Broncos Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Packers in Denver

The Denver Broncos will host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, December 10, 2023, as both teams look to solidify their playoff positions. The Broncos, with an impressive 11-2 record, are currently on a ten-game winning streak, holding a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West. A victory against the Packers (9-3-1) would secure Denver a playoff berth. Meanwhile, the Packers are riding high on a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating NFC North rivals Detroit and Chicago.

With playoff implications on the line, both teams are eager to maintain their momentum. Despite their strong performance this season, the Broncos enter Sunday’s game as underdogs. This is largely attributed to the presence of rookie quarterback Bo Nix and first-year running back RJ Harvey, who have stepped up in the absence of injured player J.K. Dobbins.

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles praised Harvey, stating, “The dude’s a freak. I mean, there’s a reason why we drafted him the way we drafted him. He’s just getting better and better.” Harvey has taken over as the lead back following Dobbins’ foot injury, which required surgery. Nix has also proven to be a reliable performer, with eight of the team’s wins during the streak coming by a single score. He has completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,954 yards, with 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The Broncos’ defense has played a significant role in their success, ranking fourth in the NFL with an average of 18.1 points allowed per game. They also excel in stopping the run, giving up only 89 yards per game, and lead the league with 55 total sacks.

The Packers, on the other hand, boast a talented offense led by quarterback Jordan Love, who has a career-high completion percentage of 67.1% and has thrown 22 touchdowns this season. Love has been protected by a strong offensive line, although injuries early in the season posed challenges.

Defensively, Green Bay ranks sixth in points allowed, averaging 19 per game, and fifth in total yards allowed, giving up an average of 287.2 yards. Star linebacker Micah Parsons is a key player for the Packers, leading the team with 12.5 sacks. Broncos head coach Sean Payton recognized Parsons’ impact, stating, “He’s extremely explosive. He has unique bend and balance for someone at that position, so he’s a handful.”

The Broncos are currently ranked tenth in total yards per game, averaging 342, while the Packers follow closely at 340.3. Both teams have shown resilience, but the Broncos’ defense presents a unique challenge.

Injury updates ahead of the game show that Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant did not practice due to a hamstring issue, while tight end Nate Adkins and guard Ben Powers were limited in their participation. For the Packers, running back Josh Jacobs did not practice due to a knee injury, but Love participated fully despite a left shoulder concern.

With both teams poised for a critical matchup, the game will kick off at 3:25 PM local time and will be broadcast on CBS. The Packers are currently favored by two points as they look to continue their winning ways against a formidable Broncos squad.