Broncos at Lions: Week 15 Bold Predictions & Picks

The Denver Broncos can't afford even one more loss.

The Denver Broncos may be in the thick of the AFC playoff race with four games left to go, but entering Saturday night's tilt at the Detroit Lions, this team is already in a do-or-die situation. One loss could end Denver's aspirations of snapping its seven-year playoff drought. 

The Broncos have to get the Dub in the Motor City, but standing in Sean Payton's way is one of his long-time pupils — the fiery Dan Campbell. Campbell's squad opened the 2023 season on an absolute tear, jumping out to an 8-2 start, but the Lions have since lost two of their last three. 

It'll be a rock fight for sure, as Campbell is preaching to his team that Payton will be coming in looking to "embarrass" them. So how does this one shake out? 

Let's go around the Mile High Huddle roundtable to see how our staff foresees this one unfolding for the Broncos. 

James Campbell (@JamesC_MHH) 5-8: If the Broncos are able to grind out a victory against Detroit, their playoff chances would be at 67%, even allowing for the fact that they'd be facing an NFC foe. If the Broncos lose, it would lie at just 32%, so needless to say, this must-win game is a good barometer for where the Broncos stand in their development. On the road in a short win, the Broncos probably will lose a heartbreaker, given their depleted front seven, although Courtland Sutton will feast, and the defense has their moments.

Pick: Lions 24, Broncos 21

Keith Cummings (@KeithC_NFL) 8-5: Win in the Motor City, and fans truly start to believe the Broncos can win out and make the playoffs. Heaven knows the AFC West title could be a possibility if the Kansas City Chiefs implode going down the stretch. The Broncos need takeaways against the Lions and at least 24 points on offense. Both materialize, and Denver returns home from a three-game road trip with another win.

Pick: Broncos 28, Lions 14

Carl Dumler (@CarlDumlerMHH) 7-6: The Broncos are desperate and catching the Lions at the right time, with Detroit's defense struggling to stop teams. Defensively, this may be the best test of the season, and the Broncos answer the call, forcing two turnovers and holding the Lions' offense to a below-average game for them. The Broncos lean into the run game once again and win a tough battle.

Pick: Broncos 27, Lions 17

Mike Evans (@MHHEvans) 7-6: The Broncos' pathway to the playoffs hinges on two key pieces. First, they must trap the Lions in third-and-long scenarios, exploiting QB Jerod Goff's vulnerability under pressure, as evidenced by his meager 58.8% passer rating from Pro Football Focus when rattled. Conversely, it's prime time for Russell Wilson to unleash his arm against the Lions' underwhelming secondary, setting his sights on reaching a lofty 300-yard passing.

Pick: Broncos 24, Lions 20

Thomas Hall (@ThomasHallNFL) 7-6: The Broncos proved they have a winning mentality after bouncing back from a poor game in Houston and thrashing the Los Angeles Chargers. The players believe they can win. Furthermore, Denver's offense is starting to click, and that makes them dangerous, given how the other two phases are playing. It’s a tough task to go on the road and beat the Lions, but the Broncos will emerge victorious.

Pick: Broncos 30, Lions 23

Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) 8-5: On one hand, I have a hard time seeing Payton losing, even a road game, to a former pupil. On the other, I'm sickly reminded of Payton coming up woefully short to Nathaniel Hackett in Week 5 after talking all that smack. The takeaway? It's the NFL, and all bets are off. However, I'm wagering that Payton has his highly motivated squad rip-roaring and ready to go at Ford Field. Look for Jerry Jeudy to be force-fed once again, only this time, he's equal to his opportunity as Wilson has a massive statistical game as a passer. 

Pick: Broncos 27, Lions 23

Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) 6-7: Flip a coin because this game could go either way. On one hand, the Lions are trending a bit downward while Denver is surging. On the other, Detroit is much more formidable at home and boasts a rushing attack that could pose major issues for the Broncos' run-funnel defense. As usual, it'll come down to the wire, but with a similar ending to the Houston matchup. The good news? This is the only remaining loss Denver can afford without dashing their playoff hopes. 

Pick: Lions 26, Broncos 24

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Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) 7-6: The Broncos are trending up with the Lions trending down. If Denver can keep taking the ball away and Goff keeps coughing it up, the Broncos can do enough to win. If Denver loses, it'll likely be due to the exposure of its rushing defense vs. a fantastic Lions' ground attack. 

Pick: Broncos 27, Lions 24

Bob Morris (@BobMorrisSports) 4-9: The Broncos didn't have a good start to the season but are now playing better. Meanwhile, the Lions have regressed, particularly on defense. The Broncos are playing with more confidence, and the offense was effective last week. Expect a similar outing this week, along with the defense forcing at least two turnovers.

Pick: Broncos 24, Lions 16

Luke Patterson (@LukePattersonLP) 6-7: Denver will face its toughest remaining opponent this Saturday night in Detroit. If the Broncos can continue to play in Payton's likeness, unapologetically with grit and passion, they’ll continue to win. Big players show up in big games. Sutton should feast.

Pick: Broncos 30, Lions 27

Lance Sanderson (@SandersonMHH) 7-6: If the Broncos can't figure out how to stop the run and explosive play-action passes defensively, this game could get ugly really quick. Detroit can score with anybody unless you get after Goff with constant pressure. With Nik Bonitto ruled out, it doesn't bode well for the guys in Orange and Blue. 

Pick: Lions 27, Broncos 19

Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) 6-7: This should be a boring game, with both teams relying on their rushing attack and defense. The Broncos have an advantage, as the Lions passing defense isn't great, but they have to find consistency and efficiency to balance out the big explosive splash plays. If the Broncos' defense can't contain the running back trio the Lions employ, it can make for a long day. Force the ball into Goff's hands, and the potential for turnovers significantly increases. I'm not convinced the Broncos can contain their run game or be explosive enough on offense to make up for it.

Pick: Lions 28, Broncos 20

Dylan Von Arx (@arx_d) 7-6: The Broncos' best chance of making the playoffs is to win out, and that starts Saturday against their toughest remaining opponent. To beat the Lions, Denver will have to shore up its run defense and put the ball in Goff's hands. The Broncos will end their road trip with a win.

Pick: Broncos 30, Lions 23

Ron White (@RonWhiteNFL) 7-6: The Broncos have proved that they can compete with any team in the NFL. Saturday’s matchup with the Lions will indicate how physical this team can be. The Broncos' defense will continue to be proficient on third down and mix up coverages to confuse Goff while the offense churns out big ground yards. As a result, the Broncos win and inch closer to the possibility of a playoff berth.

Pick: Broncos 30, Lions 20

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