The NFL is a league full of ebbs and flows. The Denver Broncos suffered a difficult defeat last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts when a self-inflicted wound on the game's final play allowed the Colts a chance to put them away with a game-winning field goal.
The Broncos have a difficult three-game stretch following that defeat, with games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals before having to face the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. Those first two games will each be difficult, but both of them got at least a bit easier due to injuries that took place in Week 2.
The Broncos will battle the red-hot Chargers this Sunday, but L.A. will be without its best pass-rusher as a dislocated elbow is scheduled to sideline Khalil Mack at least for a few weeks. The Chargers no longer have Joey Bosa, so the Broncos should face a lot less pressure than they normally would have against this team. That is something they must take advantage of.
The following week, the Broncos will face a Bengals team with an even bigger hole in their roster, as starting quarterback Joe Burrow will miss most of the rest of the season as a result of turf toe. With Burrow down, the Bengals will turn to Jake Browning to take over at quarterback. Browning is a serviceable backup, but he is a significant downgrade from Burrow.
The Broncos get the Bengals at home on Monday Night Football in Week 4 and with Burrow on the sideline, that is a game Sean Payton and his bunch must win.
Both the Chargers (twice) and the Bengals beat the Broncos last season. If they are going to be the contender many think they are capable of being this season, these are two opponents they'll need to find a way to win against, and they should exploit any advantage that comes their way.
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