NFL Week 14 Preview: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos

Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to pass in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are coming off an impressive 29-16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Peyton Manning wasn’t his usual self but the running game and defense helped catapult the team to its ninth victory of the season. Denver hosts the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority this Sunday, looking to go to a perfect 7-0 at home.

What: NFL Week 14 Preview: Buffalo Bills (7-5) vs. Denver Broncos (9-3)
When: Sunday, December 7th
Where: Sports Authority Field (Denver, Colorado)
Time: 4:05 PM EST, 2:05 PM MST
TV: CBS

C.J. Anderson continues to make the most out of his opportunity with Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball out of the lineup. This past Sunday against the Chiefs, Anderson rushed the ball 32 times, collecting 168 yards and a receiving touchdown. Over the past two games, Anderson has compiled 335 yards on the ground – an average of 167.5 yards per contest.

Denver’s defense looked dominant this past Sunday, especially the pass-rush they put on Alex Smith. The team finished with a combined 6 sacks – 7 tackles for a loss. Not to mention, the team tallied 12 quarterback hits while a pass-deflection from Terrance Knighton landed in the hands of DeMarcus Ware for an interception.

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We will see a familiar face at the quarterback position for the Buffalo Bills – his name would be Kyle Orton. Orton was a member of the Denver Broncos for three years (2009-2012) and will only be remembered for being outed by fan favorite Tim Tebow during the 2012 campaign.

Orton eclipsed 2,000 yards passing for the season last week where he completed 17-of-31 passes for 190 yards, including one touchdown a couple of picks. His team did go on to win however, defeating the Cleveland Browns 26-10. Orton has two, young weapons in Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins, which Broncos fans should keep their eyes on throughout the game.

Buffalo’s defense is no joke. They are currently ranked fifth in opposing passing yards per game at 216.1 and seventh against the rush, allowing just 96.3 yards on the ground. Just this past weekend against the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo held the Browns to just 74 yards on 26 carries – 2.8 yards per. C.J. Anderson and Juwan Thompson will look to change that come Sunday afternoon.

One player that has stood out on the defensive side of the ball that hasn’t received that much attention – perhaps his name has – is linebacker Brandon Marshall. Marshall stepped in for Danny Trevathan (who hopes to return soon) and has played at an all-star level. Marshall leads the entire Denver roster  in tackles by a large margin – 100 total. The next person behind him is T.J. Ward with a total of 54.

In order for Buffalo to keep it close, they must keep Manning off the field. We say this every week but that’s the realistic way of defeating the Broncos. Control the clock and you’ll have a shot. Denver needs to protect Manning, which they’ve been doing well the past two games.

Kick-off between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos is scheduled for 4:25 PM EST, 2:25 PM MST.