Buccaneers (1-1) at Broncos (0-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Buccaneers by 6 1⁄
2
Broncos’ keys to victory: Bucs QB Tom Brady has faced the Broncos 13 times in the regular season, and Denver’s defense has totaled six interceptions and 24 sacks. The Broncos have rattled Brady with pressure, and they can do so again even with OLB Von Miller sidelined with an ankle injury. Jeremiah Attaochu has stepped up as his replacement, starting across from former fifth overall pick Bradley Chubb at outside linebacker. Denver should aim to control the game by establishing the run. Broncos RB Melvin Gordon will need to step up if Phillip Lindsay hasn’t returned from his toe injury.
Buccaneers’ keys to victory: Denver QB Drew Lock suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2 and will miss a couple of weeks. With Jeff Driskel in Lock’s place, the Broncos will likely feature a run-heavy offense. Tampa Bay should stack the box and force Driskel to try to beat the Bucs with his arm. OLBs Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett need to generate pressure. Barrett should have extra motivation going up against his former team. On offense, Brady should test undrafted rookie CB Essang Bassey.
Matchup to watch: Bucs WR Mike Evans vs. Broncos CB Michael Ojemudia. With CB A.J. Bouye (shoulder) on injured reserve, Ojemudia has been thrust into the starting lineup. He will be tasked with covering Evans or WR Chris Godwin.
Who wins? Counting the playoffs, Brady has a losing record against one team, Denver, which is 9-8 against him. Brady will look to change that.
Buccaneers, 24-13