Broncos vs. Redskins: Preview, score prediction for Week 16

Denver Broncos vs. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins (6-8) host the Denver Broncos (5-9) on Christmas Eve in a battle of two beat-up teams playing merely for pride at this point in the season. The Broncos enter this game winners of two in a row after suffering eight straight defeats. Denver’s defense, despite the team’s overall record, is still No. 1 in total defense. The Broncos allow just under 277 total yards per game.

The issue for Denver is an anemic offense with putrid quarterback play. Trevor Siemian, Denver’s starting quarterback, is now out for the season with a shoulder injury. There shouldn’t be too much of a dropoff in play whether Brock Osweiler or Paxton Lynch starts. All three quarterbacks are limited, although Denver brass would love to see what it has in Lynch. However, the second-year quarterback has been battling through an ankle injury, making it likely that Osweiler gets the nod this week in Washington.

After a promising start to the season for the Redskins, injuries hit. Offensive line injuries plagued this team all season long and the team finally shut down stud left tackle Trent Williams this week. Williams has played through a knee injury all season and will now elect to have surgery in order to be ready for next season. That means veteran Ty Nsekhe will start in his place and gets to line up opposite of Von Miller. Are you ready, Kirk Cousins?

Injuries are so bad for the Redskins they could start Kapri Bibbs at running back. Bibbs, a former Bronco, scored a touchdown in his first game for Washington last week. The Redskins placed LeShun Daniels on IR this week, who became the fifth Washington running back to go on injured reserve this season. Starting running back Samaje Perine is beat up, although he’s been ineffective lately, too.

Could this be Cousins’ last home game as a member of the Redskins? Well, he’s faced this scenario in each of the last two seasons, too, so that likely doesn’t faze him. A bigger storyline in this game could be Denver’s purported interest in Cousins in the offseason.

Denver’s Keys to Victory

Denver can win this game by making it difficult for Washington to move the ball through the air. The Broncos will shut down Washington’s running game, fortunately for Denver, the Redskins don’t have much of one to begin with. With Williams out at left tackle, Denver’s pass rush could have a big day. Cousins has struggled at times in recent weeks with opposing pass rushers.

Offensively, Denver can’t turn the ball over. The Redskins won last week because of bad play by the opposing quarterback. If Denver can get even average play from Osweiler, it stands a good chance of winning this game.

Washington’s Keys to Victory

Last week, the Redskins won because they faced Blaine Gabbert. Some defensive players had standout games, but Gabbert missed open receivers all day long. That is also something Osweiler is known for, too. It’s important for Washington defensive coordinator Greg Manusky to get pressure on Denver’s quarterback.

Moving the ball on Denver’s defense is going to be tough. It would be tough if the Redskins had a full complement of weapons. They don’t. The Redskins need a lot from Jamison Crowder and Vernon Davis in between the numbers. That’s Washington’s biggest key to victory.

Odds

Point Spread: Washington -3 1/2
Moneyline: Denver +157, Washington -177
Over/Under: 42

Prediction

Expect another close game between these two teams. Neither have the firepower on offense to score a ton of points. Cousins is having a strong season despite the rash of injuries around him despite the lack of a consistent running game.

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This will be an ugly, low-scoring game late into the fourth quarter. A turnover will change the game. In this instance, it will be Denver being the recipient of a Washington turnover and that will be just enough for the Broncos to kick a game-winning field goal to pick up their third straight win.

Pick: Denver Broncos: 16, Washington Redskins: 13