The Denver Broncos roll into Northwest Stadium riding an impressive eight-game winning streak, ready to face the Washington Commanders in what promises to be a compelling Sunday Night Football clash. While these teams rarely meet due to conference differences, this late-season showdown carries significant weight as both franchises push toward different goals in the final stretch.
Broncos vs Commanders Betting Picks
Denver enters this matchup as one of the league's hottest teams, averaging 22.6 points per game while their defense has been absolutely ferocious with 49.0 sacks on the season. The Commanders present an intriguing challenge despite their struggles, particularly with their red zone efficiency sitting at an impressive 71.4%. The return of star cornerback Pat Surtain II, who's fully cleared after a pectoral injury, adds another layer of intrigue as he'll likely shadow elite receiver Terry McLaurin throughout the night.
This contest features a fascinating contrast between Denver's defensive dominance and Washington's ability to capitalize once they reach scoring position. With Bo Nix continuing his strong rookie campaign and the Commanders looking to bounce back from recent disappointments, this game could swing dramatically based on which team can impose their will in key moments.
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Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders Betting Odds
Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Time: 8:20 PM EST
Venue: Northwest Stadium — Landover, MD
Network: NBC
The betting market has clearly identified Denver as the superior team in this matchup, despite playing on the road in a prime-time environment.
- Moneyline: Broncos (-278) | Commanders (+225)
- Spread: Broncos -5.5 (-110) | Commanders +5.5 (-110)
- Total: Over/Under 43.5 (O -110 / U -110)
Betting odds courtesy of MGM.
The Broncos enter as significant road favorites with their -278 moneyline reflecting strong confidence from oddsmakers. Washington's +225 underdog status suggests bookmakers expect Denver's current momentum to continue. The 5.5-point spread indicates the market believes the Broncos will win by nearly a touchdown, while the modest 43.5-point total suggests expectations for a defensive struggle rather than an offensive showcase.
Tale of Two Contrasting Styles: How Denver and Washington Match Up
When examining the numbers, these teams present remarkably similar offensive profiles with drastically different defensive capabilities. The Broncos hold a slight edge in total offense at 335.3 yards per game compared to Washington's 330.2, though their approaches differ significantly. Denver leans heavily on their passing attack with 2,343 total yards through the air, while the Commanders have found more success on the ground with 1,524 rushing yards.
The most glaring mismatch appears when Denver's pass rush meets Washington's turnover-prone offense. The Broncos' 49.0 sacks represent one of the league's most disruptive defensive fronts, and they'll be targeting a Commanders unit that sits at -8 in turnover differential. This creates a potentially explosive combination where Denver's strength directly attacks Washington's biggest weakness.
Conversely, the Commanders excel in one crucial area that could keep them competitive. Their 71.4% red zone conversion rate ranks among the league's best, presenting a stark contrast to Denver's more modest 58.3% efficiency inside the 20-yard line. If Washington can limit big plays and force Denver to execute lengthy drives, their red zone prowess could keep this game closer than expected.
Both teams convert third downs at nearly identical rates (38.5% for Denver, 38.7% for Washington), suggesting situational football will be critical. Coming off different trajectories - Denver's convincing 18-15 victory versus Washington's disappointing 22-44 loss where they were outgained by 258 yards - the psychological momentum clearly favors the visiting Broncos.
Broncos vs Commanders Prediction: Denver's Defense Creates the Difference
This matchup hinges on a classic strength-versus-weakness scenario that heavily favors Denver's current form and personnel advantages. The Broncos' ferocious pass rush, which has compiled 49.0 sacks, should feast against a Washington offense that has struggled to protect the football all season long.
While the Commanders have shown impressive red zone efficiency at 71.4%, their -8 turnover differential suggests they'll struggle to consistently reach those scoring opportunities against Denver's disciplined defense. The Broncos' ability to create short fields through turnovers should provide enough scoring chances to cover the spread, even if their offense doesn't dominate statistically.
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Best Bet: Broncos -5.5 (-110)
The numbers paint a clear picture of Denver's defensive dominance overwhelming Washington's turnover issues. With 49.0 sacks on the season, the Broncos' pass rush should create consistent pressure that forces mistakes from a Commanders offense sitting at -8 in turnover differential. Expect Denver to convert those extra possessions into enough points to win by more than a touchdown on the road.
Best Player Prop: Marcus Mariota Over 0.5 Interceptions Thrown (-139)
Facing relentless pressure from Denver's pass rush, Mariota will be under constant duress throughout this contest. The Broncos' ability to generate 49.0 sacks translates to consistent quarterback pressure, which typically leads to forced throws and interceptions. With oddsmakers setting this line at -139, the statistical advantage clearly favors Denver's defense creating at least one turnover through the air.