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Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers: Week 14 preview

By Shelby Manning

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 8: Todd Davis #51, Justin Simmons #31, Dekoda Watson #57, and Brandon Marshall #54 of the Denver Broncos celebrate a missed field goal at the end of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 8: Todd Davis #51, Justin Simmons #31, Dekoda Watson #57, and Brandon Marshall #54 of the Denver Broncos celebrate a missed field goal at the end of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Nov 29, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) celebrates his sack with outside linebacker Malik Reed (59) and defensive end DeMarcus Walker (57) in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) celebrates his sack with outside linebacker Malik Reed (59) and defensive end DeMarcus Walker (57) in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Matchups and X-Factors 

Key Matchups

PO’s Nicholas Manning breaks down the top matchups between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers. Check it out here.

X Factors

Denver’s Defense

Typically, an X-Factor is one solo player. This week, it is an entire unit. Denver’s defense is currently second in red zone efficiency. With McCaffrey missing, the Broncos have an opportunity to keep this game a low-scoring affair, and if they can do that, there is a good chance that the Broncos can win this game.

Of course, it is all about which team has a better offensive day, but perhaps if the defense can keep Teddy Bridgewater and Co. off the field, then the Broncos’ offense can sustain longer drives, and we will see both units helping each other out.

Robby Anderson

Although, like the Broncos, the Panther’s offense has hit its struggles this season, wide receiver Robby Anderson is going to be given a huge opportunity come Sunday.

As if this season has not been rough enough for the Broncos, cornerback A.J. Bouye was hit with a six-game suspension for a PED violation earlier on in this week, and all of a sudden, Denver is without its top two corners in Bouye and Bryce Callahan, who is currently on IR.

Look for Bridgewater to test the waters and give Anderson a lot of targets on Sunday. Rookie Michael Ojemudia, who has had an up and down rookie season, has suddenly been given a tough assignment, although it is important to remember that the Broncos now have the more experienced De’Vante Bausby back on the roster.

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