The Denver Broncos are one of the under the radar great stories in the NFL this season. Bo Nix is playing even better this season than he did last season and the Broncos lead the NFL in sacks through week
eight of the season. Ian St. Clair of Mile High Report was kind of enough to carve out a few minutes from his busy schedule to answer some of our questions. The game is a huge game for both clubs. The Broncos are trying to hold off the hot Kansas City Chiefs to keep a hold on their lead in the AFC West. The Houston Texans are looking to get back into the AFC Wild Card race with a fourth victory in five games.
Battle Red Blog: Four of the six Broncos wins have been in one score games. Do you feel like this can continue or will their luck even out?
Ian St. Clair: The short answer is, yes. However, context is obviously needed to understand why. The Broncos are learning how to win games. The defense is one of the best in the league, and that’s still true even with Pat Surtain II out with a pectoral injury for the next few weeks. That defense will keep Denver in every game it plays. On top of that, you have Sean Payton, who remains one of the best coaches in the NFL. But the biggest reason is Bo Nix. No matter the situation or how the game unfolds, he plays his best in the fourth quarter. In fact, Nix is one of the best quarterbacks in the league in the fourth quarter. He shares many similarities with John Elway in that regard. No matter what, the Broncos have a chance.
BRB: Bo Nix is in his second season at the helm. How is he developing as a quarterback?
ISC: According to former Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib, Nix is the best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft class. So if you listen to a former player in the league, Nix is progressing quite well. From a fan’s perspective, you couldn’t ask for more at this point. There are still times when you see he’s a second-year player, but he’s coming into his own, and the game is starting to slow down for him. Add in the fact that he has Payton, and now one of the best running games in the league, and you can see why he’s building on his strong rookie season. What’s exciting as a fan of the Broncos: Nix is just getting started.
BRB: Denver has been known for having a stout defense in recent seasons. What is the key to their success?
ISC: The Broncos have a complete defense. The defensive front and the pass rush are arguably the best in the league, especially the pass rush with Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. However, the secondary is one of the best and deepest in the NFL as well. Obviously, that will get put to the test with Surtain out, but that’s another reason why the Denver defense is so good. The biggest question mark, or weak link, so to speak, was inside linebacker. Since Dre Greenlaw has played in just one game at this point, that remains the case. However, with Greenlaw back on the field, this defense will become even better. When he’s healthy, few inside linebackers make the impact that Greenlaw does. And then, to top it off, Vance Joseph does a great job calling a defensive game. About the only thing this defense doesn’t do is create turnovers. If the Broncos start doing that, this defense will be scary.
BRB: The AFC West looks like a three team race. Who do you see as the Broncos main competition? Who in the AFC West do Broncos fans enjoy beating the most?
ISC: As much as I hate to say this, the main competition is Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. That franchise has won the AFC West nine straight seasons. In the words of wrestler Ric Flair, “to be the man, you have to beat the man.” Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers will inevitably “Charger.” So that leaves the Chiefs. I’m clearly biased, but this is the year the Broncos knock Kansas City off the perch and win the division. And not just because I had placed a bet on that happening before the season started.
BRB: According to Fanduel, the Broncos are slight undergogs on Sunday. How do you see the game going? Are there any prop bets you feel comfortable recommending?
ISC: I’m actually surprised Denver isn’t a heavier favorite on Sunday. Clearly, the oddsmakers are putting a lot of weight on Surtain’s injury. I think Denver’s pass rush is going to make the day miserable for C.J. Stroud. He’s going to be under constant pressure and won’t have time to think. On the other side of the ball, Nix and the offense will use the running game effectively to set up big plays in the passing game. The Broncos come out of Houston with a big win. In terms of prop bets, I’m going with a Courtland Sutton anytime touchdown at +200 and then J.K. Dobbins’ alt-rushing yards of 70+ at +136.
We want to thank Ian for the taking the time to answer our questions. Remember, you can go to Mike High Report for all of your Denver Broncos news and analysis. The Broncos are coming in hot and they are looking to keep their commanding lead in the AFC West. We want to wish Ian and the Broncos the best of luck for the remainder of the season. As per usual, we hope that luck begins on Monday morning.
