Denver Broncos: Countdown to Sunday

6 – Sacks DeMarcus Ware had last season for the Cowboys. The lowest total of his career, and a number both he and the Broncos expect to dramatically improve. Minus last year, Ware had averaged just fewer than 14 sacks a season.

5 – Times a manning-lead team has won 13 or more games in a season. A minimum win total typically needed to get the #1 seed, something the Broncos desperately want in order to avoid a potential trip to Manning’s old rival up in New England in the playoffs.

Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) leaps over Houston Texans defensive back Brandon Harris (26) as outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) watches in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

4 – Rushing TD’s for Montee Ball last year, a number sure to improve as Peyton Manning’s starting RB. In Peyton Manning’s 15 seasons, 12 times a RB has gotten 219 carries or more. In those seasons, his RB averaged 1,250.5 yards rushing and 11.7 total TD’s. Montee Ball should easily triple last year’s 4 TD effort.