Broncos vs. Lions: What's the Game Plan for Denver?

For the second week in a row, the Denver Broncos will be on center stage in a prime-time slot, this time taking on the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

The Broncos will head to Ford Field in Detroit to face what is sure to be a desperate Lions team, currently sitting on an 0-2 record.

The Broncos are coming off a huge road victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, one that was filled with drama. The 2-0 Broncos have a strong defense to thank for winning their first two games this season.

Though they face a winless team, the Broncos need to be ready for a tough game in a difficult road environment. Though the Broncos lead the all-time series with Detroit, the Lions have won the last two meetings by a combined score of 89-17.

Let's take a look at the strategy the Broncos could use on both sides of the ball in this one.

Offensive Game Plan

Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

The Broncos have not been able to run the ball the way many likely felt they would be able to in Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking system. After all, when did the Broncos not have success running the ball when Kubiak served as the team's offensive coordinator?

The Broncos need to cure that problem, and the Lions could be just what the doctor ordered.

Detroit ranks No. 29 in the league after two games, allowing 147.5 yards per game on the ground. Without Ndamukong Suh—now with the Miami Dolphins—clogging up the middle, teams are finding huge running lanes against the Lions.

That could be great news for C.J. Anderson, who is averaging just 2.3 yards on the ground this season. He has a total of 56 yards rushing in two games.

Look for the Broncos to try to get the rushing attack going in this one, but they also need to keep Peyton Manning in a nice rhythm. Manning struggled in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens and got off to a rough start against the Chiefs.

Early in the second quarter, Manning threw an interception that Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters returned 55 yards for a touchdown. Prior to that play, the Broncos had generated just 61 yards of offense.

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Broncos with Peyton Manning are 12-5 on primetime. Play NFL-most 18th primetime game since 2012 on Sunday night at Detroit. #9news #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) September 24, 2015"

But that was the play that changed the game—and perhaps Manning's season. The Broncos decided to have Manning line up in the shotgun formation much more often following that play, and he looked sharp. He went on to throw three touchdowns while completing 57.7 percent of his throws.

Look for the Broncos to have Manning in shotgun early and often against Detroit. This is likely the best way for the team to generate yards on the ground, and it is clearly the best option for the passing game behind what has to be considered a shaky offensive line.

Defensive Game Plan

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Through two games, the Broncos have arguably the best defense in the entire league. They rank No. 1 in both total defense and pass defense.

Detroit is a team that likes to throw the ball all over the field with Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. However, Stafford has already thrown three interceptions this season, and he won't find things any easier against the Denver secondary.

The biggest threat when facing the Lions is obviously Johnson. The 6'5" receiver is one of the most dominant players who has ever played the position, making this a good matchup.

Aqib Talib has an interception in each of the first two games this season, and he should be the guy who lines up across Johnson. Look for the Broncos to rotate safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart over to his side to provide help over the top often.

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Calvin Johnson on Broncos CB Aqib Talib: "He's definitely one of the better (corners). There's no doubt."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 23, 2015"

That will leave Tate matched up against Chris Harris, who has all the ability to shut Tate down in this one. That could leave tight end Eric Ebron as a player who Stafford tries to beat the Broncos with.

The Detroit offensive line will be tested in a big way in this one as well. Stafford will be playing the game with sore ribs, so the Lions will need to do everything they can to protect the quarterback. The Denver defense will be like sharks smelling blood, and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will likely give Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware the green light to come at Stafford on nearly every play.

It would not be surprising to see Stafford get knocked out of this game. Dan Orlovsky is the only other quarterback on the roster.

Players and Matchups to Watch

Sylvester Williams:  Knowing how good the Denver secondary is, the Lions will turn to the running game trying to set up the pass. Rookie running back Ameer Abdullah will get the most work, but Sylvester Williams could make it a long night for him.

If the Broncos are able to slow down the running game and put the Lions in third-and-long situations on a consistent basis, it could be a long night for Detroit.

Bradley Roby:  It was Bradley Roby who made the game-winning play against the Chiefs, returning a fumble 21 yards for a touchdown. He could see plenty of playing time in this game, particularly if the Lions try to spread the field with four receivers and a tight end.

Brandon McManus: The Broncos kicker is off to an excellent start this season, already making three field goals from beyond 50 yards. There could be some extra motivation for him in this game, as Matt Prater, the man he replaced in Denver, now plays for Detroit.

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In less than 2 games, Denver K Brandon McManus has made 3 FG from 54+ yds. Last season, only 1 kicker did that ALL YEAR: Patrick Murray, TB.

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 17, 2015"

Ty Sambrailo vs. Ziggy Ansah

For rookie Ty Sambrailo, he will need to be on his toes all season. As the team's left tackle, the matchup he is faced with is not only one of the most important, but it will always be a difficult challenge.

Ziggy Ansah is a threat to get to the quarterback, but he can also be very stingy against the run. If Sambrailo isn't able to get the best of this matchup, Ansah is the type of player who could change the game.

Here's some food for thought. In the last two meetings between these teams, Detroit has scored four defensive touchdowns. Three of those were scored by defensive linemen (Dewayne White, Shaun Rogers and Cliff Avril).

Prediction

This will be the first time that Manning has faced the Lions as quarterback for the Broncos, but he was able to beat them all three times he played them while with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Broncos should expect Detroit's best shot, as the Lions might not be able to dig out of an 0-3 hole with teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings in their division. But in the end, the Denver defense will just be too much for the Lions to overcome. Denver will force at least three turnovers and make it a rough night for Stafford.

Offensively, Manning will start to get things rolling, and the running game will look better. The Broncos go on the road and pick up a tough win to begin the season 3-0.

Final Prediction: Broncos 24, Lions 16