The Denver Broncos got a punch to the gut when they lost their Super Bowl rematch in overtime in Week 3. While that loss dropped them to 2-1 on the season, the Broncos looked good overall and almost stole the win in a tough environment against a very good team. Now fresh off of a week of rest (bye), Peyton Manning and co. turn right around and have to take on another NFC West opponent. It’s the Arizona Cardinals this time, as Drew Stanton likely makes a third straight start in Week 5.
The average price for Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals tickets on the secondary market come in at $315.33 ($126 to get in) this week, but are actually a decent value when you look at this matchup and Denver’s season average. The game is 5% below the season average for Denver Broncos tickets at Sports Authority Field this season. On paper, Manning should be able to move the ball on his home field, while Stanton is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Broncos’ suspect pass defense.
Not much needs to be said about Denver’s offense here, as they tend to play very well at home, while the Cards really don’t have enough healthy impact players on defense to contain all of their explosive weapons. More than anything, Denver needs to be sure not to get in their own way. Running back Montee Ball has struggled through his first three games, and the Broncos would be best served to pass to set up the run. That could lead to a bigger than expected game from slot man Wes Welker, who could be used as an extension of the ground game in his second game back from a suspension.
For Arizona, it’s likely going to all hang on Stanton. Stanton held his own in two big wins to help keep the upstart Cardinals undefeated (3-0), but coming into Mile High and out-dueling Manning seems to be asking a bit too much. Arizona’s only realistic shot at stealing what would probably be the upset of the week is to pound a healthy Andre Ellington through Denver’s 12th-ranked run defense. Ultimately, the Broncos are at home and have more talent on both sides of the ball. As long as Stanton doesn’t go off (or Carson Palmer doesn’t play), they should take care of business at home and get to 3-1 on the year.
