The Denver Broncos (3-10) are set to host the Arizona Cardinals (4-9) in Week 15 of the 2022 NFL season at Empower Field at Mile High. Here’s our quick game preview for Sunday’s showdown.
Cardinals’ keys to victory: After losing QB Kyler Murray to a knee injury on Monday, the Cardinals will turn to QB Colt McCoy, who will need to protect the ball against a playmaking Broncos squad that grabbed three interceptions last week. Denver’s run defense has been leaky at times this year, which is good news for RB James Conner. On defense, Arizona should focus on shutting down Denver’s own rushing attack because the Broncos might also be starting a backup QB in Brett Rypien this week.
Broncos’ keys to victory: QB Russell Wilson left last week’s game against the Chiefs in the fourth quarter after his head was driven into the ground on a 14-yard scramble. Wilson was motionless on the ground for a few moments and later stumbled when being helped up, which were clear signs of a concussion. If Wilson is not cleared from the concussion protocol before Sunday, Rypien will have to lean on RBs Latavius Murray and Marlon Mack against Arizona. On defense, Denver will aim to harass and fluster McCoy with OLBs Baron Browning and Randy Gregory (if he returns from IR this week) leading the way.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Hopkins has been a problem for Denver in the past, but Sunday will mark the first time the Broncos have faced “Nuk” with Surtain lining up across from him. In a potential defensive struggle, one big play in this matchup could decide the game.
Who wins? The Broncos have dominated the all-time series against the Cardinals 9-1-1, and in a potential battle of backup QBs, Denver has an edge at home. Broncos 22, Cardinals 16.
