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As the Denver Broncos prepare to face the Carolina Panthers, they do so with momentum from a crucial divisional victory that gave them sole possession of the AFC West lead. According to NextGenStats, the Broncos have a 64% chance of winning the division. However, they cannot afford to overlook the Panthers, a team that has shown a knack for surprising opponents.
With that in mind, here are five bold predictions for Sunday's matchup. If any of these come to fruition, it will significantly boost Denver's chances of securing another win before their bye week.
1. Jaylen Waddle Records Two Catches of 30+ Yards
Waddle finds himself in a favorable matchup regardless of who lines up across from him. While the Panthers are adept at limiting explosive pass plays, they still have vulnerabilities that Waddle can exploit. Known for his after-the-catch ability, Waddle could turn a short pass into a 30-plus yard gain and then add a deep reception for another big play.
2. Jonah Coleman Rushes for 100+ Yards
Coleman has seen limited action, appearing in just four games and touching the ball in three. However, his season has followed a trajectory similar to one of his runs: steadily gaining momentum. The rookie surpassed 100 scrimmage yards against the Kansas City Chiefs last week, and now he faces a porous run defense that has been deteriorating weekly. Expect him to reach triple digits as a rusher.
3. Broncos Generate Four Sacks with a Sub-25% Blitz Rate
Bryce Young has the fifth-highest pressure rate in the NFL despite being blitzed at the 12th-lowest rate. Meanwhile, the Broncos boast the fourth-highest pressure rate while blitzing at the ninth-highest rate. Interestingly, Denver's pressure rate without blitzing ranks third and is actually higher than its pressure rate with blitzing. The Broncos have the personnel to win with a four-man rush, especially against a struggling Panthers offensive line. They should be able to get to Young four times without blitzing more than 25% of the time.
4. Broncos Force Three Takeaways
The Panthers have done a decent job protecting the football, with only 10 giveaways this season, tied for the 16th-fewest. The Broncos, on the other hand, are tied for the 12th-most takeaways with 10. Given Denver's advantage in the trenches and Young's struggles under pressure, the Broncos should have ample opportunities to create multiple takeaways. Look for them to finish with three, especially if Talanoa Hufanga plays.
5. Blocked Field Goal or Punt
The Panthers' special teams unit has been underwhelming, while Darren Rizzi has guided the Broncos' third phase to rank among the NFL's best. Denver is clicking in all phases, which could lead to a big play against Carolina via a blocked field goal or punt.
Erick Trickel is a senior editor at Denver Broncos On SI, focusing on scouting and NFL draft coverage. He has been with the website since 2014 and co-hosts the Building The Broncos and Dove Valley Deep-Divers podcasts on Mile High Huddle. Follow him on Twitter @ErickTrickel.