By: Jordan Anders

The Denver Broncos open up their regular season at MetLife Stadium to face Daniel Jones and the New York Giants. The last time these two teams faced off was in 2017. At that time, Trevor Siemian was the Broncos starting quarterback and Eli Manning was the face of the Giants franchise. A lot has changed since then, for instance, the Broncos have had nine different starting quarterbacks, not including Teddy Bridgewater who will start this Sunday. As for the Giants, Daniel Jones took over the quarterback job after Eli Manning retired two seasons ago.

One thing that is certain in this game is the Broncos’ secondary won’t come to mess around. Both team’s defenses improved over the off-season. However, with Von Miller back in the lineup for the Broncos, the Giants’ offense will have to put in serious work. The Broncos were the only team this pre-season to not allow a touchdown in any of their three games and that was with most of the starters sidelined.

Von Miller & Bradley Chubb vs Daniel Jones

With the dynamic duo back in action, it could very well be a stressful day for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Last season Bradley Chubb had 7.5 sacks and 42 tackles, while eight-time pro-bowler Von Miller is hungry to get back on the field after being injured last season.

With the combination of these two and the Giants O-line who was ranked 31st last year, the majority of them are back this season, it’s not looking good for Danny Dimes. Giants LT Andrew Thomas didn’t only struggle in the regular season last year, but he played poorly against average talent in the pre-season, as well. Expect Miller to show up on the stat sheet.

Saquon Barkley vs Broncos defense

Last year Broncos struggled to shut down ball carriers, as they were ranked 29th. The Broncos gave up a lousy 4.8 yards per carry. With no big changes made to the Broncos’ front seven, the Giants running back Saquon Barkley could have a big comeback game after missing nearly all of last season due to an ACL injury. Barkley in the 2019 season rushed for over 1000 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. Although, they will have Von Miller and Chubb back (mentioned above).

The Broncos will not only have two star edge players back, but they will be able to load the box more. The Broncos secondary is arguably the best unit in the league. Pro Football Focus ranked the Broncos secondary number one overall.

Teddy Bridgewater vs Giants defense

After being named Broncos starting quarterback roughly two weeks ago in a close competition with Drew Lock, there will be a lot of eyes on Teddy Bridgewater this game. Last year, the Giants pass defense was rated 17th in the league, their rush defense rated 8th only allowing 4.1 yards per carry. On the flip side, Bridgewater has many young offensive weapons on his side including wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy who can very well get around defenders and make a play. Teddy can also be efficient in not turning it over against a stingy defense.

Both defenses are brute and both QBs should show modest play, so this game will be a match of who has the better defense, to say the least. Outside of the defense, It will be who has the better WR room. Kenny Golladay to the Giants was a huge bonus to them this off-season. Then Jerry Jeudy will be a healthy improved player for the Broncos. The battle of defenses and splash plays, likely by the two WRs mentioned, will be the ultimate deciding factor in the outcome of this game. Odds are in favor of the Broncos to take this one home as a -2.5 spread favorite.

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