3 Denver Broncos players key to beating the Detroit Lions in Week 14

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Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates after making an interception in the second quarter against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field At Mile High on October 31, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Key Denver Broncos against Lions: Justin Simmons, safety

The loss of Demaryius Thomas will certainly weigh heavily on the hearts of every player wearing orange and blue on Sunday.

This is where a team leader like Justin Simmons will step up in a big way.

Simmons has become the face of the Denver Broncos and is certainly the leader on this team that everyone looks to, especially in a time like this. He’s enjoying one of the best seasons of his NFL career after signing a long-term contract in the offseason, and this game is an opportunity for him to take over.

Whether he’s defending the run or pass, Simmons has been one of the Broncos’ most consistent players all season and if this team is going to maintain its playoff hopes, number 31 will be a big reason why.

I think we’re going to see one of Simmons’ best performances of the season against Detroit. He knows how to bait quarterbacks and with Jared Goff averaging a turnover per game so far this season, expect Simmons to get in throwing lanes, be aggressive, and make plays all afternoon.

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