Broncos-Dolphins preview: Will Denver’s historic losing streak finally end?

The Denver Broncos are neck deep in their first seven-game losing streak since 1967.

Now they head to a place where they’ve won one time. Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Miami Dolphins is the 18th regular-season game between these two teams. In Miami, Denver is 1-7. Whether that matters in 2017, time will tell.

However it happens, Vance Joseph and the Broncos (3-8) are in desperate need of a win this Sunday. The franchise needs any bit of of good news it can get and a victory over the Dolphins (4-7) will help it and Broncos Country flush the crap out from the last eight weeks.

Will it finally happen?

Offensive Rankings

Miami: Thirtieth in overall offense (285.8 yards), 29th in rushing (79.2), 22nd in passing (206.6) and 30th in points (15.8).

Denver: Twenty-second in overall offense (319.7 yards), 16th in rushing (108), 19th in passing (211.7) and 26th in points (17.9).

Defense Rankings

Miami: Twenty-first in overall defense (346.3 yards), 25th in rushing (117.7), 17th in passing (228.5) and tied for 30th in points (26.3).

Denver: Third in overall defense (289.1 yards), fourth in rushing (87.2), fourth in passing (201.9) and 27th in points (27.5).

Here are our keys to the games.

It’s all about turnovers

As I said on the Mile High Report Radio Podcast, the key for the Broncos is to win the turnover battle. As Denver noted in its weekly release, when it wins the plus/minus it has won 31 consecutive games dating back to 2012. That’s longest active streak in the NFL.

The problem is Trevor Siemian and the Broncos offense give the ball away like their charity (24 giveaways), and the defense can’t create turnovers (eight). Denver ranks as the 31st team in the NFL (there are 32 teams) in turnover plus/minus at minus 16. Only the Cleveland Browns are worse at minus 17.

If the Broncos can finish in the plus territory on Sunday, and that’s a huge if it will win. - Ian St. Clair

Score points

The Dolphins have given up 35 points per game during their five-game losing streak. It will be disappointing if the Broncos don't score over 20. Denver isn't playing well, but it is playing a team that is a actually playing worse than them right now. This is a winnable game and even the line reflects that. - Tim Lynch

Don’t allow points

If the Broncos are going to win against Miami they need to hold them to under 17 points. With Siemian under center the offense is capable of scraping together 18 points. So, it is on an Aqib Talib-less defense to get the job done. - Adam Malnati

Limit mistakes

The Broncos in 2017 have become masters at beating themselves and giving away momentum early, be it turnovers or penalties. The early mistakes will cause this team to fold quickly. The confidence has been shattered. A fast start and a flawless start is needed if this team is going to turn things around and get their first win in two months. - Tim Lynch

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What are your keys to victory for the Broncos?