Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Week Six Preview

Denver Broncos (4-1, 1st place AFC West) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3, 3rd place AFC South)

Line:  Denver by three and a half

Denver has had no problem moving the football on opposing defenses, gaining the second most yards per contest in the entire league.

The Denver offensive line has also only given up two sacks all season long. 

The Broncos have put up nearly 30 points a game, and have emerged as one of, if not the best offense in the league.

Jacksonville has been a disappointing team this season, and their two victories have been by a combined six points, and have lost three games by a combined 16 points. This would lead me to believe the Jaguars are better than their record suggests.

Injury Report

Both teams have key injuries. Jacksonville has lost its two starters at guard (Vince Manuwai, Maurice Williams) for the season. On the defensive side of the ball, safety Reggie Nelson will be out for this game. 

The injuries up front have had a profound impact on the running game, which is averaging under 110 yards per game.  Reggie Nelson's absence is allowing opposing teams to take it to the Jags through the air. 

For Denver, they will be missing two offensive weapons in tight end Tony Scheffler and Selvin Young. Scheffler is arguably one of the best tight ends in the game today, and Young is a great change of pace back. I think the Broncos' depth will be able to cope with these injuries.

Key Matchup

Broncos linebackers vs. Jaguars tight ends

Denver has struggled a bit on defense this season, despite a strong outing against Tampa last week. If the Denver linebackers can contain the Jags' tight ends in the passing game, they will control the game.

Jacksonville had the ball for an excess of 38 minutes last season when they played the Broncos, and that was due large in part to the play of the tight ends in the passing game.

X Factor

Jay Cutler

If Cutler can pick apart the Jacksonville secondary, that will open up the run game and allow Denver to score a lot of points as they are certainly capable of. 

I think Cutler will have a big game agasint the Jaguars.

Final Prediction

Broncos 31, Jaguars 20

Top Performers

QB Jay Cutler  25/34, 312 yards, 3 TD

WR Brandon Marshall   12 receptions, 143 yards, TD

TE Marcedes Lewis   7 receptions, 78 yards, TD