Game 12: Broncos Vs Vikings

The 'Road Warriors' Broncos are on the road yet again after getting the victory against the Chargers. The Broncos this week are taking on the Vikings who have a record of 2-9 and have struggled so far this year. This is a game that the Broncos are expected to win, which would be a first for them this year. The Broncos should not underestimate the Vikings as every win is crucial to the Broncos playoff hopes. Time to get into the preview.

Why to watch:

Tebow Time, baby! Come on now. Fantastic finishes. Read-option football. The Broncos are trying to ride it to a division title. Are you on board?

Inside story:

This could be a long week for Christian Ponder. Elvis Dumervil is back in peak form and rookie Von Miller is a track star out there off the edge. And with the Vikings possibly without Adrian Peterson again, ball control might prove difficult. Percy Harvin will continue getting carries and will be featured big in a gadget role.

Match Ups:

There are some really good match ups for the Broncos in this game but there are two keys for me in this game.

Number one is AP. The Broncos front seven have to stop AP and limit him to less than 100 yards. We may be helped out with this as AP has an ankle injury and may not play. But if he does we will need to shut him down.

The second is Jared Allen. Even on a bad team he has been a monster and has great numbers. He could make Tebow's day a nightmare. We need to block him and take him out of the game.

If we can do this I think we can come away with the victory.

Other match ups, Champ Vs Harvin, Champ has to shut him down. If this is done Von Doom (if he plays) should be able to get after Ponder and make his day a living hell. Make him Orange and Blue!

Storming Mormon needs to get a few touches as always to take a bit of pressure off Tebow and McGahee.

As always a word on Tebow. He is going against one of the worst secondaries this week and needs to have a good showing. I ask for 10 or more completions and 50% completion rate. I don't ask much and I think he can do it.

Other news:

The NFL has honored Denver linebacker Von Miller as its defensive rookie of the month for November.

Miller tied for the team lead with 31 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two passes defensed as the Broncos went 4-0 during the month and became a playoff contender. Miller, the No. 2 overall draft pick in April, became a dominant player this month as Denver’s defense improved dramatically. Miller was drafted to help a defense that was No. 32 in the NFL last year. It is currently ranked No. 16 in the NFL.

This likely won’t be Miller’s last rookie honor. He is considered a leading contender to win the NFL defensive of rookie of the year award.

Harvard students set out to statistically prove the “Miracle of Tim Tebow” for Broncos, link.

Photos from Practice at the Dome, looks like DJ is balling!

This is pretty cool, Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow to Grace Debut Cover for NFL Magazine. Check the picture out below.

Injury Report:

Von Miller (LB), Thumb, DNP
Eddie Royal (WR), Toe, Limited
Daniel Fells (TE), Hand, Full
David Bruton (S), Achilles, Full
Ryan Clady (T), Knee, Full
Willis McGahee (RB), Illness, Limited

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Adrian Peterson (RB), Ankle, DNP
Kyle Rudolph (TE), Quadricep, Limited
Anthony Herrera (G), Knee, Limited
Chris Cook (CB), Non-Injury, Out
E.J. Henderson (LB), Shoulder, DNP
Asher Allen (CB), Shoulder, Limited
Erin Henderson (LB), Hamstring, Full
Jamarca Sanford (S), Shoulder, Full
Visanthe Shiancoe (TE), Hamstring, Full
Jared Allen (DE), Not Injury Related, DNP

Denver Broncos star rookie linebacker Von Miller took another step toward not playing Sunday at Minnesota as he failed to practice for the second straight day. He had surgery Tuesday to repair ligaments in his thumb.

Miller suffered the injury Sunday at San Diego, but he finished the game and made a huge play near the end of overtime to help the Broncos. Denver coach John Fox didn’t shed much light on Miller’s status for Sunday against the Vikings.

“It’s in the medical people’s hands, and if they deem him ready to play, he’ll play. They’re working on all those things,” Fox told reporters Thursday. “Again, I’ll meet with the medical people. We’ll make that determination tomorrow.”

Perhaps this is a positive: Fox said Miller is in the process of getting medical protection gear. It will likely be in the form of a hard cast or hard splint.

Also for Denver, running back Willis McGahee (illness) and receiver Eddie Royal (toe) were both limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.

I have a feeling that all three will play but both Royal and Miller will be limited. Miller will probably only be used in pass rushing situations and Royal will probably only get out there in 4 wide sets. I expect to see a lot more of D-Thomas. If Miller doesn't play then Haggan will slot into his position.

Prediction:

The Broncos don't score a lot of points and I expect that is the case in this one. The Vikings don't have a very good defense so I am expecting the Broncos to try somethings and score some points. I say a 24-14 game Broncos win.

Jokes:

Q: Why did the National Hockey League allow Minnesota to get a franchise?
A: The fans were crying to have at least one professional team in Minnesota.

That's it from me, enjoy the game and your weekend. Go Broncos! ~ Aussie.