Denver Broncos Week 17 Preview

Introduction

As we wrap up the 2024 regular season, the Denver Broncos find themselves in a familiar position—fighting tooth and nail for every inch on the field. After a narrow loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16, the Broncos are looking to bounce back in Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals. With a mix of promising stats and areas that need improvement, let’s dive into the numbers that define the Broncos’ season thus far and what we can expect as they gear up for their final game.

Power Ranking

The Broncos have climbed slightly in the power rankings, moving from 19th to 18th with a win rate against a median opponent of 50.4%. While this isn’t exactly a cause for celebration, it does show that the team is on the verge of breaking through. A power ranking in the bottom half of the league can feel like a heavy weight, but with just a couple of wins, the Broncos could easily find themselves in a more respectable position. The upcoming matchup against the Bengals presents a golden opportunity to improve that ranking and end the season on a high note.

Overall Drive Efficiency

The Broncos have shown commendable overall drive efficiency, ranking 10th in the league. This is a slight dip from Week 16, where they were ranked 9th. However, it still indicates that the offense is capable of moving the ball effectively down the field. The key will be to translate this efficiency into points, as we saw in the Chargers game where they managed 355 yards but fell short on the scoreboard. As they prepare to face the Bengals, maintaining this level of efficiency will be crucial in keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

The Broncos’ defense has been a bright spot this season, ranking 8th in defensive drive efficiency. This is a slight improvement from their 6th place ranking in Week 16. This suggests that the defense has continued to tighten up, making it difficult for opponents to sustain drives. Against a potent offense like the Bengals, who rank high in both offensive drive efficiency and scoring, the Broncos will need to leverage this defensive strength to limit big plays and force turnovers. If they can keep the Bengals from establishing a rhythm, they’ll have a much better chance of coming out on top.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

The Broncos’ offensive drive efficiency has seen a slight decline, ranking 11th in the league compared to 10th in Week 16. While they are still performing well, this drop highlights the need for consistency in execution. The offense must find ways to convert drives into touchdowns rather than field goals, especially against a Bengals team that can score quickly. The Broncos have the tools to be effective; they just need to put it all together and finish drives with points.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

The Broncos’ defensive turnover efficiency has been a mixed bag this season. While they have shown flashes of brilliance, they need to step up their game in this area if they want to disrupt the Bengals’ offensive flow. The Broncos currently rank 12th in this category, which is a slight improvement from their previous ranking. Generating turnovers can be a game-changer, especially in tight matchups like the one they face in Week 17. If the defense can capitalize on any mistakes made by the Bengals, it could swing the momentum in Denver’s favor.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On the offensive side, the Broncos have managed to maintain a solid grip on the ball, ranking 8th in offensive turnover efficiency. This is a positive sign, especially considering their zero turnovers against the Chargers in Week 16. Protecting the ball will be paramount against the Bengals, who are known for their ability to capitalize on mistakes. The Broncos must continue to prioritize ball security to keep their chances alive in this pivotal matchup.

Drive Time

The Broncos rank 8th in drive time, a notable improvement from their 5th place standing in Week 16. This indicates that while they are moving the ball effectively, they are also taking their time to do so. While this can be beneficial in controlling the clock, it’s essential that they strike a balance between efficiency and urgency, especially against a high-scoring team like the Bengals. The Broncos need to find ways to quicken their pace without sacrificing quality, ensuring that they can keep pace with Cincinnati’s explosive offense.

Preview For Next Week

As the Broncos prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals, they find themselves in a matchup that could define their season. The Bengals are favored by 3.5 points, and with an over/under of 50.0 points, this game is expected to be a high-scoring affair. Advanced Football Stats simulations predict a close contest, with the most common final score being a 24-24 tie. The Bengals have a slight edge, winning 52.75% of the time in simulations, but the Broncos have a 55.65% chance of covering the spread. If they can harness their defensive prowess and capitalize on offensive opportunities, they could very well pull off an upset and end the season on a high note.

Conclusion

The Denver Broncos are entering Week 17 with a mix of optimism and determination. While their recent performance has shown promise, there’s still work to be done to ensure they finish the season strong. With key stats pointing in the right direction, they have the potential to make waves against the Bengals. As we gear up for this exciting matchup, let’s hope the Broncos can put together a complete game and leave it all on the field.

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Denver Broncos' journey throughout the 2024 NFL season.