Broncos vs Falcons 8/1/19 - Hall of Fame Game - NFL Picks & Predictions

On Thursday, the Denver Broncos play the Atlanta Falcons in the annual Hall of Fame game to kick off the 2019 NFL preseason schedule. The Broncos are going through a complete makeover after suffering through consecutive losing seasons for the first time in 46 years. Vic Fangio is Denver’s new head coach and Joe Flacco will be the Broncos new quarterback.

Offensively the Broncos ranked No. 24 last season averaging 20.6 points per game and were No. 28 in third-down conversions. Flacco may play a series or two but do not expect any more from the 34-year veteran. Denver’s only proven target at wide receiver is Emmanuel Sanders, but he will play little on Thursday. Phillip Lindsay returns at running back after a rookie season of gaining 1.037 yards on the ground and 10 touchdowns.

The Denver defense improved rushing the passer last season but gave up nearly 120 yards per game on the ground. That made it easy for opposing offenses to protect leads and run down the game clock. Fangio is a defensive genius and the Broncos will be anchored on that side of the ball by Von Miller their talented All-Pro linebacker and Bradley Chubb. Last season Chubb led all rookies in sacks with 12. Atlanta looks to bounce back from a disappointing season. The Falcons lost key players on both sides of the ball to injuries. The offense was inconsistent but former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan was the bright spot and returns with his favorite target wide receiver Julio Jones, as well as Mohamed Sanu and Calvin Ridley. The running attack will be determined by how well Devonta Freeman holds up and if rookie Qadree Ollison shines during preseason.

The return of healthy players to the Atlanta defense is the key to the season. Last season, the defense produced just 37 sacks. The Falcons hope Vic Beasley returns to his 2-16 form when he had 15.5 sacks. Adrian Clayborn returns after a season with New England. Deion Jones is one of the league’s best middle linebackers but must remain healthy. Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal make the Falcons secondary one of the NFC South’s.