The Denver Broncos (0-1) will return to the field this Sunday to host the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) after licking their wounds from a devastating defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener.
The Jaguars are coming off an easy 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in which the team was clicking on all cylinders. The Broncos are going to have their hands full in this game and will need to pull out all the stops to avoid an 0-2 start.
The Broncos are currently slight 2.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, but there are a few causes for concern surrounding this matchup between AFC contenders.
3 causes of concern for Broncos vs. Jaguars
1. Hangover from Kansas City
The Broncos were steamrolled in Kansas City and the game wasn't nearly as close as the scoreboard indicated. The Broncos were beaten
in every phase of the game by their division rivals and there weren't many positive takeaways.
Much of the Broncos' potential success in this game will hinge on how quickly they're able to put the Week 1 result behind them. It is only one game, but in the NFL, one team can beat you more than once if you allow it.
The Broncos will need to have flushed the memory of that ugly defeat and come out ready to deliver a much better effort against Jacksonville.
2. Jags won't be intimidated
Last season, the Broncos had won 11 games in a row until Jacksonville came into Empower Field in December and handed the Broncos a 34-20 loss. Jaguars coach Liam Coen may have used some bulletin-board material from a comment Sean Payton made that week and then took a veiled shot at the Broncos coach after the game.
This is a fiery Jaguars squad that won't bat an eye over coming into Denver again. They would love nothing more than to repeat that feat and send the Broncos spiraling into Week 3.
3. Broncos' run defense
After the Chiefs racked up 220 yards on the ground last week, you can bet that every opponent Denver faces for the rest of the season is going to test that run defense.
The Jaguars don't have Kenneth Walker, but they will attack the Broncos with Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez. It goes without saying that the Broncos will have to be better at tackling at all levels on defense in this game, but they can't allow the Jaguars to do what the Chiefs did on the ground.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X!
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 3 causes for concern when Broncos host Jaguars in Week 2
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
