3 Keys to victory for Redskins vs. Broncos in NFL Week 16

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball after a reception against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball after a reception against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Shut down Demaryius Thomas

The Broncos are coming into their Week 16 matchup with the Redskins with a couple of big injuries. Notably, they are going to be without their No. 2 receiver Emmanuel Sanders and backup Cody Latimer. That will leave the team shorthanded at receiver, and it means that Demaryius Thomas is going to see even more targets than usual.

In 14 games this season, Thomas has been targeted a whopping 126 times and he has been the security blanket for each quarterback that Denver has put on the field this year. On Sunday, he will be relied upon even more. That is going to test Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland, but it’s a matchup that they can handle.

Just a year ago, Norman vs. Thomas would be a marquee matchup. However, Norman’s play has tapered off this season and some are questioning if he is playing through an injury. That said, if he is healthy and he is ready to put forth a strong effort, he will be able to shut down Thomas. The same can be said of Breeland, who has been inconsistent this year but has showed flashes of No. 1 corner play. If both bring their A-game, the Redskins will have a chance to win.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions for Redskins vs. Broncos in Week 16

Thomas is the focal point of the Denver offense. If he’s out of the game, the Broncos won’t be able to do much. Relying on Bennie Fowler, Brock Osweiler, and C.J. Anderson to carry the offense seems like a recipe for failure, so Greg Manusky should work hard and do everything he can to take Thomas out of the game.