Denver Broncos (4-8) at Carolina Panthers (4-8), Sunday, 11 a.m. MT, Bank of America Stadium, CBS, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
3 Things to watch
1. Jerry Jeudy’s impact. The rookie wideout only has one catch in the past two games as coach Vic Fangio admitted he’s been “nicked a little bit” from an ankle injury. But Jeudy, who tweeted in frustration after last week’s loss to Kansas City that “at least I got my conditioning in,” clearly wants a bigger role in the offense than he’s shown over the last month. The Broncos need him trending back toward the seven-catch, 125-yard career-high performance that came in Week 9.
2. Two free-falling teams. The Broncos have dropped four of their last five games, while the Panthers have lost six of seven. There’s plenty at stake for both coach Vic Fangio and first-year Carolina coach Matt Rhule to prove to their respective fan bases and front offices that they have their ships heading in the right direction entering 2021. Sunday’s game is also critical for Denver considering the tough matchup against AFC East leader Buffalo next week.
3. Drew Lock’s interceptions. The Broncos lead the league with 21 interceptions thrown, and Lock’s been responsible for 13 of those over his last seven games. Those mistakes have to be eliminated, both for Lock to continue to grow as a young QB as well as for Denver to be in contention over the final quarter of the season. Lock has thrown a pick in an NFL-worst seven straight games, is second overall in individual interceptions, and last in quarterback rating.
Who has the edge?
When the Panthers run
With former Valor Christian star Christian McCaffrey still out (quad), the 20th-ranked Carolina run game (106.4 yards/game) won’t get a boost against a Broncos run defense that’s been gashed for 200-plus yards in two of the last four games. Shelby Harris’ second game back from COVID-complications will help, but Denver can’t let backup tailback Mike Davis get rolling.
Edge: Broncos
When the Panthers pass
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been up-and-down, and is coming off a rough game against Minnesota in which he completed a season-low 52.7% of his passes. Carolina will be down two of its top three wideouts after DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel were placed on the COVID/reserve list, while the Broncos will be without top cornerbacks Bryce Callahan (injured reserve) and A.J. Bouye (six-game suspension for PED).
Edge: Even
When the Broncos run
Melvin Gordon is coming off his best game as a Bronco, while Phillip Lindsay — held back by an overall lack of carries and injuries — has only gone over the 100-yard mark once this year. The Carolina run D is middling, ranking 15th in the NFL at 115.1 rushing yards/game, and will be without leading tackler Shaq Thompson as the middle linebacker is on the COVID/reserve list.
Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
Beyond Lock’s problem with picks, wideout Tim Patrick and tight end Noah Fant will need to pick up Jeudy’s recent slack against a pass defense ranks 19th at 249.3 yards/game. Lock will want to avoid cornerback Donte Jackson, who leads Carolina with three interceptions.
Edge: Panthers
Special teams
Brandon McManus missed a field goal attempt for just the second time this season last week, again from 50-plus yards. Tyrie Cleveland has shown some spark in the return game. Carolina kicker Joey Slye has been inconsistent, as have several of the Panthers’ special team units.
Edge: Broncos
Post predictions
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer: Broncos 27, Panthers 26
Melvin Gordon scores a touchdown with 22 seconds remaining and Vic Fangio goes for two — and the win — and gets it on Tim Patrick’s catch.
Kyle Newman, beat writer: Broncos 24, Panthers 21
Another boneheaded Drew Lock interception allows Carolina to take the lead before half, but Denver forces two turnovers in the second half and Noah Fant has the game-winning touchdown catch.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Panthers 24, Broncos 23
Tackle Garett Bolles has rewarded John Elway’s faith for selecting him 20th overall in the 2017 draft. I still think the Broncos should’ve traded up for Christian McCaffrey. What say you?
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 22, Panthers 21
Carolina winds up missing a healthy Christian McCaffrey more than the Broncos miss A.J. Bouye.
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