The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson gives his scouting report for Sunday night’s game between the Broncos (9-2) and Commanders (3-8) at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md.

Offense

The Broncos continue to have issues with inconsistency on offense but have an eight-game winning streak. Bo Nix threw for 295 yards in a 22-19 win over Kansas City on Nov. 16 before Denver had a bye week. The Broncos, with J.K. Dobbins shelved with a knee injury, will look to improve in the run game. Backs RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for just 49 yards on 17 attempts against the Chiefs. Washington quarterback Marcus Mariota will start a third straight game for Jayden Daniels, out with an elbow injury. He has been OK but hardly spectacular. Commanders are also coming off a bye. In a 16-13 overtime loss to Miami in Madrid on Nov. 16, they got a spark from running back Chris Rodriguez, who had 79 yards on 15 carries. They get back wide receiver Terry McLaurin after he missed six of the last seven games with a quad injury.

Advantage: Broncos

Defense 

The Broncos, who lead the NFL with 49 sacks and are on pace to break Chicago’s 1984 NFL record of 72 in a season, will look to rattle Mariota with their pass rush. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has a team-high 9.5 sacks but has just 1.5 in the past five games. The Broncos get two key players back in cornerback Pat Surtain II, who missed three games with a pectoral strain, and linebacker Alex Singleton, who missed one following testicular cancer surgery. The Commanders have had a rough season on defense, ranking No. 31 in the NFL in total defense and No. 28 in points allowed. Former Broncos star pass rusher Von Miller has done what he can in a reserve role with 5 sacks, second on the team. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. is the leader with 5.5. Cornerback Mike Sainristil has three interceptions. But in their last five games, the Commanders have allowed 44 points twice and 38 once.

Advantage: Broncos

Coaching 

It’s the renewal of an old NFC South rivalry. When Washington’s Dan Quinn was Atlanta’s coach from 2015-20, he faced Sean Payton 12 times. Payton, then with New Orleans and now with Denver, was on the winning side for eight of those games. Both coaches have been to the Super Bowl, with Payton winning with the Saints in the 2009 season and Quinn losing with the Falcons in the 2016 season. Quinn surprisingly steered the Commanders last season to the NFC Championship Game, but they have struggled this season due to injuries, including to Daniels. Payton has talked openly about the Broncos wanting to finish with the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff race. They are a half game behind 10-2 New England, which plays host Monday to the New York Giants.

Advantage: Broncos 

Intangibles 

Both teams are well rested after a bye week. The Commanders have lost six straight games to all but fall out of playoff contention and must guard against complacency. The Broncos have great confidence, with five of the wins during their eight-game run coming after they had trailed in the fourth quarter. Singleton returning to game action 23 days after having his surgery could prove to be inspirational for the Broncos. There is a roughly 50% chance of rain. If the game is played on a sloppy field, that could help the Commanders slow down the Broncos, who are favored by 5.5 points. Miller, a future Hall of Famer who is in his 14^th active NFL season, figures to be fired up going against his former team for what could be the final time in his career.

Advantage: Broncos