The second round of the NFL Playoffs is underway. The Buffalo Bills are heading to Mile High to take on the Denver Broncos. On one side, you’ve got the reigning MVP in Josh Allen. A player who’s been known to put on the Superman cape. On the opposing side are second-year quarterback Bo Nix, offensive wizard Sean Payton, and arguably the best defense in the NFL. Let’s dive into these teams and give our keys to victory.
NFL’s MVP & Buffalo Bills Keys To Victory
Much like in their game last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Josh Allen must step up and show out. Last week, he was excellent. Allen completed 28/35 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns, two rushing and one passing. In the 4th quarter alone, he threw for 103 yards and scored two touchdowns. Flatly, every playoff game will be his moment until he wins a Super Bowl.
Here is where the key to this game will take place: the Bills’ offensive line. Last season, they were the best in the NFL in terms of sacks allowed. Dion Dawkins will have his hands full with Nik Bonitto and the rest of the Broncos’ pass rush. They were historically dominant, leading the NFL with 68 sacks. That was tied for the 4th most all-time in a single season. If they get to Allen, it’s going to be tough with Buffalo’s lack of healthy weapons.
The Bills’ defense struggled to contain Travis Etienne Jr. last week. Etienne recorded 116 scrimmage yards and scored a touchdown. As a team, they gave up 154 rushing yards to the Jags. Are the Broncos a dominant rushing team? Absolutely not. However, will Sean Payton, with a week to prepare, not take advantage of their lack of rushing defense? How about defending backs out of the backfield? I believe so. Buffalo’s defense, as much as this game is on Allen, it’s on you as well.
Bronco’s Keys To Win
If the Denver Broncos are going to win this game, it will be on the arm of Bo Nix. Going against the number one pass defense in the league, the second-year quarterback must play his best. Nix took a step forward with the pairing of Sean Payton, and he has been great this season. Their immediate success has left Bronco’s Country feeling excited for the future. However, the future is tomorrow. This might be the best chance this organization has to get to a Super Bowl.
Lean into what they are: a dominating defensive team. They were arguably the best defense in the NFL. Denver ranked 3rd in points allowed per game, 7th in passing yards allowed per game, 2nd in rushing yards allowed per game, 1st in offensive touchdowns allowed, 1st in sacks, but 26th in takeaways per game. This team has the capabilities to slow down what’s left of the Bills’ offense.
Who Wins?
I have the Denver Broncos winning and hosting their first AFC Championship game since 2015. I know I took the Jaguars to defeat the Bills last week and was wrong. At what point are too many injuries too many? The Buffalo Bills only have four healthy receivers entering this game. Josh Allen will put on a show, but it won’t be enough. Bo Nix and the Broncos punch their way to the AFC Championship game.
Final Thoughts
This game has the makings of the best player in the NFL, Josh Allen, against the best defense in the league. Who do you think wins this game? Do the Bills and Allen make back-to-back AFC Championship games, or do the Broncos make their furthest run since they had Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and the ‘No Fly Zone’ defense?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and preview of the NFL’s first divisional round game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos. Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
