ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — It's time for Denver to flip the script at home.
The Broncos have gotten off to a strong start on the road this season, winning three consecutive away games after falling short in Seattle in Week 1. But as the Broncos return to Empower Field at Mile High this weekend, they will look to bring some of this winning momentum back to Denver to secure their second victory in front of a home crowd this season.
"You've got to be able to win at home," wide receiver Courtland Sutton said Wednesday. " ... That's one of the things that should be like a pillar."
Denver's sole home win came in Week 5, when the Broncos defeated the Raiders 34-18 in the team's first divisional matchup of the year. Despite facing a 10-0 deficit, Denver battled back and scored 34 unanswered points to secure the victory.
That comeback performance, fueled in part by the support of a home crowd, brought energy that Sutton believes can carry the team to more success in the future.
"I love playing at home," Sutton said. "I love the atmosphere that's in the stadium when the game starts. It's a different juice than any stadium I've played in, so it's huge."
And as Denver now seeks to earn its fifth win in six games, Head Coach Sean Payton believes it will be important for the team to use this atmosphere to their advantage.
"We have to take advantage of the crowd noise, and certainly [have] a fast start," Payton said Wednesday.
While Denver has stressed the importance of maintaining a game-by-game mentality throughout the season, Sutton noted that winning games at home can often be the difference-maker in a season, especially when it comes to postseason aspirations. With another home game now on the horizon, the team has a key opportunity to begin to turn the tide this Sunday.
"If you win all your [remaining] home games, you put yourself in a really good position to go to the playoffs," Sutton said. " ... It brings a different momentum to the season whenever you can take advantage of winning at home. And then I think it makes it hard for guys on the road to come play here if you can handle the home games."
As Denver looks to take care of business this Sunday, Sutton said the game is also an opportunity to provide for a fan base that continues to show support in critical moments.
"Winning for the home fans, a lot of people come watch us and support us week in and week out," Sutton said. "When we get a chance to play at home, it's [time] for us to go put on a show for them and ultimately go show them why they are there supporting us at the end of the day."
