Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver host the Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High.
Live updates
Pre-game updates
Scouting report (10:55 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Falcons in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.
Game predictions
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 28, Falcons 27
This feels like a sneaky-tough matchup given the way Kirk Cousins has been playing, the diversity of Atlanta’s offense and the group’s terrific run game. It’s the kind of challenge that can test even the best secondaries. The brain keeps saying “upset alert.” Sometimes you go instead with the gut. And the gut says Sean Payton’s team is ready for this challenge.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Falcons 21
Inside the locker room in Kansas City, the Broncos were frustrated by letting a victory over the defending champs slip through their fingers. Expect Denver to carry that aggression over to Sunday’s matchup against Atlanta. Bo Nix will take advantage of Atlanta’s inability to generate pressure and have a strong performance at home.
Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 23, Falcons 20
The Broncos insist this team is different. Time to prove it. If they are a playoff team, they need to win at home against a good team. Bo Nix will join Peyton Manning as the only rookie QB to pass for at least 200 yards and multiple touchdowns in four straight home games. And Denver will benefit as slumping Younghoe Koo misses a key kick, staying on brand since Week 4 (8 for 15).
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 21, Falcons 20
Only two NFL defenses have given up more rush attempts per game to opposing QBs than the Falcons (6.3), and only five are allowing more QB rush yards per tilt than ATL (28.6). Good defense (Broncos) vs. good offense (Atlanta) + meh offense (Broncos) vs. meh defense (Atlanta) means special teams could swing this one. Wil Lutz for the win, kids. What could possibly go wrong?
Broncos-Falcons NFL Week 11: Must-reads
Former Broncos safety Justin Simmons’ return to Denver sparks memories from those he impacted in eight seasons with team
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Broncos scouting report: How Denver matches up with Falcons and predictions
Despite being more than 1,400 miles away, Justin Simmons still considers Denver home. Black and red are his new uniform colors, but he continues to bleed orange and blue.
Simmons’ football career took a different path last spring when the Pro Bowl safety was released from the Broncos in March. The franchise’s longest-tenured player at that time was left to find a new team. He found it in Atlanta, signing a one-year deal with the Falcons in August.
Months after the move, he is still learning to adjust to life away from the Mile High City. Read Ryan McFadden’s full story.
Broncos, QB Bo Nix have engineered major turnaround on third downs over past three games
Over the past three weeks, though, the money down has been an entirely different story for Sean Payton’s offense.
In a win against Carolina (11 of 17) and losses at Baltimore (6 of 14) and Kansas City (7 of 13), the Broncos offense was far from perfect, but really good on third down.
The team over that stretch has converted 24 of 44 chances for a rate of 54.5%. Read Parker Gabriel’s full story.
Renck: Broncos cannot afford to move on from left tackle Garett Bolles
Justin Simmons’ exit left Garett Bolles as the longest-tenured Bronco. His resume is measured in accomplishments — Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, community work — and quarterbacks. Bolles has played with all 14 starters since Peyton Manning retired. He pledged his loyalty to each of them.
Bolles will be a free agent at season’s end, his eighth with the Broncos. He faces an uncertain future in Denver. He shouldn’t. The Broncos cannot afford to lose him. For all of the similarities to Simmons, Bolles’ situation is different. Read Troy Renck’s column.
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