Jay Cutler was thrust into the starting lineup for the last five games of '06 in preparation for this season. Did Shanahan do the right thing? We're about to find out. The Broncos have talent on the defensive side and have a solid runner in Travis Henry giving them a real shot to win the AFC West. The Bills begin the season as one of the youngest teams in the league and will unveil a new offensive scheme including a rookie running back and more use of multiple wide receiver sets.
Predicted Score: Broncos 30, Bills 10
Fantasy Focus Denver: You think Travis Henry will be excited playing against his former team? I do too. Look for the Broncos to give Henry plenty of chances to repeat his 135-yd performance against the Bills last December. Look for Cutler to take some shots at Bills CB Terence McGee giving Javon Walker the opportunity for big plays. Considering Buffalo's weak rush defense and youth, Denver should come away with a relatively easy win despite being on the road.
Start: QB Jay Cutler, RB Travis Henry, WR Javon Walker, TE Daniel Graham, K Jason Elam
Consider: WR Brandon Marshall, WR Brandon Stokley
Sit: TE Tony Scheffler
Buffalo: It remains to be seen if Champ Bailey will follow Lee Evans all over the field, but if you're the Broncos why wouldn't he? Evans is Buffalo's biggest offensive threat and neutralizing him should be Denver's first priority. Unless you have incredible depth at the position, Evans will likely be in your lineup but I have hard time recommending him this week. Same can be said for Marshawn Lynch and Anthony Thomas. Falling behind is not a running game's best friend. Look for other options at RB.
Note: Team statistics are shown as the average per game
through Weeks 12 to 17 of the 2006 season after deducting the best
and worst value from the data set. The exception is yards per rush attempt, completion %, yards per
pass completion, yards per pass attempt and the NFL averages, which are each calculated based on
totals through Weeks 12 to 17 with no adjustment.
Defense Stats Comparison
DEN Defense
BUF Defense
NFL Average
Points against
23.0
20.0
21.1
Rushing yards
148.3
162.5
123.7
Rushing yards per attempt
4.60
4.90
4.30
Completion %
56.4%
60.0%
60.0%
Passing yards
179.8
144.5
201.8
Passing yards per completion
11.27
8.51
10.67
Passing yards per attempt
6.35
5.11
6.40
INT return
1.3
0.8
1.1
Fumble recoveries
0.3
0.5
0.7
Sacks
2.0
2.3
2.2
Weather
Check the current weather forecast for Buffalo from Weather.com.
Team vs. Team History
Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills
Season
Week
Date
Vis
Home
Score
Winner
2002
3
2002-09-22
BUF
DEN
23-28
DEN
2005
15
2005-12-17
DEN
BUF
28-17
DEN
Note: Only playoff games from the
2004 and 2005 seasons are included in the team vs. team history.
Playoff games from seasons prior to 2004 are not currently included in the database.
