Small details often decide playoff games because most of the time, when teams enter the postseason, they are trying their best to play with perfection, which is why a lot of times, even if the team played the majority of the game spectacularly, just one small mistake could be the reason for their loss.
In a playoff matchup like this between the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills, winning and losing is separated by a variety of factors, such as coaching, consistency, and which team wants it more when it’s all said and done.
Denver needs a polished performance, and this needs to be the best game they’ve had all season. It doesn’t matter that the Broncos ended the regular season 14-3, because in football, any team can lose on any given day. No NFL team has shown complete dominance this year, making this a season where anyone can win the Super Bowl.
How The Broncos Can Beat The Bills In The Divisional Round
Turn Red Zone Opportunities Into Touchdowns
Denver has struggled to capitalize on red-zone scoring opportunities. It has been great at scoring points through field goals, but it hasn’t converted enough red zone opportunities into touchdowns.
If the Broncos settle for three points consistently, they will be in for a rude awakening, as Buffalo was able to score touchdowns in their most recent playoff victory, which was also on the road. If the Bills score close to 27 points again this week, it will be tough for the Broncos to come out on top even if they can control the tempo, but still aren’t able to score touchdowns.
The Broncos must execute better in the red zone by being more aggressive and not being timid. Denver certainly has the talent on offense to score a touchdown every time it has possession of the ball. It’s a matter of good play-calling and genuinely wanting to put the ball in the end zone every chance they get.
As an offense, Broncos players need to be motivated and enter the game with the mindset that three-and-outs will not get the job done. Every time the Broncos punt, the crowd boos, showing that fans expect more from the offense.
Efficiency in the red zone affects momentum: the more the offense scores there, the more confident it becomes and the harder it is for the defense to get a stop. Red Zone efficiency also influences play-calling because it gives the offense more scenarios to use in their attempts to score six points instead of three.
Limit Josh Allen’s Impact as a Runner and Passer
Allen is dangerous even when plays break down, because if no one is open, he’s willing to run. His size is a significant advantage and one of the reasons he doesn’t hesitate to take a hit or run over defenders.
Despite not having a lot of rushing yards last week, Allen’s running ability stresses defenses; he still scored two rushing touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars, especially in the red zone.
Allen struggles most when defenders force him into mistakes, such as pressuring him or limiting his favorite targets, which could lead to turnovers for the Broncos.
Discipline, rather than aggression, produces turnovers because Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the league; defenders can’t stop him completely, and he will still make plays.
Creating turnovers through interceptions, forced fumbles, or even sacks can give the Broncos the edge they need to win, no matter how well Allen plays.
Protect the Football and Win the Turnover Margin
Turnovers become even more critical in the playoffs because they often decide the outcome. Teams that force more turnovers usually win.
Protecting the ball affects field position and momentum by preventing the opposing team from gaining good field position. It also keeps the defense rested, especially if they just allowed a touchdown and risk giving up another because the offense didn’t reach scoring range before turning the ball over.
Denver’s quarterback, Bo Nix, must avoid throwing interceptions. Last week, Buffalo stayed in the game and sealed victory against Jacksonville when Cole Bishop intercepted Trevor Lawrence on the Jaguars’ final attempt.
Nix isn’t the only player who must protect the ball. Every offensive player needs to focus on ball security because the Bills’ defense will exploit every chance to force a turnover and stay competitive.
Patience on offense will be critical for the Broncos. They must control their tempo and avoid sloppy plays that cause turnovers or missed opportunities, giving the Bills a chance to win.