Facing Commanders on SNF for the Denver Broncos

For the Denver Broncos, their upcoming Sunday Night Football matchup against the Washington Commanders isn’t just another regular-season game—it’s a primetime opportunity to prove they belong in the 2024 NFL playoff conversation. Sitting at 4-5 heading into Week 12, the Broncos are one game behind the Las Vegas Raiders for the final AFC wild-card spot, and a win over the Commanders (3-6) would not only boost their record but also generate momentum heading into a tough stretch of divisional games. SNF games bring extra pressure—national attention, a later kickoff, and the weight of performing under the bright lights—but the Broncos see it as a chance to showcase their growth. Facing Commanders on SNF for the Denver Broncos explores the stakes of this primetime clash, key matchups that will decide the game, and how the Broncos are preparing to seize the moment.

Facing Commanders on SNF for the Denver Broncos begins with the game’s significance for the Broncos’ playoff hopes. A loss to the Commanders—who rank 25th in total defense and 22nd in total offense—would be a major setback, potentially dropping the Broncos to 4-6 and widening the gap between them and wild-card leaders. A win, however, would tie them with the Raiders (5-5) and keep them in contention for a spot that seemed unlikely after their 2-3 start. “This is a must-win game, plain and simple,” said Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. “Primetime games are where you make statements. We need to show the league we’re a team that can win when it matters, and this is our chance.” The Broncos’ coaching staff has emphasized the importance of consistency, pointing to their recent win over the Cleveland Browns (where they committed just six penalties) as a model for success. They’ve also noted that the Commanders, while struggling, have upset strong teams this season (like the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4), so complacency isn’t an option. “We can’t look at their record and think this will be easy,” head coach Sean Payton said. “They have playmakers on both sides of the ball, and they’ll be fired up to play on SNF too. We need to bring our A-game.”

Another critical angle in Facing Commanders on SNF for the Denver Broncos is key positional matchups that will shape the game. The most impactful battle will be the Broncos’ wide receivers—led by the recently returned Pat Bryant and veteran Courtland Sutton—against the Commanders’ secondary. Washington ranks 18th in passing yards allowed per game (235.6) and has struggled to contain deep threats, which plays to Bryant’s strength (he’s averaged 17.8 yards per catch this season). If Bryant and Sutton can stretch the Commanders’ defense, it will open up running lanes for Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine, who have combined for 780 rushing yards. On the other side, the Broncos’ defense must slow down Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., who has rushed for 610 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw—back from a hamstring injury—will be tasked with plugging gaps and limiting Robinson’s yards after contact. “Robinson is a physical runner—he doesn’t go down easy,” Greenlaw said. “We need to tackle well, stay disciplined, and not let him get into a rhythm. If we can stop the run, we force them to pass, and that’s where our secondary can make plays.” Special teams will also be crucial: the Broncos rank 28th in punt return average, and the Commanders have a dangerous returner in Jamison Crowder, so limiting his opportunities will be a priority.

A key part of Facing Commanders on SNF for the Denver Broncos is the Broncos’ offensive game plan, tailored to exploit the Commanders’ weaknesses. The Commanders’ defense struggles most in two areas: stopping the run (24th in rushing yards allowed per game, 120.9) and defending tight ends (they’ve allowed 5+ receptions to opposing tight ends in four games this season). Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi plans to lean into both, using Williams and Perine in a rotational rushing attack and getting tight end Greg Dulcich more involved in the passing game. Dulcich has been underutilized this season (21 receptions for 240 yards), but the Broncos believe he can create mismatches against the Commanders’ linebackers, who lack speed in coverage. “Greg is a talented player who hasn’t gotten as many opportunities as he deserves,” Lombardi said. “The Commanders’ linebackers struggle to cover tight ends, so we’ll look to get him the ball in the flat and over the middle. He can turn short catches into long gains.” For the Denver Broncos, this game plan also includes using Bryant as a decoy at times, drawing the Commanders’ top cornerback (Benjamin St-Juste) away from Sutton, who can then work against weaker coverage. Wilson has also been practicing deep balls to Bryant, hoping to capitalize on the Commanders’ tendency to play soft coverage in the secondary.

Another important element of Facing Commanders on SNF for the Denver Broncos is the impact of primetime energy on the team and fans. SNF games at Empower Field at Mile High are always electric—fans arrive hours early for tailgates, the stadium is lit up with orange and blue, and the noise level can rattle opposing teams. The Broncos have a 3-2 record at home this season, and they’re counting on that home-field advantage to disrupt the Commanders’ offense. “Our fans are the best in the league, and on SNF, they take it to another level,” said Broncos defensive end Randy Gregory. “The noise makes it hard for the other team to communicate, which leads to false starts and mistakes. That’s a huge edge for us.” For the Denver Broncos, the primetime slot also means extra preparation: the coaching staff has adjusted practice times to mimic the 8:20 PM ET kickoff, ensuring players’ bodies are used to performing later in the day. They’ve also added film sessions focused on the Commanders’ late-game tendencies, as SNF games often come down to the final minutes. “Primetime football is a different rhythm,” Payton said. “You need to make sure your players are mentally sharp and physically ready to play at a high level for 60 minutes. We’ve adjusted our routine to make sure we’re prepared.”

Wrapping up Facing Commanders on SNF for the Denver Broncos is how recent player returns and improvements can tip the scales in the Broncos’ favor. The return of Pat Bryant (ahead of schedule from an ankle sprain) gives the Broncos a deep threat they lacked for four games, while Dre Greenlaw’s return has strengthened the linebacking corps. The Broncos have also cleaned up their penalty problem—committing just 45 yards in penalties against the Browns, down from an average of 82.3 yards per game earlier in the season. These improvements, combined with the Commanders’ struggles on both sides of the ball, give the Broncos a clear path to victory. “We’re playing our best football right now,” Wilson said. “We’re healthier, we’re more disciplined, and we’re starting to click as an offense. This SNF game is a chance to show the world what we’re capable of.” For the Denver Broncos, a win over the Commanders would not only improve their playoff odds but also build confidence for the tough games ahead (Chiefs, Raiders, Bills). It’s a primetime stage, and the Broncos are ready to shine. “We’ve put in the work,” Greenlaw said. “Now it’s time to go out there and win—for our fans, for our team, and for our shot at the playoffs.” Facing Commanders on SNF for the Denver Broncos is more than a game—it’s a chance to turn their season around.