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<\/a><\/p>\nJan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
What the Broncos need most is a productive run game. That\u2019s been an honest weakness. RJ Harvey isn\u2019t nearly as impressive running the ball as he is catching passes out of the backfield or pass blocking. Jaleel McLaughlin is more productive, but doesn\u2019t pass block as well, which tends to make the offense less dynamic when he\u2019s in.<\/p>\n
With J.K. Dobbins ruled ou<\/a>t, the Broncos have to find a hot hand and produce ways to keep the offense on schedule. While I\u2019d normally suggest an offense supplement this with a screen game, the Payton offense already does that each and every week. Heck, if Tyler Badie starts popping off, give him more touches.<\/p>\n If the Broncos do get the run churning early, look for it to open up the play-action deep shots we all love.<\/p>\n 2) Take what the defense gives in the passing game<\/p>\n DENVER , CO – JANUARY 17: Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos draws a key pass interference call on Taron Johnson (7) of the Buffalo Bills during overtime of the Broncos\u2019 33-30 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, January 17, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz\/The Denver Post) Denver Post via Getty Images<\/p>\n Jarrett Stidham is a smart quarterback. He\u2019s been in this offense for three years, and that makes him well-suited to knowing what Payton is calling, why he is calling it, and where he should be going with the ball. Stidham needs to be patient and let the team get to work. He should only play hero ball at the end of the half and game when the impact of a turnover is minimized.<\/p>\n DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 17: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks on prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n The secret sauce of this team all year long has been the offensive designs of Sean Payton and his staff. They absolutely will get the Pats in unfavorable situations. When those plays come up, Stiddy and the offense must execute. The wide receivers especially need to catch everything that hits their hands. The offense can\u2019t afford the amount of drops we saw vs the Bills if they expect to win.<\/p>\n DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 6: Alex Singleton #49 of the Denver Broncos interacts with Dre Greenlaw #57 during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field At Mile High on November 06, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Brooke Sutton\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n One big worry from the Bills game was the horrible run defense. The defense probably had its worst game of the season as far as stopping the run is concerned. The matchup of our pass defense vs the Pats pass offense is favorable to the Broncos. To get to that, you have to stop the run and keep them from gashing us for 5-10 yards per play. That\u2019s easier said than done with quality runners like TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson running the ball. The defense\u2019s ability to stop the run could be the difference between victory or defeat.<\/p>\n 2) Pressure Drake Maye smartly<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n