The Broncos' regular-season opener isn't for another few months, but over the next few weeks, DenverBroncos.com will take an early look at each game on the Broncos' 2020 schedule. We don't know how injuries could impact each contest, but we'll present the pressing storylines, matchups, questions and more.
It's never too early to start talking football.
We continue with Denver's Week 6 game against the Miami Dolphins.
Storylines to monitor:
After a season of whispers that the Dolphins would "Tank for Tua," they indeed ended up with the Alabama quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft. All eyes will be on Tagovailoa this preseason as he fights for playing time, and it wouldn't be a shock if he's in the lineup by the time the Dolphins head to Denver in Week 6.
A trip home after two consecutive road games will be a welcome respite for the Broncos, and their game against Miami is the only one in a three-game stretch that comes against a team that didn't make the playoffs in 2019.
Many believe that Miami is still a season away from contending, but after adding a slew of talented free agents — including cornerback Byron Jones — this group should be much improved from a year ago. Denver can't overlook this matchup with a home game against Kansas City coming up next.
Among the reunions to watch: Tackle Ja'Wuan James should face his former team for the first time after signing with Denver in free agency in 2019.
Player to watch:
CB Byron Jones
We're not sure if Tagovailoa will be on the field for this Week 6 matchup, but if Jones is healthy, he definitely will be. The former Cowboy joined the Dolphins in free agency, and he was widely viewed as the top option on the market. A one-time Pro Bowler, Jones posted his best season in 2018 when he recorded 14 passes defensed. Jones hasn't been very ball productive, though. He has just two interceptions in his career and none over the last two seasons.
As the team's No. 1 cornerback, it seems likely that Jones would draw Courtland Sutton in coverage. At 6-foot-4, Sutton would have a noticeable size advantage over the 6-foot Jones. Can Sutton and Drew Lock take advantage of that matchup? Or will the Broncos need to look elsewhere in the passing game on this Sunday? If Sutton gains the upper hand, the Broncos' offense could thrive in this October matchup at Empower Field at Mile High.
Look back through the battles between the Broncos and Dolphins, including Denver's 38-3 romp in the playoffs on the way to Super Bowl XXXIII.
Abner Haynes runs the ball against the Dolphins in a Broncos 17-7 win.
Fans wander the field after a celebration following a December 4, 1966 win (17-7) over the Miami Dolphins at Bears Stadium in Denver.
Rod Smith burns Sam Madison for a touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe signals a first down against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
John Elway fires a pass downfield against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Terrell Davis burts into the end zone against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Dan Marino looks to hand the ball off to his running back against the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Bill Romanowski celebrates after intercepting a Dan Marino pass against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Darrius Johnson intercepts a Dan Marino pass against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Neil Smith heads into the end zone after scampering 72 yards on his fumble recovery against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Alfred Williams gets the fans pumped up against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Terrell Davis is congratulated by John Elway after Davis rushed for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Dan Marino prepares to fire a pass down field against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Jimmy Johnson and Mike Shanahan exchange greetings after the Broncos victory over the Dolphins against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Tatum Bell during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Champ Bailey during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jason Elam celebrates after a field goal during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch and Chris Chambers during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer fires a pass downfield during a 20-17 win over the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Al Wilson during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Reggie Hayward during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch makes a tackle during a 20-17 win over the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO.
Ashleye Lelie during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Al Wilson during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch pressures AJ Feeley during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Rod Smith during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Marco Coleman and Anton Palepoi during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Daniel Fells (86) catches a pass for a a gain of 28 yards against the Miami Dolphins late in the fourth quarter of the NFL game October 23, 2011 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL.
Willis McGahee in action against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL game October 23, 2011 in Miami,FL.
Tim Tebow (15) scrambles during action against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL game October 23, 2011 in Miami,FL.
D.J. Williams (55) forces a fumble on Matt Moore in overtime in the NFL game October 23, 2011 in Miami,FL.
D.J. Williams (55) recovers a Miami fumble in overtime in the game on October 23, 2011 in Miami,FL.
Daniel Fells (86) hangs on to a 28 yard reception in fourth action against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL game October 23, 2011 in Miami,FL.
Von Miller (58) celebrates after sacking the Miami Dolphins quarterback, Matt Moore (8), in the third quarter of the NFL game October 23, 2011 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL.
Chris Harris (25) breaks up a pass to Miami Dolphins Davone Bess (15) in the overtime of the NFL game October 23, 2011 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL.
Brian Dawkins (20) sacks the Miami Dolphins quarterback, Matt Moore (8), in the first quarter of the NFL game October 23, 2011 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL.
Demaryius Thomas score on a fourth-quarter reception against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL game October 23, 2011 in Miami,FL.
Tim Tebow (15) converts a two-point conversion with 17 seconds remaining in regulation against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL game October 23, 2011 in Miami, FL.
Matt Prater (5) kicks the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL game October 23, 2011 in Miami,FL.
Denver Broncos players lift up Matt Prater (5) after he kicked the game-winning field goal against the Miami Dolphins in overtime of the NFL game October 23, 2011 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL.
Peyton Manning greets Champ Bailey, who was being honored after he retired from the NFL, during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball for a 3 yard gain during third quarter action against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) leaps to catch a ball for a for 35 yards during second quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) rushes the quarterback during third quarter action against the Miami Dolphins in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO November 23, 2014.(Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball during first quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) carries the ball after intercepting the ball during fourth quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Ward ran the ball back to the Miami 8 yard line from the Miami 45. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18), throws the ball during third quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos guard Orlando Franklin (74) lifts wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) after scoring a touchdown during fourth quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a 12-yard pass during fourth quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Miami was called for a defensive pass interference, but the penalty was declined. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The question mark:
Can Denver take care of business at home?
There are no guaranteed wins in the NFL, but it's safe to say that the Broncos need to get this one against the Dolphins. According to ESPN's Mike Clay, the Broncos have a win probability of 77 percent against Miami, which is Denver's highest win probability of any game for the coming season. In the NFL, good teams take care of the games they're supposed to win.
That game, though, comes on the heels of a two-game road trip against the Jets and Patriots and precedes a game against Kansas City. The Broncos can't afford to let the outcome of past or future games impact this one in Denver. Head Coach Vic Fangio and the team's leadership will need to keep the Broncos focused to ensure there is no letdown.
An opposing view:
Travis Wingfield, a staff writer for the Miami Dolphins, on which rookies besides Tagovailoa could play major roles this season:
"There are paths to playing time for each of the rookies, and it starts with the 18th pick of the draft in Austin Jackson. He has a shot to start at left tackle from Day 1 while second-round pick Robert Hunt will compete for a job at either right guard or right tackle. Noah Igbinoghene has the athletic ability and change-of-direction skill set to play either outside or in the slot and his competitive nature stands out above all. The expectation is that the entire class will compete for work whether as starters or in rotational roles. Last season, Miami got contributions from a variety of rookies from first-round pick Christian Wilkins to undrafted players in Preston Williams and Nik Needham."
For more from Wingfield on the Dolphins team the Broncos will see in Week 6, click here.
The last meeting:
The Broncos and Dolphins have met just three times over the last decade, and while the Broncos hold a 2-1 edge in the last three games, the Dolphins dominated in the teams' last meeting.
Miami earned a 35-9 win at the newly opened Hard Rock Stadium in 2017, as the Dolphins' defense recorded two safeties and an interception return for a touchdown.
One bright spot: Justin Simmons recorded his only career touchdown as he returned a Jay Cutler pass 65 yards for a touchdown.
