1 A good script. If ever the Broncos need a fast start, it's in this one. With a playoff spot on the line and an opponent feeling no such pressure, they need to jump out with a purpose on both sides of the ball. The Panthers dismantled the Broncos' defensive plan in Carolina's first possession Sunday and the Broncos never recovered. 2 Deep cover. Despite the Bills' offensive troubles at times this season, they still have found a way to get the ball to receiver Lee Evans down the field. Evans leads the team in catches, receiving yards, yards per catch and receiving touchdowns. He has four games this year with at least two receptions and better than a 20-yard receiving average. 3 Get one. The Broncos have had eight games this season with one or no sacks. They cannot have a ninth Sunday. The Bills have struggled at quarterback and defenses have tossed them all to the ground - 35 sacks allowed. Backup Gibran Hamdan might play and he is by far the most mobile of Buffalo's three passers. 4 Be special. The Bills have explosive returners and quality coverage units in the kicking game. A lapse here and the Broncos will be looking at a loss.
5 Rise. It's one thing to talk about being a playoff team but another to play like one. The Broncos' young roster has plenty of potential in plenty of spots and pro Football is about the postseason and to get in this year's playoff party; the Broncos will need the kind of effort the home fans haven't seen since they beat Tampa Bay in October.
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