Washington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos: Behind Enemy Lines Week 13

The Washington Commanders (3-8) are back in action on Sunday, when they host the Denver Broncos (9-2) in the Week 13 edition of Sunday Night Football from Northwest Stadium.

This game is a tale of two teams going in opposite directions. The Broncos enter the weekend on an eight-game winning streak, while the Commanders are on a six-game losing streak. Injuries have decimated Washington's season, but the Commanders will get wide receiver Terry McLaurin back on Sunday. Unfortunately, they'll have to wait at least one more week for quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Denver is on a roll, thanks in part to an elite defense. The Broncos lead the NFL in sacks and are stout across the board. They'll also get cornerback Patrick Surtain II back. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year has missed three consecutive games.

Can the Commanders pull off the upset?

To learn more about the Broncos, we interviewed Brandon Walker of Broncos Wire, who gave us the inside scoop on the 2025 Denver squad.

The Broncos are 9-2 and look like a Super Bowl contender. How is Denver getting it done each week?

Denver is getting things done with a mix of dominant defensive performances, as well as timely offensive possessions. It hasn't always been easy, a la the New York Giants game, but the Broncos have been at their best in the biggest moments of the game. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos are the best team in the NFL.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Broncos offense?

The biggest strength of the Broncos has been their offensive line play, which has at times jumpstarted a rushing attack, as well as protecting Bo Nix throughout the year. Despite some injuries on the starting line, Denver has remained consistent. On the flip side of the coin, at this point in time, the Broncos' rushing attack would likely be the biggest weakness. Without starting running back J.K. Dobbins, sidelined by an injury, there has been little spark out of the backfield. If the Broncos are going to win big games, they will have to kickstart a rushing attack.

How would you say Bo Nix has played this season as compared to last year?

Nix has been up and down in his second season. He is coming off one of his best performances of the year against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he also has had games against teams like the Raiders, where he struggled mightily. The one thing I will say about Nix; no moment seems too big for him. As a vocal leader on the sidelines, Nix believes in himself and the players around him. Referencing the Giants game, Nix was talking in the fourth quarter to his offensive teammates, keeping their heads up and encouraging them to play better.

The Broncos defense is one of the NFL's best. What are the strengths and any potential weaknesses that Washington could exploit?

Let's start with the weaknesses first. The Broncos have had a big problem at coverage linebacker. Tight ends and running backs have feasted on the inability of Denver linebackers to adequately cover them. Some of the biggest tight end games of the season have come against the Broncos. The other issue could be penalties, which have given opposing offenses life at points during games.

The biggest strength of the defense lies in its depth. Without reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain for three games, the Broncos secondary has stepped up. Ja'Quan McMillian had one of his best games as a pro. When linebacker Alex Singleton went out of the lineup for testicular cancer, Justin Strnad stepped up in a huge way. The pass rush could come from anyone, anywhere.

Prediction and why

The Broncos can show their ability in this game, with Surtain and Singleton coming off the injury list, and all their playmakers on offense, sans Dobbins. This could be a game in which Denver tries to make a statement. Broncos 28, Commanders 20.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Behind Enemy Lines with Broncos Wire Week 13