The Broncos (4-8) will take on the Carolina Panthers (4-8) at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. MT.
MATCHUP
As the Broncos travel to Charlotte, they'll face a team with the same record but a very different reputation. While the Broncos are known to be a team carried by the strength of their defense with a developing offense, the Panthers are thought to be the reverse — a young defense with a more effective offense.
After the Broncos came up just short against Kansas City, Drew Lock and Co. will look to put together a turnover-less day on offense. The rushing attack has found its footing a bit more in recent weeks, with Melvin Gordon III and Phillip Lindsay helping put together games of at least 179 yards rushing in two of the last three outings. If they can keep that up against a defensive front that includes 2019 16th-overall pick Brian Burns and 2020 seventh-overall pick Derrick Brown. It's also worth keeping an eye on rookie safety Jeremy Chinn, the November NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month who also happens to be a nephew of legendary Broncos safety Steve Atwater.
Carolina's offense is led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who's been solid in reprising his role as a full-time starting quarterback in the NFL. In part, it's because Carolina has a talented receiver tandem with D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, each of whom have more than 900 yards on the season. The only other team with two receivers beyond that threshold is the Chiefs. Without A.J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan, Denver's secondary — particularly rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia — will face a tough test, even if Moore remains on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
INJURY UPDATE
The Broncos will be down one starter and two reserves, as guard Graham Glasgow (foot), safety Trey Marshall (shin) and wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (illness) were all ruled out for the game on Saturday. (Editor's note: On Friday, Glasgow was originally listed as doubtful and Marshall and Cleveland as questionable. This text was updated Saturday when the team announced it had downgraded each player's status to out.)
Carolina, meanwhile, has a very long injury report. The biggest news for Broncos fans undoubtedly is that Christian McCaffrey, son of former Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey, is doubtful with shoulder and thigh injuries. His first game against his dad's team may have to wait a few more years. In addition, they have seven players listed as questionable: CB Rasul Douglas (not injury related/illness), DE Marquis Haynes (illness), S Sam Franklin (ankle), DE Efe Obada (knee), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (not injury related), S Trey Boston (hamstring) and TE Ian Thomas (knee). They also ruled out G Dennis Daley, who is continuing to recover from a concussion. Carolina may also be without a few players on the active roster who are on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, including Moore, punter Michael Palardy and former Broncos DL Zach Kerr.
WATCH ON TV: CBS
Play-by-Play: Andrew Catalon
Analyst: James Lofton
Sideline: Sherree Burruss
WATCH ON MOBILE
In-market fans can stream the game on DenverBroncos.com or in the Broncos 365 app via mobile web on iOS on iPhones and iPads and through the Yahoo Sports app. Streaming is available on Android devices on the Yahoo Sports app only.
LISTEN LIVE
LOCAL ENGLISH RADIO (KOA - 850 AM/94.1 FM & The Fox - 103.5 FM)
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
SPANISH RADIO (KNRV - 1150 AM)
Play-by-Play: Carlos Valdez
Analyst: Salvador Hernandez
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
Instagram: @Broncos
Twitter: @Broncos
Facebook: Denver Broncos
