The Denver Broncos (1-3) are set to host the New York Jets (1-3) in Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday afternoon. Here’s our quick game preview for the AFC showdown.
Jets’ keys to victory: Denver’s defense is allowing 176 rushing yards per game, which is good news for second-year RB Breece Hall and veteran RB Dalvin Cook. After losing QB Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1, New York turned to former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson. The young QB has struggled with turnovers and sacks early in the season, so the Jets will need to rely on their talented RBs against a Broncos unit that has struggled to defend the run this year. Going up against the team he coached last season, New York OC Nathaniel Hackett will scheme up a run-heavy attack for his return to Denver.
Buy Broncos TicketsBroncos’ keys to victory: QB Russell Wilson needed 12 games to throw nine touchdown passes under Hackett last season. He has matched that total of nine TDs in just four games under new HC Sean Payton this year. Wilson is having a bounce-back season thanks in large part to Payton tailoring Denver’s offense to the QB’s strengths. Wilson is now making more throws on the move, connecting with WRs Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims on short, intermediate and deep passes. Add in exciting rookie RB Jaleel McLaughlin and Denver has the pieces in place to jump out to an early lead against the Jets. Once they build a lead, the Broncos’ defense should be able to fend off a Zach Wilson-led passing attack.
Matchup to watch: Broncos CB Pat Surtain vs. Jets WR Garrett Wilson. Even without Rodgers, Wilson remains one of the most exciting young WRs in the NFL. This week, he’ll face off against Surtain, a first-team All-Pro.
Who wins? Hackett was run out of town with two games remaining last year, in large part because of Denver’s inept offense. This year, the Broncos’ offense has drastically improved under Payton, but New York’s defense should keep it close. Broncos 21, Jets 20.
This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.
