Here are the keys to the game for the Broncos according to the Sporting News:
1. Balancing the offense: The Broncos won't be able to grind teams with the running game but must at least provide enough of a threat on the ground to prevent teams from flooding zones with defenders to stop the pass. Things are so bad for the Broncos they re-signed Tatum Bell on Tuesday. On Monday, they signed Alex Haynes, a versatile speed back.Game Prediction: Broncos 21, Falcons 20Given the injury situation at running back, fullback Peyton Hillis likely will be asked to carry the load for at least one more week. Hillis can move the pile and, despite his rookie status, keeps Denver from exposing Cutler to unnecessary pressure by going to empty sets. Hillis can pick up pass protection well and can also catch out of the backfield if teams send a four-man rush.
2. Stay turnover free: It's a pretty simple formula: When the offense turns the ball over, the team loses. The Broncos had eight interceptions and eight lost fumbles during four losses in five weeks leading into the Cleveland game. But they didn't put the ball on the ground and Cutler threw one pick against the Browns, and the Broncos rallied for 21 points in the fourth quarter to win. In fact, they are 5-0 in games in which they have fewer than three turnovers.
3. Maintain gap responsibility: The defense continues to be a mess. There's a long-shot chance cornerback Champ Bailey could return but the defense will be playing with three linebackers who started the season on the bench. Denver is wildly inconsistent against the run. Turner victimized the Broncos even as a backup in San Diego. While Ryan has been a revelation, you can bet the Falcons would be happy to pound away at a smallish defense that has yielded at least 4.6 yards per carry in all but two games and is vulnerable to the long run.
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