The Arizona Cardinals will face the Denver Broncos on Sunday at State Farm Stadium. It is the first time since 2022 they have faced the Broncos and it is only the 13th time ever in the regular season.
The Cardinals are coming off a big win over the Los Angeles Rams, beating them 18-16 on a last-second field goal. The Broncos beat the Seattle Seahawks last Thursday 17-14 in overtime.
Before the two teams play, Broncos Wire contributing writer Brandon Walker gives Cardinals some insight as he answered questions I had about the Broncos and the matchup.
He takes fans behind enemy lines.
Bo Nix and the offense
What is going well and not so well offensively for the Broncos? Is Bo Nix still the guy?
I may be in the minority of people who still think Bo Nix has what it takes as a starter for the Denver Broncos. Yes, things have been difficult in the early going, but the Broncos have faced some really stout defenses, and have not turned the ball over. Despite Nix's numbers, the Broncos have been taking care of the football. I would say the hardest thing to do right now is trying to complete a deep shot, something which should be possible with the Broncos' speedy receiving corps.
The Denver defense
It feels like the defense has played unevenly this season. What is going well and not so well there?
After laying an absolute egg in Week 1, the Broncos defense has settled into its own, with the key difference from last year to this year being forcing turnovers. Denver turned over the Los Angeles Rams several times, and forced three turnovers in Week 6. At times, the Broncos have struggled with finishing tackles, but they are coming into their element as we enter the second third of the season.
Midseason changes?
Are you expecting any midseason changes like a trade?
As much as fans here would love to see the Broncos trade for a player like Colts running back Jonathon Taylor to help jumpstart a very anemic running game, I simply don't see the Broncos making a move at the deadline. Denver has the players they believe can make a difference and bring them deep into the latter half of the year.
Matchups to watch
Which matchups most favor the Broncos? Which ones favor the Broncos?
I believe Denver's pass rushers are going to be the great equalizer in Week 7. The Broncos have the option to bring back edge rusher Jonathon Cooper after a six-month stint on the commissioner's exempt list for offseason troubles, and adds speed and a better run game presence than those who replaced him through six weeks.
The Cardinals, if they are able to stop the run, will make the Broncos' offense one-dimensional. Teams have virtually dared Denver to throw the ball on them, and I think that Week 7 will be more of the same.
Prediction time
Who wins and how does it go down?
I think this may be the game the Broncos' offense finally breaks out. If that is the case, Nix can quiet some of his harshest critics (aka Ryan Fitzpatrick) with a big game. Arizona has played well, including coming off a huge win against the Rams in LA. That being said, I think Denver may pull away in the 4th quarter, in a 28-18 win. Broncos 28, Cardinals 18
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals vs. Broncos opponent preview and predictions