Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons Preview: Spotlight on Top Flight Rookies

The Denver Broncos (5-4, First place AFC West) will travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons (6-3, Second place NFC South) in a match-up that didn't appear to have any playoff implications prior to the 2008 campaign.

Both teams have defied the odds, and both teams are doing it with plenty of youth.

Matt Ryan, the Falcons' rookie quarterback out of Boston College has played like a Pro Bowler so far this season, while Denver quarterback Jay Cutler has been sacked a total of five times, largely due to the production and pass protection of superstar rookie and left tackle Ryan Clady. 

These two first-rounders are not the only rookies contributing to these upstart franchises.

These two teams will start, yes start, nine total rookies in this game of two of the league's best.

While neither team is lacking in flash, both teams are lacking in the defensive department, ranking in the bottom 11 of most categories. 

What both teams lacks in defense, however, they make up for on offense.

The Falcons boast the league's sixth best offense, headlined by their second ranked rushing offense.  Look for Atlanta to try and exploit Denver's undersized defense with Michael Turner, who in his last two games against Denver as a San Diego Charger, has 17 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown.

Denver counters Atlanta with the NFL's second ranked offense, led by Jay Cutler and the third best passing attack.  Look for Denver to go to the air early and often, especially with the injuries to Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, and Ryan Torain.  They could have some favorable match-ups with Atlanta's 22nd ranked pass defense.

Neither quarterback will have a shortage of weapons come game day, but Cutler's arsenal is second to none.  Wide receivers Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Darrell Jackson, tight ends Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler, and Nate Jackson all figure to play an important role in the passing attack of Denver. 

Cutler has thrown 19 touchdown passes this season, and he has spread the wealth, hitting eight different receivers for scores this season.

I'll see your Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal and raise you a Roddy White and Michael Jenkins.

White and Jenkins have been stellar in 2008, combining for 77 catches, 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns for the Falcons.

Predictions

Denver quarterback Jay Cutler has dominated the NFC this season, throwing for 491 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception in games against the Saints and Buccaneers.  I think Cutler will exploit Atlanta's pass defense with the weapons he has at his disposal.

Projected Game Stats:  35-48, 375 yards, 3 TD's, 1 interception.

Also, Atlanta running back Michael Turner has been phenomenal at the Georgia Dome this season, averaging almost 120 yards per game.  Denver's defense is a bit inexperienced and undersized, and he could have a big game.

Projected Game Stats:  27 carries, 135 yards, 2 TD's

Best of the Rest

Denver

Brandon Marshall:  7 receptions, 124 yards, TD

Eddie Royal:  11 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TD

Peyton Hillis:  16 carries, 58 yards, TD

Matt Prater:  4/4 Extra Points, 2/2 FG's

Atlanta

Matt Ryan:  20-30, 215 yards, TD, Int

Roddy White:  11 receptions, 120 yards, TD

Jerious Norwood:  12 carries, 48 yards;  3 receptions 32 yards

Jason Elam:  3/3 Extra points, 1/1 FG's

Denver 34, Atlanta 24