The Dolphins are coming off of a blowout win over the Washington Redskins and are looking to continue their winning ways against the Denver Broncos. This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. The Dolphins ranked sixth in the league last season on offense, while the Broncos ranked 18th on defense. It will be interesting to see how this game plays out.
What To Expect
In the era of the NFL’s current salary cap structure, it’s hard to see a trade involving multiple draft picks working. But the Broncos’ defense is one of those units that could benefit from a few additions this offseason. During the last seven seasons, Denver has had just one winning season. This year, the team is starting over with new coach Adam Gase and a roster that features several young players and unproven veterans. The Broncos’ offense has been hampered by injuries and ineffectiveness this season. Their rushing attack has been abysmal, while the pass protection unit has struggled as well.
Running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane have combined for 203 yards this season, but the team is still seeking its first 100-yard rusher since 2012. A sprinkling of snow won’t hurt their chances of improving on that number this week. But the Broncos’ 32nd-ranked defense will likely keep them from getting a lot of short fields.
Offense
The Dolphins have improved in many ways since their 70-20 loss to the Broncos last week. They have more receiving yards and rushing touchdowns than any team in the NFL, led by second-year quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and rookie running back Kalen Ballage. Miami is also a more disciplined defense that limits mistakes. Rookie cornerback Emmanuel Ogbah has two sacks and five passes defensed and is tied for the league lead with three forced fumbles. The dolphins vs broncos 2016 have clinched an AFC wild-card spot and are eager to break an eight-year playoff drought. They haven’t reached the Super Bowl since 2000. If the team can continue to win close games, it will be easier for fans to forget about some of the flaws in their play this season.
Defense
The Broncos’ defense ranked first in the league in points allowed last season. They have continued to improve this year under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who was an assistant with the Dolphins from 2021-21. The Dolphins are playoff-bound for the first time since 2008 under Mike McDaniel, who is in his second season as Miami’s head coach. McDaniel was a die-hard Broncos fan growing up in Greeley, and he has built a team that could challenge New England for the top seed.
The Dolphins’ defense will be tested against Denver’s high-octane offense, but it is capable of holding its own on the road. Its best weapons are the pass rush and cornerbacks. The Dolphins must keep Denver’s passing game at bay and force turnovers to give themselves a chance to win. Our model has simulated this matchup 10,000 times, and it is leaning over on the total. See which side of the spread you should back at Sports Line.
Special Teams
Special teams include the players who take the field during kickoffs, punts, and field goal attempts. They include the kicker, long snapper, holder, gunner, returners and members of the coverage team. Having an excellent special teams unit can make or break a game. These players must have exceptional balance, agility and speed with an incredible desire to compete. They must also have the ability to learn quickly and have a good understanding of their roles. They must be able to work together and be unselfish.
In addition, these players must be able to practice extensively so that they are ready to contribute when called upon. Rookies who contribute on special teams can have a huge impact on the team’s success. This is a great way for them to gain valuable NFL experience. Additionally, it can help them get on the radar of other teams. For instance, a player who makes a big return can have his or her career transformed by one play.
Conclusion
For nine years, Michael McDaniel worked as a ball boy at Broncos training camp. Now he’s the team’s starting quarterback, and a big reason why Denver is off to its worst start since 1970. SportsLine’s NFL model has simulated this game 10,000 times and is leaning over on the total. See which side it’s on, and all the other Week 11 NFL predictions, here.
