Jets-Broncos Preview: Breaking Down the Denver Numbers

With the Jets getting set to take on the Broncos this Sunday, let’s take a look at some of the most notable numbers surrounding Denver.

95: Difference in the Broncos’ home point differential (-7) and road point differential (-102), the largest disparity in the league. The Broncos have dropped three straight at home, but by winning their first three in Denver, still own a decent 3-3 home mark. Remember, this is a Jets team that is 1-4 on the road without having to play a single playoff team, having only beaten the Browns away from MetLife.

35.4: Average starting field position for Denver opponents, by far the worst of any team in the league (the difference between 1st-ranked Denver and 2nd-ranked San Francisco is equal to the difference between San Francisco and 30th-ranked Dallas). The Denver defense is a disappointing 31st in points allowed, but this stat right here showcases the main reason why. This unit is getting less help from its offense and special teams than any other team in the league. See more below:

27: Denver turnovers, second most to only the Browns (30). They rank 2nd in interceptions (18) and third in lost fumbles (9). Trevor Siemian’s 4.2% interception rate is lower than only DeShone Kizer among qualified quarterbacks.

31st: Denver’s rank in Special Teams DVOA. The offense is obviously the prime reason for Denver’s struggles, but the special teams hasn’t done the defense any favors, either. The Broncos are one of two teams (Chicago being the other) to allow a punt and kick return touchdown this year, and overall rank 23rd in opponent punt return average and 28th in opponent kick return average.

3.4: Yards per rush attempt yielded by the Broncos defense, second best in the league to the Browns. This is one area where the Broncos have remained stingy on defense, also allowing only 6 rushing scores on the year.

30.2%: 3rd down conversion rate allowed by the Broncos defense, second lowest in the league to only the Vikings.

Can the Jets prove they can take advantage of a favorable road matchup? Whether the playoffs become realistic again or not, the Jets have a lot to prove here. For all their progression, they won’t be a contending team long-term if they are noncompetitive in half of their games. Let’s see them take their show on the road for once.