Broncos-Jets: Denver Looks To Get Back On Track Against White Hot New York

Brett Favre and the New York Jets are on a tear, and the Broncos have had a roller coaster of a season so far.  But both of these teams have one thing in common—their latest loss is to the lowly Oakland Raiders.

Denver (6-5) absolutely needs a victory this weekend to gain back their confidence despite the fact that they lead the AFC West by two games. The Broncos have beaten teams like Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Atlanta, and a previously strong San Diego team but has lost to the likes of Kansas City, Jacksonville, and most recently Oakland.

New York (8-3) has impressive victories in their last two games on the road against the Patriots and Titans. A win for the Jets would be huge for their division title aspirations.  The Jets lead the AFC East, in which the fourth place team (Buffalo) has the same record as first place Denver in the AFC West.

In order for the Jets to win, they will need to force the Broncos into early turnovers and establish a sound running game against a Denver defense that ranks 27th against the run. 

However, the Broncos have proven to be fairly stingy against the NFL's most potent runners, holding LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, Jamal Lewis, Reggie Bush, and Earnest Graham all under 100 yards.

New York running back Thomas Jones needs 50 yards in this game to reach the 1,000 yard pinnacle, but the player to watch for the Jets on Sunday is backup running back and offensive Co-Captain Leon Washington.  Washington has been the heartbeat of this team in their current win streak, in which he has five touchdowns.

The key for Denver will be exploiting a pass defense which ranks 26th in the NFL this season. If Jay Cutler can consistently make smart decisions, and take what the Jets give him, the Broncos should win the time of possession battle.

Establishing the passing game will be key to the Broncos in setting up the run, where Peyton Hillis will be making his third consecutive start.

In two starts this season, Hillis is averaging 4.4 yards per carry and has three touchdowns. However, the Jets rank third in the NFL in stopping the run, so the weight will be on Cutler's shoulders.

Denver may also be getting a boost in the form of All-Pro corner Champ Bailey, who has missed over a month with a groin injury. 

Bailey would be a very welcome addition to a Broncos defense which has struggled to stop the opposing quarterback in his absence. 

What it ultimately comes down to is who can control the clock. If the Jets force the Broncos into early turnovers and establish the running game, they will win.

If Denver can exploit a weak Jets secondary and make opportune stops on defense, they will go back to Denver 7-5.

The Broncos are 5-0 in games decided by four points or less this season, and they have one of the best offenses in the game today. I think Cutler will get the best of Favre and the Jets in a close one.

Broncos 23, Jets 20