The Broncos enter their Week 16 matchup with the Raiders ranked 26th in the league in total defense (378.1 YPG).

Analysis: Denver ranks much better in terms of scoring defense (10th at 21.4 PPG) and has shown solid playmaking ability, ranking sixth in takeaways (24) and sixth in sacks (42). Meanwhile, the Oakland offense ranks 29th in scoring (18.9 PPG) and 30th in sacks allowed (48) and is largely devoid of playmakers beyond TE Jared Cook. The Broncos are allowing only 16 PPG over their last four games and that total should be attainable against the Raiders in what is as good a matchup as you'll find for Week 16.

The Broncos allowed 389 total yards of offense during last week's disappointing 20-14 loss to the 49ers. They'll face the Browns in Week 15.

Analysis: The loss may have derailed Denver's hopes of securing a wild-card berth. The performance was especially gutting in that the damage came from relative unknowns, as 2017 undrafted free agent Nick Mullens torched Denver for 332 yards through the air while undrafted rookie Jeff Wilson supplied 90 yards on the ground. It's easy to overreact, but Cleveland will likely use the same formula that San Francisco used to exploit Denver's defensive holes. Budding stars Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb will…read more

The Broncos are allowing just 16.3 PPG over their current three-game win streak.

Analysis: Denver has positioned itself for a playoff push following a strong November. It's fair to say the offense has found its rhythm, but there's no discrediting the defensive surge happening in the Mile High City. In last week's win over the Bengals, the Broncos held the Cincinnati to just 313 total yards of offense and forced three forced turnovers in the process. Seventh in the NFL in takeaways with 21, expect Denver to force errant decision-making against Nick Mullens and the 49ers come Sunday.…read more

The Broncos boast the league's 13th-ranked scoring defense (22.9 PPG) entering Week 13's tilt with Cincinnati.

Analysis: Aside from a putrid October stretch, Denver has been a surprisingly strong team throughout 2018. While the concept of moral victories is a bit ironic in a sport predicated on wins and losses, the Broncos' defense has nearly engineered two wins over Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs this season. Likewise, wins over the Chargers, Steelers and Seahawks all indicate that Denver can play with anybody in large part due to its defensive playmakers. The ever-impactful Von Miller has found his Robin with the…read more

Broncos CB Bradley Roby (concussion) and LB Brandon Marshall (knee) are nursing injuries heading into Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Roby and Marshall both started the week not practicing, and their potential absence against Pittsburgh's high-octane offense would not be ideal. The Broncos allowed 479 yards of offense to the Chargers last week, but forced a pair of turnovers and had three sacks to help hold them to 22 points to earn the win. Denver ranks middle of the pack in points (23.5) and yardage (375.5) allowed as well as takeaways (14), but are seventh with 31 sacks. Overall the Broncos defense has fared relatively…read more