Bills-Broncos: A Win by Denver Would Be Gutsiest of the Season

Win and in.  That is the only phrase that should be on the minds of the young Denver Broncos, who host the Buffalo Bills in what could be the game that clinches their first division title of the Jay Cutler era.

Denver could very well be without their emerging star and Pro Bowl snub at left tackle, rookie Ryan Clady.  Clady left the game last week against the Panthers with an ankle injury, and hasn't practiced yet this week.  As Tanner Thoms reported earlier, he will test his ankle tomorrow to determine whether or not he plays on Sunday.

Similarly, Denver could be without right guard Chris Kuper, another emerging star at the position.  Kuper has battled a hand injury since training camp, and re-aggravated it against the Panthers.  He is listed as questionable.

Cutler and the Broncos can clinch the division title without even winning, but they will need the help of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, the Broncos will not be aware of what happens in that earlier game, as Head Coach Mike Shanahan has decided not to allow any televisions in the locker room.

Veterans in Denver's locker room realize the importance of this game, and they view it as a "must win."

"We need to win and take care of business as fast as possible," Denver cornerback Dre Bly said. "Time is running out. We don't want to go into the last game with the Chargers."

Denver has been in sole possession of first place since week one of the NFL season, and they don't intend on changing that at any point this year.

"That's what it's all about," Denver wide receiver Brandon Stokley said. "Coming down to Week 16—we win, we're in. Playing at home, it's going to be cold—this is what it's all about. This is why I still play. This gets me going and I'm looking forward to it."

As huge of a game as this is for the Broncos, the Buffalo Bills have the chance to play spoiler.

After a hot 5-1 start to the season, Buffalo has since gone 1-7, and has lost three straight.

Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards is expected to be back from injury for this matchup, replacing J.P. Losman as the team's starter.

Both teams' defenses struggled last week, with either team giving up 30 or more points in losses.

Game Prediction

Look for Buffalo to try and pound the ball with their running duo of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson.  Both backs are averaging over four yards per carry, and are going up against a Denver defense that ranks 27th in the NFL against the run.

With Trent Edwards coming off of a fairly serious head injury, watch for Denver to mix up their defense a lot, coming with numerous blitz packages on early downs.  It also wouldn't be a surprise to see rookie linebacker Wesley Woodyard to line up at safety.

For the Broncos on offense, expect nothing less than a heavy dose of Jay Cutler and the Broncos' aerial attack.  Cutler has plenty of weapons at his disposal, and the Pro Bowler ranks No. 1 in the conference in passing yards.

Buffalo's defense has been fairly stingy against the pass, ranking 11th in overall passing defense in the league. 

In the end, I feel that it will come down to the guts of Denver's defense.  Cutler has proved he can single handedly win games for the Broncos, and if the defense can dig deep, look for Denver to claim the AFC West title on Sunday.

Broncos  24,  Bills  13