👋 Good Morning!

I want to dedicate today’s newsletter to my parents — both of which have December birthdays. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without their support and sacrifice. I love you mom and dad.

To all of the parents out there in the DNVR Universe who are grinding for their kids, regardless of family structure, I hope you know that sort of thing doesn’t go unnoticed. You are all a bunch of badasses and this edition is also dedicated to you.

— Justin Michael

Nobody in the preseason would have guessed that Sunday’s matchup would feature two division-leading teams with 10+ wins apiece. Funny enough, this game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is one of the most important games of the NFL season. It’s certainly one of the biggest home games of the Sean Payton era in Denver.

The Broncos have already clinched a spot in the postseason but still have a chance to set the franchise record for regular season wins by going 3-0 down the stretch. More importantly, though, regardless of what else happens this weekend, with a win on Sunday the Broncos would have the chance to secure the 1-seed on Christmas against the Gardner Minshew-led Chiefs.

Having home-field advantage throughout the postseason is a major asset for the Broncos. Teams do not want to come through Mile High in January. But it would be really nice to not have a high-stress game against a tough Chargers squad in Week 18.

Everything starts with beating the Jags on Sunday.

Week 16 Scenarios

RJ Harvey is on track to play against Jacksonville on Sunday. It sounds like Sean Payton recognizes that the up-and-coming running back should get more touches.

READ: Sean Payton delivered two pieces of good news for the Broncos’ RBs

The Avalanche continue to dominate their way through the Western Conference.

READ: Avs-Kraken Studs & Duds

Basketball Reference is helpful for many things. Some of those things are sillier than others.

READ: How Basketball Reference became the leading resource for NBA Nicknames