Denver offense vs. Detroit defense

	BRONCOS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	13
	Pass	11
	Tot. Yds.	12
	Scoring	15
	Int's allowed	17
	Sacks allowed	29
	LIONS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	5
	vs. Pass	31
	Total yds. allowed	20
	# of Ints.	13
	# of Sacks	44
	Turnover differential	+8

Denver QB Brian Griese could be in for his biggest day of the season against a soft Lions secondary that has given up 598 yards and six touchdowns the past two weeks to a pair of rookie quarterbacks (Shaun King and Cade McNown). Injuries can be blamed for their struggles but Detroit simply isn't playing aggressive on the corners, where they allowed Chicago's outside receiver duo to rack up a combined 21 receptions last Sunday.

RDC Dwayne Harper, who was signed prior to last week's game after a 16-month playing hiatus, was burned repeatedly last week by Marcus Robinson and the same could happen on Saturday against WRs Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey. Smith is the Broncos' hottest receiver, totaling 31 receptions, 439 yards and three touchdowns over the past month and he shouldn't have much problem getting deep versus one of the worst pass defenses in the league (239.5 yards per game).

The Lions desperately need a big game from their front four. Griese is doing a much better job of improvising outside the pocket and it will be up to DEs Tracy Scroggins and Robert Porcher to keep contain on the flanks -- something they didn't do a good job of last week. Scroggins' quick first step will put a huge test for LOT Trey Teague in passing situations. Teague, who will start in place of an injured Tony Jones, gained valuable experience earlier in the season but the boisterous Silverdome crowd will make it tough for him to hear Griese's cadence, allowing Scroggins to get the jump upfield.

Mike Shanahan will do his best to create some offensive balance with RB Olandis Gary, who set a franchise record with 183 yards on 22 carries last week against Seattle. Gary, who probably will be without the services of valuable FB Howard Griffith, will find the yards tougher to come by against a Detroit run defense that is giving up just 85.0 yards per contest. If Griffith can't play, look for his loss to have a profound impact on the Broncos offense. Gary and Griffith have developed timing and chemistry that will be lost with backup Detron Smith in the lineup.

Without Griffith, the offensive line better come to play, particularly LOG Mark Schlereth, who will be in for his second big test in as many weeks. After squaring off with Seattle's Cortez Kennedy last week, Schlereth must play strong against Detroit's Luther Ellis. Schlereth's chronic knee problems weren't an issue last week but Ellis should be able to beat him with his quickness at the point of attack.

Denver's pass defense (185.1 yards per game) has been solid all season but a couple of breakdowns in coverage could have cost them the win last week. Seattle deep threat Joey Galloway ran past Dale Carter on a couple of different occasions, one that could have cost them the game in overtime.

The Lions need to work the field vertically on Sunday with WRs Johnnie Morton and Germaine Crowell more than they have the past two weeks. Gus Frerotte took a couple shots downfield last Sunday but focused on the short passing game once a couple of his deep balls were intercepted. The Broncos don't have a corner that can run with Crowell and inexperienced Darrius Johnson is making just his second start of the season.

Look for Detroit to open things up and take some chances in a must-win game. If Batch's fractured thumb prevents him from throwing the ball deep, the Lions will need a big game from TE David Sloan, who continues to fight through a fairly serious toe injury. OLB Bill Romanowski, one of the top cover 'backers in the league, will be tested by Sloan's athleticism, but look for him to win the majority of battles.

The key to Denver's success all season has been their ability to stop the run. If they can't stop the Lions running game, the Broncos have little chance at pulling out a Christmas victory. Last Sunday's victory over Seattle was the first time in eight games they had allowed over 100 yards rushing and still won.

Detroit has one of the worst ground attacks in the league and RB Greg Hill's straightline running style won't work well against Denver's versatile linebacker corps. The Lions would be better off spreading the carries between scatback Sedrick Irvin and cutback runner Ron Rivers, who the team is hopeful will return on Saturday.