The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Sunday’s game between the Broncos and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md.:

Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 20, Commanders 16

I’ll take the Broncos and their eight-game win streak over the ‘Mmanders, who have lost six straight. And after watching way too much football on the Broncos’ bye week, I can say all the really good teams are in the NFC. The AFC’s wide-open landscape has afforded the Broncos a golden opportunity.

Overall record: 7-4

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 27, Commanders 10

The Broncos defense should feast on the Commanders offense without star quarter Jayden Daniels. The Denver offense should do the same as the Washington defense has struggled to stop people all season long. If the Broncos are a contender for the top seed in the AFC, this should be an easy win.

Overall record: 7-4

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 30, Commanders 16

If the game becomes a rout, it at least might be worth sticking around to see if Von Miller can get a sack against his former team. The legendary pass rusher, who played for the Broncos from 2011-21, goes against Denver for the third time in his career. He didn’t have a sack for Buffalo against the Broncos in the regular season in 2023 or in the playoffs last season.

Overall record: 8-3

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Broncos 24, Commanders 20

Live on the edge in the NFL week after week, and it’s only a matter of time before you take a tumble. It’s a simple matter of mathematical probability and the cliche that the other guys get paid, too. Will this be the Sunday when your Broncos get punished for messing with the forgiving nature of the football gods? Dunno. But their time’s coming.

Overall record: 7-4

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Broncos 21, Commanders 15

Did anyone in September predict this Broncos team would win nine games in a row? It’s still hard to believe. But winning (even against subpar competition like Washington) is a learned skill. These Broncos have figured out how to get it done. A home playoff game appears more like reality with each victory.

Overall record: 7-4