The Denver Broncos' defense has been one of the best units in the NFL over the last few seasons, and the 2025 season has been no different.
While they've struggled a bit since their bye week, overall, the Broncos' defense is one of the best units in the league. Against the Buffalo Bills, there are a lot of things to worry about, with Josh Allen at the forefront.
But, ESPN's Jeff Legwold highlighted one phase of the game that is of concern for the Broncos. And while Allen is a player to fear, the Broncos' biggest worry for this playoff matchup isn't Allen, it's running back James Cook III.
Broncos' defense to worry more about James Cook than Josh Allen
"The Bills bring the league's No. 1 rushing attack (159.6 yards per game) and the NFL's leading rushing in James Cook III (1,621 yards) this time around," Legwold writes. "Two of the three teams that beat the Broncos this season (the Colts and Chargers) rushed for more than 100 yards."
While Allen is an MVP candidate and on a heater at the moment, Cook might be the bigger worry for the Broncos' defense in this matchup.
In two of their losses this season, they've allowed a 100-yard running game. If Cook and the Bills' offense can run for 100 yards against the Broncos, they will be in a very good spot to win the game.
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While Denver's defense is good, its biggest strengths revolve around its pass rusher and the superb play of Patrick Surtain II. If the Bills' offense, led by Cook, can run the ball well, Denver will be in trouble.
Sean Payton and Vance Joseph need to make sure that the Bills' offense can't run the ball. Even though putting the ball into Allen's hands over Cooks might not seem like the best thing on paper, for this matchup, it's the biggest issue for Denver.
If the Broncos are not able to stop the run, they're more likely than not going to lose. Cook is the most important player in this matchup, and Allen, while a big factor in the game, could be second-fiddle to Cook if the Broncos' defense can't contain the running game.
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