5 things to watch in Broncos-Ravens game

October 31, 11:26 PMDenver Broncos ExaminerGreg Henry

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Five things to watch in Sunday's Broncos-Ravens game

1) Who's the best team coming off the bye week? Both Baltimore and Denver had bye weeks so no team got an advantage over the other. Will the Ravens, after three consecutive losses, benefit from the break more? Or will the Broncos keep their mojo going from a 6-0 start and impressive victories over Dallas, New England and San Diego? The break no doubt helped Denver heal, especially safety Brian Dawkins who injured a hamstring in the first half of the Chargers' victory. Dawkins returned for the second half, but the bye week no doubt will help the 36-year-old veteran.

2) Which defense will shine? Baltimore has been known for its stellar defense. The Ravens still have Ray Lewis, but Baltimore has allowed nearly 22 points a game and 87 points in its three defeats. The Broncos have allowed just 66 points, so you'd have to give Denver an edge, but with Pro Bowlers like linebacker Terrell Suggs, safety Ed Reed and Lewis the Ravens still have a venerable defense that plays with a vicious attitude.

3) Who can win the turnover game? The Ravens have just nine takeaways, but Baltimore is an opportunistic defense and the Broncos have to take care of the ball. On the opposite side, Baltimore's offense no longer is run-dominated. Second-year quarterback Joe Flacco has become the focus of the Ravens' attack. Forcing Flacco to rush his throws and getting him out of rhythm could lead to some turnovers. The Broncos have a +7 takeaway margin, second-best in the AFC. Keeping up their good work in the first six games will be a key to beating the 3-3 Ravens.

4) Can Denver run the ball well? Correll Buckhalter got an extra week to rest his injured ankle that caused him to miss the New England game. He looked OK against San Diego and Knowshon Moreno has been impressive other than some slipperiness with the football. Baltimore is ranked seventh in the NFL in rushing defense, so Denver will be challenged.

5) Spread the wealth. Kyle Orton has been at his best when he finds all of his receivers, so utilizing the breath of pass catchers -- Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley, Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, Buckhalter and Moreno. The Ravens rank 23rd in pass defense, so if Orton can exploit all his targets, Baltimore could be in trouble.