Denver Broncos predictions, week 3: Beating the Bills

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos and cornerback Aqib Talib #21 of the Denver Broncos celebrate as they walk off the field after the Denver Broncos 42-17 win over the at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos and cornerback Aqib Talib #21 of the Denver Broncos celebrate as they walk off the field after the Denver Broncos 42-17 win over the at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: Nose tackle Domata Peko #94 of the Denver Broncos reacts after making a defensive stop against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: Nose tackle Domata Peko #94 of the Denver Broncos reacts after making a defensive stop against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

2. Run defense dominates again.

The Broncos’ run defense has been markedly improved in 2017, which is a huge testament to the coaching staff and front office for getting a major weakness shored up from last year.

The way the Broncos were able to win the Super Bowl two seasons ago was by stopping the run first, and forcing teams to throw at their stellar secondary.

Through two games this season, that’s been exactly the formula for success for this team, and I think they are going to come up big against the Bills again.

There are two keys here:

1. You have to stop LeSean McCoy, one of the league’s best running backs; and

2. You have to limit Tyrod Taylor’s scrambling opportunities.

The Broncos have the weapons defensively to prevent quarterbacks like Taylor who can run from ruining their defensive game plan, but they have to execute. Stopping Taylor as a runner is almost just as critical as stopping McCoy, but if the Broncos can regularly keep McCoy at bay, it’s going to be tough for Buffalo to move the ball against this defense.