The Denver Broncos are gearing up for a critical Week 11 home game against the Atlanta Falcons, a matchup that carries heavy weight for their postseason ambitions. Coming off a difficult road loss in Week 10, the Broncos will need to harness the energy at Empower Field at Mile High to overcome a potent Falcons team. This game pits a rising rookie quarterback against a veteran star, making it a must-watch contest for football fans.
Denver’s Defense Prepares for Atlanta’s High-Flying Offense
The Broncos’ defense is facing one of its toughest challenges of the season. The Atlanta offense, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, has been firing on all cylinders. Cousins has been exceptional in 2024, putting up impressive numbers that place him among the league’s elite passers.
To counter this, Denver will rely heavily on its pass rush. Zach Allen, who leads all defensive tackles with 42 quarterback pressures, will be instrumental in disrupting Cousins’ rhythm. Alongside him, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, the team’s sack leader with seven, must find ways to get into the backfield. The secondary also has its hands full with Atlanta’s receiving duo of Darnell Mooney and Drake London, who are both top-eight in the league in key receiving categories. Cornerback Pat Surtain II, known for his lockdown coverage, will be a key figure in this defensive battle.
Key Player Matchup Statistics
| Player | Team | Key Stat for 2024 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Kirk Cousins | Atlanta Falcons | 3rd in NFL Passing Yards (2,634) |
| Zach Allen | Denver Broncos | Leads DTs with 42 QB Pressures |
| Pat Surtain II | Denver Broncos | 2nd Lowest Yards Allowed Per Snap (0.6) |
Bo Nix Aims to Build on Recent Success
On the other side of the ball, rookie quarterback Bo Nix is looking to continue his impressive development. After his best road game of the season in Week 10, where he threw for two touchdowns with a 115.3 passer rating, Nix has shown growing confidence. He currently leads all NFL rookies in total touchdowns, a testament to his poise and playmaking ability.
Nix will lean on his top target, Courtland Sutton, who leads the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. The ground game will also be important, with running back Audric Estime aiming to provide a balanced attack after a solid performance last week.
Injuries Could Play a Major Role
Both teams are heading into Sunday’s game with significant injury concerns that could impact the outcome. Denver’s depth will be tested, especially on defense, while Atlanta is dealing with a large number of absences across its roster.
Key players ruled out include:
- For the Broncos: WR Josh Reynolds (hand), LB Drew Sanders (Achilles), and S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee). S Brandon Jones (abdomen) is questionable.
- For the Falcons: Eight players are out, including linebackers Troy Andersen and JD Bertrand, and cornerbacks Dee Alford and Mike Hughes.
These injuries mean younger players and backups will need to step up in crucial roles for both the Broncos and Falcons.
How to Watch and Listen
Fans have several options to follow the game live. The primary broadcast will be on local FOX channels, with Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston in the booth.
For those who prefer to stream, NFL+ offers local games and live audio, while NFL Sunday Ticket is available for out-of-market viewers. Radio listeners can tune into KOA (850 AM/94.1 FM) for local coverage or SiriusXM and Sports USA for national broadcasts.
