The Denver Broncos are set to host the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football on Dec. 2. Here are five quick storylines to watch for going into the game.
1. Drew Sanders status and role: Sanders was activated from the PUP list earlier this week. Now there are two questions: 1) will he play on Monday and 2) what position will he play? Sanders began last season as an inside linebacker out of necessity but later moved to outside linebacker and the Broncos hinted this spring that he would play as an OLB in 2024. Denver has plenty of depth on the edge, though, and they could use help at ILB. We’ll see what kind of role Sanders has on Monday (assuming he plays).
2. Jerry Jeudy’s return to Denver: Jameis Winston taking over as Cleveland’s starting QB was good news for Jeudy, who has totaled 24 receptions for 379 yards and one touchdown over the last four games. The receiver will undoubtedly have something to prove against his former team on Monday.
3. Broncos running back rotation: Over the last three weeks, Audric Estime, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin have led the team’s backfield in rushing yards once each. It’s nearly impossible to predict how the RB rotation will shake out, but it looks like a good matchup for Denver on paper. The Browns are allowing 130.6 rushing yards per game, ninth-most in the NFL.
4. Denver’s offensive line vs. Myles Garrett: The Broncos held up well against Garrett last year, limiting him to just two tackles and no sacks. Garrett has just 1.5 sacks in four career games against Denver, a number he’d like to improve in Week 13. The Broncos’ offensive line ranks No. 1 in pass protection this fall, but Garrett will be a big test.
5. Broncos’ defense vs. Jameis Winston: Denver ranks 11th with nine interceptions this season and the unit’s 44 sacks rank No. 1 in the NFL. Winston has thrown four interceptions through four starts with the Browns and he’s been sacked 12 times. Monday could be a big day for the Broncos’ defense.
Monday’s game will be nationally televised on ESPN. Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites in Week 13.
