Denver is riding a three-game winning streak. Next up, Minnesota. And, while the game will be played at Mile High, the Minnesota Vikings are a tough team to beat. In order to win, the Denver Broncos will have to play their best football. Wins against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills have given this team confidence. But mistakes have also been costly for Denver. Minimizing these gaffs is paramount for success. If Denver wants to make the playoffs after an awful start to the season, they can’t afford any setbacks.
Sunday Night Football features a now-stellar matchup. But the game is far from decided. Here’s how the Broncos can beat the Vikings.
Week 11: How The Broncos Can Beat The Vikings
No Mistake Jake
Remember quarterback Jake “The Snake” Plummer? From Sun Devil to Cardinal to Bronco, Plummer was a tremendous mobile passer. One season with Denver, Plummer earned the nickname “No Mistake” Jake, and that’s exactly the mentality that the Broncos need to adopt in this game.
Denver can still make the playoffs, even after a disastrous 1-5 start to the season. Their record stands at 4-5 now, with a chance to keep the momentum going. But mistakes almost ruined their huge win in Buffalo against the Bills. Special teams gaffs, offensive struggles, and defensive lapses – fix the small problems and this team is a legitimate contender. Limiting mistakes is how the Broncos can beat the Vikings.
No Joshing Around
Meanwhile, Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs has been a revelation. His season with both the Cleveland Browns and the Minnesota Vikings has been extremely impressive. Stopping Dobbs will be a priority for Denver’s defense. In the last five games, Dobbs has rushed an average of seven times per game – the Broncos can’t let him run wild outside the pocket. A spying linebacker will be necessary, and the defensive line must hold their lanes and edges.
Stop Minnesota’s quarterback and you stop their most dangerous weapon. Stop that weapon, and you give the offense a chance to win the ballgame. Taking care of the biggest threat on the field is how the Broncos can beat the Vikings.
Orange Crush! How The Broncos Can Beat The Vikings
Las Vegas odds makers have the Broncos as the favorites over the Vikings this week. And, as we approach Sunday Night Football, it truly does seem like Denver finally has an advantage and that they are playing with a purpose.
Three straight wins, a defense that’s playing lights out, and a fan base who are excited to watch football again – the Broncos are back. But the road forward isn’t simple. Denver dug itself into a tremendous hole. Digging out again will require constant winning, with no room for errors. The Broncos must limit mistakes, make Dobbs struggle, and play solid defense if they want to win in front of their home fans. If they do, and if the offense can end drives in the endzone instead of kicking field goals, Denver can move to 5-5. That’s how the Broncos can beat the Vikings.
Main Image: Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK
