There are times where a game seems bigger than a game. Days after the passing of Pro Bowler Demaryius Thomas, the Denver Broncos will play host to the Detroit Lions in a game honoring the Super Bowl champion gone too soon.
Such a gesture means emotions are going to be high today, which adds a layer of unpredictability to the matchup. There’s no question that on paper these Broncos should have the talent advantage over their opponent, but how will the underlying tension influence a young roster on third down? Will the energy before kickoff lead to a slow start?