Parker Parker Gabriel, Gabriel beat writer: Broncos 31, Panthers 13 Every once in a while a game comes up at the right time and under the right circumstances to make it feel like a no-brainer. This is one of those. Denver’s not infallible by any stretch, but it’s played well on defense and special teams most of the season, and the run game has ramped up in recent weeks.
Even two of those three should be enough to cruise past what has been, by the numbers, easily the worst team in the NFL. The Broncos better, too, because the schedule gets rugged in November.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos Ryan 34, Panthers 13 The Broncos McFadden enter Sunday as heavy favorites, but that doesn’t mean Carolina should be overlooked. Denver should treat this game with the same intensity and enthusiasm as last week’s victory over the Saints. Given the next three weeks feature matchups against the Ravens, Chiefs and Falcons, Denver needs to punch the Panthers in the mouth early and not give them an ounce of momentum. The Broncos have shown the ability to take care of weaker opponents. Expect them to do so at home.
Troy Troy Renck, Renck columnist: Broncos 34, Panthers 14 For the past seven years, the Broncos have served as a get-right game for needy opponents. Finally, the roles have reversed. As bad as the Saints were, Carolina is worse. This game represents an opportunity for Denver to create momentum with a passing game it will need against Baltimore and Kansas City. Time for the Broncos to show they are legit. Creating a home-field advantage and beating bad teams remain necessary steps. Keep pounding them into submission. With Sean Payton boasting a 49-17 record in October, that is exactly what will happen.
Sean Sean Keeler, Keeler columnist: Broncos 23, Panthers 13 Trap game? Probably. But this isn’t about winning for Carolina. Oh, no. It’s a chance to show Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, up close, just how badly they need one of them. Or both. Fun fact: The previous eight times a Sean Payton team won by 17 or more points on the road, they went 7-1 the very next game and averaged 27 points per tilt in the process. It’s a TCB (Taking Care of Business) day for the orange and blue. And business is looking up.