2024 Week 9: Broncos 10, Ravens 41
The Broncos did what they always do, play sloppy to start the game and started to play better as the game went on… but Denver was making too many mistakes and Baltimore was able to punish them for it.
Baltimore (6-3) is a half-game behind the Steelers for the top dog in the AFC North, and will likely pass them soon. I don’t have much on the Ravens due to the nature of the game so this will be a shorter recap.
The Broncos (5-4) should squeak their way into the playoffs thanks to their defense, but the offense doesn’t have enough playmakers to support a run if they make it.
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QB Report:
- Bo Nix (19/33 for 223 yards, 1 INT; 6 rushes for 36 yards; 1 reception for 2 yards, 1 TD) looked fine but he’s the main reason for the Broncos slow start in every game this season. I don’t remember this being an issue in college. I first noted this in the Saints game a few weeks back because I expected this issue to be growing pains but 8 games into the season, this is something serious. Nix looks jumpy to start games, and because of that he slightly overthrew Lil’Jordan Humphrey (2-11-0/5) on the first play of the game resulting in an INT and eventual Ravens TD. Humphrey gave up on the ball bc it was slightly out of reach (hit his hand but didn’t make a real effort) and from that point on it was all Baltimore, all day.
- Nix had a good Fantasy day but left a lot on the table, he had a TD run called back, overthrew Troy Franklin (1-19-0/4), and had more passing TD opportunities in the 4th quarter but fell flat.
RB Report:
- Javonte Williams (12-42-0; 2 catches for 42 yards) is a buy-low right now, coming off of a bad game against the Ravens #1 rush defense, and facing the KC #3 rush defense this week. Acquire now and wait for Week 11 when the Broncos get an easier schedule.
WR Report:
- One quick Ravens note on Diontae Johnson (0-0-0/0)... he played 17 snaps this game and didn’t receive a single target. This trade is looking great so far. I don’t think this will be like Davante or the DeHop trade where it takes some time for them to click, the Ravens want to run the ball and DJ isn’t great as is. He’ll have some moments that will suck people in but he has no place on a roster in 10/12 man leagues.
- Courtland Sutton (7-122-0/10) took advantage of the terrible Ravens pass D. He doesn’t look good by any means, but Nix throws to him which is valuable. On the other hand, Devaughn Vele (2-11-0/3) looked great and made two stellar catches on bad passes. Lil’Jordan is so bad, why they don’t push Vele over LJH blows my mind.
image source: (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)