Broncos vs Browns Prediction (11/6)

After starting the season 3-0, the Broncos are 1-4 in their last 5 games. Tomorrow night, they face the Cleveland Browns in the first Thursday night game of the year.

Here are the keys to the game for the Broncos according to the Sporting News:

1. Win turnover battle. The Broncos have fallen to minus-11 in takeaway/giveaway margin, last in the NFL. While it's an equal opportunity issue -- Denver's secondary has two interceptions -- the offense has been the chief culprit during the current streak of four losses in five games. Cutler has thrown eight interceptions in those defeats. There also have been eight lost fumbles. That's been turned into 53 points -- 23 fewer than Denver scored in that four-game span.

2. Get running game going. The Broncos are coming off a 12-rush, 14-yard performance that was the second-worst showing in franchise history. And the backfield is beaten up. Michael Pittman and Andre Hall both went on injured reserve this week. Selvin Young might return from a groin injury but will likely back up Ryan Torain. The Broncos don't want extensively to use Torain, who seemed hesitant in his NFL debut Sunday. But they might have no choice. Denver can't allow teams to run exotic coverage schemes to confuse Cutler and take away Brandon Marshall knowing the Broncos are one-dimensional.

3. Rattle Quinn. Quinn has thrown all of eight passes in his season-plus in the NFL and will make his first start. The Broncos have done a decent job generating pressure the past couple games, simplifying the scheme to their base 4-3 last week and taking out the 3-4. With four reserves expected to start on defense, the Broncos might hold off on using the 3-4 front to avert any possible confusion over assignments. But the bet is defensive coordinator Bob Slowik dials up the blitz to test Quinn's decision-making.

Game Prediction: Denver Broncos 17, Cleveland Browns 16