been powerless in figuring this out.
Who is an under-the-radar player to know?
Walker: Denver’s wide receiver corps may not meet the NFL definition of elite, but they are doing the job against defenses. The player to watch on offense will be wide receiver Pat Bryant. With Sutton being covered by No. 1 corners, and Troy Franklin attracting attention elsewhere, Bryant finds his way through zones and man, and has an incredible catch radius. Bryant is the player to watch in this game.
Prediction: Who wins and why?
Walker: Let’s face it, both these teams are going to be in the playoffs. Jacksonville has had an outstanding season, and I am excited to see how this game will go on both sides. Lawrence has been great the past few weeks, but the Denver defense is a great unit in their own right. Bo Nix and the Denver offense also look really good coming into this. I think this may be an underrated high-scoring affair. I’m going to say Denver 38, Jacksonville 32, but I do think Cam Little hits from 70 in the thin Mile High air. It’s the perfect place to do it!
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 4 things to know and a prediction in Jaguars vs. Broncos matchup
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
