A Win For The Division Crown: Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers

The Denver Broncos sporting their alternate Orange jerseys stopped the Chiefs from their second win over Denver on the year. 24-17 was the final that put Denver up to 8-5, 3 games better than the San Diego Chargers.

Jay Cutler looked sharp. On the day he completed 32 of 40 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns that went to sure-fire pro-bowler receiver Brandon Marshall (Pictured above). Denver's leading rusher on the day was Peyton Hillis who left late in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. At first Hillis thought the hamstring would only limit him day-to day. As most of us know today, Hillis a rookie is out for the season.

Bring on Tatum Bell. Who ran the ball for 52 yards on 11 carries. Tatum will split time with Selvin Young who is coming off an injury. Tatum once a Bronco was traded to the Lions in exchange for starting cornerback Dre' Bly. Bell was released before the season by the Lions after signing Bengals release Rudi Johnson.

Denver defensively looked impressive only allowing 10 total points. The other seven came off of a Jay Cutler interception for a touchdown. Denver once again was without the services of Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams

Carolina was impressive in their 38-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina jumped up to first place at 10-3. DeAngelo Williams had near 200 yards and rushed twice into the end-zone.


Injury Report:
Den:
RB- Peyton Hillis, Injured Reserve
RB- Selvin Young, Probable
WR- Brandon Stokley, Questionable
TE- Chad Mustard, Questionable
G- Ben Hamilton, Probable
DE- John Engelberger, Probable
DT- Dewayne Robertson, Probable
LB- Spencer Larsen, Questionable
LB- D.J. Williams, Probable
LB- Mario Haggan, Questionable
CB- Champ Bailey, Questionable
CB- Karl Paymah, Questionable
S- Marlon McCree, Probable

Car:
LB- Adam Seward, Questionable
DE- Hilee Taylor, Questionable

Denver will get D.J. Williams back most likely. Champ Bailey's groin injury has been bothering him for two months now and there is no telling whether or not he'll suit up on Sunday. Carolina is healthy everywhere there is to be healthy.

Game Predictions:
Den:
QB- Jay Cutler- 24-36, 277 yards, 3 td, 2 int
RB- Tatum Bell- 17 carries, 78 yards
WR- Brandon Marshall- 7 catches, 109 yards, 1 td
DE- Elvis Dumervil- 1 sack, 4 tackles
LB- D.J. Williams- 10 tackles
CB- Dre Bly- 1 int, 2 tackles

Car:
QB- Jake Delhomme- 22-33, 289 yards, 2 int, 1 int
RB- DeAngelo Williams- 24 carries, 119 yards, 1 td
WR- Steve Smith- 8 catches, 149 yards, 1 td
DE- Julius Peppers- 1 sack, 5 tackles
LB- Jon Beason- 12 tackles
CB- Ken Lucas- 1 int, 4 tackles

Final score: Denver 30  Carolina 27

This game will be close throughout. This game isn't a must-win for Denver but it's close. A win no matter what would wrap up the division. Carolina is an impressive team that will go far in the playoffs I believe. Denver plays the good teams well though usually.