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Denver Broncos: AFC West Week Seven Predictions

By Graham Tiedtke

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 07: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass against the New York Jets during the first half in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 07: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass against the New York Jets during the first half in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Broncos @ Cardinals

Graham Tiedtke 

Before the start of the season, I looked at the Broncos’ schedule. I thought that the team would be able to go into Arizona and beat the Cardinals.

To be honest, I am not so sure anymore. The reason? Denver’s inability to stop the running game. The Broncos have allowed consecutive 200-yard rushers the past couple of weeks. That is the first time in NFL history a team allowed that to happen.

They face yet another really good running back in David Johnson. Unless the Broncos prove that their run defense problems are behind them, I expect Johnson to have a great day.

If the Broncos play run defense like they have the last few weeks, Johnson will get his first 100-yard game of the year.

As for the offense for the Broncos, they continue to struggle. To compare the current quarterback situation to last year’s through six weeks, Trevor Siemian had better stats for the most part in 2017. Unless, or until, the Broncos prove that they are improved, it will continue to be a frustrating season.

Cardinals 20, Broncos 13

Baylor Bradac 

The (2-4) Denver Broncos travel to Arizona this week for a prime time matchup against the (1-5) Cardinals.

The Cardinals have been struggling this year under rookie signal caller Josh Rosen. Rosen has a 55.56 QBR on the year, and his offense currently is ranked last in the NFL. However, the Broncos have allowed over 500 yards rushing in their last two games, and the Cardinals have David Johnson.

Given the bare minimum of work that Jared Goff actually had to do to beat Denver last week (0 TD, 1 INT, 14-28 Attempts) I fully expect David Johnson to be a one man wrecking crew this week.

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Johnson led the league in rushing two years ago with the Cardinals and suffered a season ending injury early last year. While he hasn’t been the most productive this year, this game will give him a chance to shine against Denver’s 28th-ranked defense.

If the Broncos want to win, they cannot abandon the run after going down 6 points in the 1st quarter. Use the two talented rookies in Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay to pound the Arizona defense, and use the play-action to create time for Keenum.

On defense, load the box and stuff the run. Force Rosen to throw the ball, get good pressure, and leave it up to the secondary to do their job.

Broncos 27, Cardinals 20

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