Image Source: Matt Wadleigh
Key Takeaways
- The Denver Broncos’ defense is a strong counter to the Buffalo Bills’ offense
- The Broncos have the No. 1 defense in terms of success rate against opposing dropbacks
- Quarterback Bo Nix is playing the best football of his pro career, with a 67.2 QBR since Denver’s Week 12 bye
- The Broncos have one of the league’s best offensive lines, which should give Nix plenty of time to work
Introduction to the Matchup
The upcoming matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills is shaping up to be a highly competitive game, with both teams looking to gain an edge. However, according to recent analysis, the Broncos may have the upper hand, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. As noted, "Because Denver’s defense is the perfect antidote to Buffalo’s offense." This is due in part to the Broncos’ impressive pass rush and the presence of All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, which makes it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to find success. The Bills’ quarterback, Josh Allen, will likely face a tough test as he tries to throw the ball against the Broncos’ stingy defense.
The Broncos’ Defensive Strengths
The Broncos’ defense is particularly well-suited to counter the Bills’ offense, which relies heavily on Allen’s ability to throw the ball. As the article notes, the Broncos have the "No. 1 defense in terms of success rate against opposing dropbacks," thanks to their "feisty pass rush and All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II." This means that Allen will have to be careful when dropping back to pass, as the Broncos’ defense is likely to be able to apply pressure and disrupt his timing. Additionally, the Broncos are also strong against the run, ranking fourth in success rate against designed runs. This makes it difficult for the Bills to lean on their strong running game, as the Broncos are well-equipped to stop them.
The Emergence of Bo Nix
On the other side of the ball, the Broncos have been getting strong play from quarterback Bo Nix, who is "probably playing the best football of his pro career." Since the Broncos’ Week 12 bye, Nix has posted a 67.2 QBR, which is the seventh-best in the league. He has also been careful with the ball, with a low interception rate of 1.2% and a sack rate of 4.0%. As the article notes, Nix has been able to play well thanks in part to the strong protection he has received from the Broncos’ offensive line, which is "one of the league’s best." This has given Nix the time and space he needs to operate and make plays, and he will look to continue this strong play against the Bills.
The Importance of the Offensive Line
The Broncos’ offensive line has been a key factor in Nix’s success, and it will be important for them to continue to play well against the Bills. As the article notes, the Broncos have "one of the league’s best offensive lines," which has given Nix the protection he needs to thrive. This is particularly important against a team like the Bills, which has a strong pass rush and will be looking to apply pressure on Nix. If the Broncos’ offensive line can continue to play well and give Nix time to work, he should be able to make plays and lead the team to victory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills is shaping up to be a highly competitive game. However, the Broncos may have the upper hand, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With their strong pass rush and the presence of All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, the Broncos are well-equipped to counter the Bills’ offense. Additionally, quarterback Bo Nix is playing the best football of his pro career, and the Broncos’ offensive line has been giving him the protection he needs to thrive. As the article notes, "Because Denver’s defense is the perfect antidote to Buffalo’s offense," and the Broncos will look to use this to their advantage as they take on the Bills.
https://roundtable.io/broncos/news/why-broncos-will-defeat-the-bills-in-divisional-round
