BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Colorado finally put it together outside the CU Events Center. And the result was a huge nonconference victory for the Buffaloes.

CU used a balanced attack and dominated the second half, running away from No. 15 Miami for a 90-63 win in the NABC Brooklyn Showcase at the Barclays Center.

The Buffs (7-2) led by just one point at halftime, but CU began what turned into a 19-4 run with nine consecutive points to pick up the first win away from home this season.

CU played shorthanded, as standout freshman Cody Williams was sidelined due to a wrist injury. But six Buffs players recorded double-figure points, led by 22 points from Tristan da Silva and 20 from KJ Simpson. Da Silva flirted with a triple-double, also finishing with 10 rebounds and a career-high nine assists.

The Buffs outscored Miami 53-27 in the second half. CU shot 70% after halftime and finished with a .587 mark, the seventh time in nine games the Buffs have shot at least 52%.

This story will be updated

GAINESVILLE — Florida is expected to hire NFL assistant Will Harris to coach the Gators’ secondary after Billy Napier fired Corey Raymond following the team’s 5-7 finish, the Orlando Sentinel has learned.

Harris has served since April as an assistant secondary coach for the Los Angeles Chargers following several stops at the college level. He served as defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Georgia Southern in 2022 following four seasons coaching Washington’s defensive backs (2018-21).

The 2021 Huskies led the nation in passing yards allowed (142.9 ypg), touchdowns allowed (6) and yards yielded per attempt (5.4). The 2020 team allowed 5 touchdowns, third nationally, and an average of 185 yards (13th).

A native of Pasadena, Calif., Harris played at USC from 2005-09 for Pete Carroll and has no connection to the Gators’ coaching staff. Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley did work with Napier in 2011 and 2016 at Alabama, where Ansley were a graduate assistant (2010-11) and defensive backs coach (2016-17) for Nick Saban.

Harris, who turns 37 Dec. 29, will inherit the SEC’s ninth-ranked pass defense. The Gators generated a league-low 3 interceptions and allowed a league-high 25 completions of 30 yards or longer, including a 70-yard touchdown to Utah’s Money Parks on UF’s first defensive snap of the 2023 season.

Much was expected of veteran cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. but struggled much of the season. The three-year starter allowed 4 touchdowns and committed a pass interference in the end zone at Miami, but ended 2023 with 3 pass breakups during a Nov. 25 loss to FSU. The former 5-star recruit out of Miami is expected to leave early for the 2024 NFL draft.

Former Georgia transfer Jalen Kimber, who started 11 games, has a year of eligibility. But the redshirt junior was inconsistent in coverage and struggled with tackling. Devin Moore battled injuries and appeared in just seven games, but the 6-foot-3 sophomore might have the most upside among returners.

Meanwhile, true freshman Ja’Keem Jackson of Kissimmee appeared in 11 games and played during key moments, but allowed a 55-yard touchdown catch against Tennessee and 52-yard completion against Vanderbilt to set up a score. First-year freshman Dijon Johnson of Tampa was a highly touted prospect who changed his commitment from Ohio State, but played primarily on special teams.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

The Broncos head to California to see if they can shake off last week’s loss to the Texans. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

Live updates

First-quarter analysis — Broncos 7, Chargers 0

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Well, this is exactly the version of the Chargers the Broncos wanted to show up to SoFi. Denver’s ability to score a TD off its takeaway while the Chargers completely squandered theirs is essentially a 10-point swing. Given what we’ve seen from Justin Herbert and the Broncos defense so far today, that feels like a game-deciding swing.

First-quarter updates

Bonitto injury update (2:59 p.m.): Bonitto just got carted into the locker room after being ruled questionable to return with a knee injury. — Ryan McFadden

Nik Bonitto injury (2:52 p.m.): Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto just limped off the field with a trainer. — Ryan McFadden

Big sack (2:51 p.m.): Ja’Quan McMillian joins the sack party. His sprint off the left tackle got to Justin Herbert. He splits the sack with Nik Bonitto. — Joe Nguyen

Every week, Ja’Quan McMillian makes a play on defense. — Matt Schubert

Jonathon Cooper injury (2:49 p.m.): Following his interception, Jonathon Cooper is being evaluated in the injury tent. — Joe Nguyen

Touchdown, Broncos (2:47 p.m.): One play later, Javonte Williams runs in his first touchdown run in two years. 205 carries between scores.

So, for those scoring at home: Both defenses get a takeaway inside the other team’s 20. The Broncos turn it into seven. The Chargers get zero. This is why the Chargers are the Chargers. — Matt Schubert

Took advantage.

: CBS | @javontewill33 pic.twitter.com/PIiNn4ZVdO

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Defensive lineman interception (2:46 p.m.): Justin Herbert threw a pass that was batted by Baron Browning and snagged by Jonathon Cooper. Broncos with the ball at the 3-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

Tipped & picked!!!!

: CBS
pic.twitter.com/eiNEG9UMDd

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Team Takeaway returns. Baron Browning tip. Jonathon Cooper pick. And now the Broncos have the ball inside the Chargers 10. — Matt Schubert

Puts the specials in team (2:45 p.m.): Riley Dixon has been pretty solid for the last couple of weeks now. He hits a wedge shot from midfield to pin the Chargers inside their own 10. — Matt Schubert

Defense to the rescue (2:39 p.m.): As has been the case since Week 6: Vance Joseph’s team rises to the occasion when its called upon. They’ve bailed out Sean Payton’s offense far more frequently than the reverse. — Parker Gabriel

Fourth-and-nothing (2:37 p.m.): On fourth-and-3 at the Denver 6, the Chargers went for it. Justin Herbert could not connect with Gerald Everett. Broncos ball. — Joe Nguyen

Then the Chargers up the ante and go full Chargers with a fourth-and-short misfire from Justin Herbert. No points as the Broncos dodge an early bullet and now Javonte Williams has the Broncos on the move. — Matt Schubert

Bad error (2:36 p.m.): Welp, this is exactly the sort of start that this version of the Broncos absolutely has to avoid. Early giveaway that will almost assuredly lead to points for the Chargers. — Matt Schubert

Casa Bonitto (2:35 p.m.): Nik Bonitto is one fast man. Tackle for a loss of 2 on Los Angeles’ first play of that drive. — Joe Nguyen

Rough start (2:32 p.m.): That’s almost assuredly going to be a Russell Wilson interception. Marvin Mims Jr. never had control of that ball. — Matt Schubert

we'll take that

: @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/YtHYXlySPp

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 10, 2023

Empty backfield at the nine-yard line on first down? — Ryan McFadden

Big sack (2:29 p.m.): Alex Singleton ran down Justin Herbert on third down to force the Chargers to punt on their opening drive. Denver will start on its own 9-yard line after a holding call on the punt. — Joe Nguyen

.@alexsingleton49 with the sack!

: CBS pic.twitter.com/1OFMyU7I5q

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Alex Singleton out for redemption after last week’s four-point flub. Off to a good start with a sack to end the Chargers’ first drive of the game. — Matt Schubert

Coin toss (2:24 p.m.): Denver wins the toss and defers. Chargers will get the ball to start the game. — Ryan McFadden

Pre-game updates

In other games (1:51 p.m.): If you’re scoreboard watching today, it’s been a chaotic early slate of games for the back part of the AFC playoff race. Jets doing Denver a solid and leading Houston so far today. 6-6 Cincinnati is rolling over 7-5 Indy. 7-5 Cleveland’s up two scores over 8-4 Jacksonville.

If those scores hold, there will be four teams at 7-6, with Denver and Buffalo (at KC) each aiming to join the party this afternoon. — Parker Gabriel

Inactives (12:59 p.m.): Perine is indeed active. Bit of a scare with the knee issue forcing him to miss practice altogether on Friday, but he passed the pregame test and is good to go.

Denver’s inactive list:

• RB Tyler Badie
• OLB Thomas Incoom
• OLB Ronnie Perkins
• S JL Skinner
• C Alex Forsyth
• TE Nate Adkins
• DL Elijah Garcia

— Parker Gabriel

Next man up (12:21 p.m.): If Perine is unavailable, the Broncos elevated running back Tyler Badie from the practice squad. — Ryan McFadden

Good morning from SoFi Stadium (12:14 p.m.): The Broncos face a critical road test today against the Chargers. They need to stack AFC wins down the stretch in order to stay in the playoff mix. RB Samaje Perine (knee) is questionable, but he just worked out on the field and Denver is hopeful that he’ll be available to play, at least in some capacity.

Other than that, Denver is about as healthy as anybody could ask for this time of year. Perine’s status and the Broncos’ inactive list will be made official 90 minutes before kickoff. — Parker Gabriel

Scouting report (noon): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Chargers in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

Denver was its own biggest enemy in a loss last weekend at Houston. With a similar style game on tap — indoor stadium, an opponent that struggles to defend the pass — Sean Payton finds just enough patience to stick with the run plan and Russell Wilson doesn’t turn the ball over three times. Unless they really fail against Khalil Mack. … Yeah, it’s not likely to be easy.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

The Broncos will get back into the win column and improve their playoff chances. It’s a divisional matchup, so things are going to be close. But I can see Sean Payton leaning on the run and using the play-action game to exploit Los Angeles’ pass defense. Denver doesn’t deserve to be in the playoffs if it can’t beat Los Angeles.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 22, Chargers 20

Somebody get the shepherd’s crook for Bolts coach Brandon Staley before he wastes any more peak years of Justin Herbert’s career. The Broncos’ pass-protection issues make you nervous in this one, granted, which is only one more reason why Sean Payton needs to let somebody other than Russ do the cooking.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 20, Chargers 16

In Broncos Country takeover of Sofi Stadium, Denver beats the team the City of Angels never wanted. And Russell Wilson out-performs Justin Herbert, the most overrated player in the NFL.

Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 14: Must-reads

Task No. 1 for Broncos’ offensive front Sunday: Slow down Chargers pass-rusher Khalil Mack, who at 32 is “playing out of his mind”

By most general metrics, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense isn’t particularly daunting. It ranks No. 24 overall in estimated points added per play and is relatively balanced against the pass (No. 23) and against the run (No. 20). Brandon Staley’s defense, however, does two things really well: Win third down and get after opposing quarterbacks.

Those two, of course, end up being related when teams are forced to throw the ball on third down. The Chargers are tied for third in the NFL with 41 sacks. Even in recent weeks without star defensive end Joey Bosa (on injured reserve with a foot injury), they’ve been able to generate heat. L.A. had two sacks against Baltimore on Nov. 27 and five last week in a 6-0 shutout win against New England.

The driving force: Who else but veteran Khalil Mack. The 32-year-old is putting together one of the most productive years of his storied career, racking up 15 sacks through the Chargers’ first 12 games. He’s at 99.5 for his career, so the next one will tip the register into triple digits. The Broncos will have a big task on their hands if they’re to keep him from hitting the milestone Sunday, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

The Broncos head to California to see if they can shake off last week’s loss to the Texans. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

Live updates

First-quarter analysis — Broncos 7, Chargers 0

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Well, this is exactly the version of the Chargers the Broncos wanted to show up to SoFi. Denver’s ability to score a TD off its takeaway while the Chargers completely squandered theirs is essentially a 10-point swing. Given what we’ve seen from Justin Herbert and the Broncos defense so far today, that feels like a game-deciding swing.

First-quarter updates

Bonitto injury update (2:59 p.m.): Bonitto just got carted into the locker room after being ruled questionable to return with a knee injury. — Ryan McFadden

Nik Bonitto injury (2:52 p.m.): Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto just limped off the field with a trainer. — Ryan McFadden

Big sack (2:51 p.m.): Ja’Quan McMillian joins the sack party. His sprint off the left tackle got to Justin Herbert. He splits the sack with Nik Bonitto. — Joe Nguyen

Every week, Ja’Quan McMillian makes a play on defense. — Matt Schubert

Jonathon Cooper injury (2:49 p.m.): Following his interception, Jonathon Cooper is being evaluated in the injury tent. — Joe Nguyen

Touchdown, Broncos (2:47 p.m.): One play later, Javonte Williams runs in his first touchdown run in two years. 205 carries between scores.

So, for those scoring at home: Both defenses get a takeaway inside the other team’s 20. The Broncos turn it into seven. The Chargers get zero. This is why the Chargers are the Chargers. — Matt Schubert

Took advantage.

: CBS | @javontewill33 pic.twitter.com/PIiNn4ZVdO

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Defensive lineman interception (2:46 p.m.): Justin Herbert threw a pass that was batted by Baron Browning and snagged by Jonathon Cooper. Broncos with the ball at the 3-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

Tipped & picked!!!!

: CBS
pic.twitter.com/eiNEG9UMDd

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Team Takeaway returns. Baron Browning tip. Jonathon Cooper pick. And now the Broncos have the ball inside the Chargers 10. — Matt Schubert

Puts the specials in team (2:45 p.m.): Riley Dixon has been pretty solid for the last couple of weeks now. He hits a wedge shot from midfield to pin the Chargers inside their own 10. — Matt Schubert

Defense to the rescue (2:39 p.m.): As has been the case since Week 6: Vance Joseph’s team rises to the occasion when its called upon. They’ve bailed out Sean Payton’s offense far more frequently than the reverse. — Parker Gabriel

Fourth-and-nothing (2:37 p.m.): On fourth-and-3 at the Denver 6, the Chargers went for it. Justin Herbert could not connect with Gerald Everett. Broncos ball. — Joe Nguyen

Then the Chargers up the ante and go full Chargers with a fourth-and-short misfire from Justin Herbert. No points as the Broncos dodge an early bullet and now Javonte Williams has the Broncos on the move. — Matt Schubert

Bad error (2:36 p.m.): Welp, this is exactly the sort of start that this version of the Broncos absolutely has to avoid. Early giveaway that will almost assuredly lead to points for the Chargers. — Matt Schubert

Casa Bonitto (2:35 p.m.): Nik Bonitto is one fast man. Tackle for a loss of 2 on Los Angeles’ first play of that drive. — Joe Nguyen

Rough start (2:32 p.m.): That’s almost assuredly going to be a Russell Wilson interception. Marvin Mims Jr. never had control of that ball. — Matt Schubert

we'll take that

: @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/YtHYXlySPp

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 10, 2023

Empty backfield at the nine-yard line on first down? — Ryan McFadden

Big sack (2:29 p.m.): Alex Singleton ran down Justin Herbert on third down to force the Chargers to punt on their opening drive. Denver will start on its own 9-yard line after a holding call on the punt. — Joe Nguyen

.@alexsingleton49 with the sack!

: CBS pic.twitter.com/1OFMyU7I5q

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Alex Singleton out for redemption after last week’s four-point flub. Off to a good start with a sack to end the Chargers’ first drive of the game. — Matt Schubert

Coin toss (2:24 p.m.): Denver wins the toss and defers. Chargers will get the ball to start the game. — Ryan McFadden

Pre-game updates

In other games (1:51 p.m.): If you’re scoreboard watching today, it’s been a chaotic early slate of games for the back part of the AFC playoff race. Jets doing Denver a solid and leading Houston so far today. 6-6 Cincinnati is rolling over 7-5 Indy. 7-5 Cleveland’s up two scores over 8-4 Jacksonville.

If those scores hold, there will be four teams at 7-6, with Denver and Buffalo (at KC) each aiming to join the party this afternoon. — Parker Gabriel

Inactives (12:59 p.m.): Perine is indeed active. Bit of a scare with the knee issue forcing him to miss practice altogether on Friday, but he passed the pregame test and is good to go.

Denver’s inactive list:

• RB Tyler Badie
• OLB Thomas Incoom
• OLB Ronnie Perkins
• S JL Skinner
• C Alex Forsyth
• TE Nate Adkins
• DL Elijah Garcia

— Parker Gabriel

Next man up (12:21 p.m.): If Perine is unavailable, the Broncos elevated running back Tyler Badie from the practice squad. — Ryan McFadden

Good morning from SoFi Stadium (12:14 p.m.): The Broncos face a critical road test today against the Chargers. They need to stack AFC wins down the stretch in order to stay in the playoff mix. RB Samaje Perine (knee) is questionable, but he just worked out on the field and Denver is hopeful that he’ll be available to play, at least in some capacity.

Other than that, Denver is about as healthy as anybody could ask for this time of year. Perine’s status and the Broncos’ inactive list will be made official 90 minutes before kickoff. — Parker Gabriel

Scouting report (noon): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Chargers in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

Denver was its own biggest enemy in a loss last weekend at Houston. With a similar style game on tap — indoor stadium, an opponent that struggles to defend the pass — Sean Payton finds just enough patience to stick with the run plan and Russell Wilson doesn’t turn the ball over three times. Unless they really fail against Khalil Mack. … Yeah, it’s not likely to be easy.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

The Broncos will get back into the win column and improve their playoff chances. It’s a divisional matchup, so things are going to be close. But I can see Sean Payton leaning on the run and using the play-action game to exploit Los Angeles’ pass defense. Denver doesn’t deserve to be in the playoffs if it can’t beat Los Angeles.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 22, Chargers 20

Somebody get the shepherd’s crook for Bolts coach Brandon Staley before he wastes any more peak years of Justin Herbert’s career. The Broncos’ pass-protection issues make you nervous in this one, granted, which is only one more reason why Sean Payton needs to let somebody other than Russ do the cooking.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 20, Chargers 16

In Broncos Country takeover of Sofi Stadium, Denver beats the team the City of Angels never wanted. And Russell Wilson out-performs Justin Herbert, the most overrated player in the NFL.

Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 14: Must-reads

Task No. 1 for Broncos’ offensive front Sunday: Slow down Chargers pass-rusher Khalil Mack, who at 32 is “playing out of his mind”

By most general metrics, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense isn’t particularly daunting. It ranks No. 24 overall in estimated points added per play and is relatively balanced against the pass (No. 23) and against the run (No. 20). Brandon Staley’s defense, however, does two things really well: Win third down and get after opposing quarterbacks.

Those two, of course, end up being related when teams are forced to throw the ball on third down. The Chargers are tied for third in the NFL with 41 sacks. Even in recent weeks without star defensive end Joey Bosa (on injured reserve with a foot injury), they’ve been able to generate heat. L.A. had two sacks against Baltimore on Nov. 27 and five last week in a 6-0 shutout win against New England.

The driving force: Who else but veteran Khalil Mack. The 32-year-old is putting together one of the most productive years of his storied career, racking up 15 sacks through the Chargers’ first 12 games. He’s at 99.5 for his career, so the next one will tip the register into triple digits. The Broncos will have a big task on their hands if they’re to keep him from hitting the milestone Sunday, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

The Broncos head to California to see if they can shake off last week’s loss to the Texans. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

Live updates

Pre-game updates

Scouting report (noon): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Chargers in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

Denver was its own biggest enemy in a loss last weekend at Houston. With a similar style game on tap — indoor stadium, an opponent that struggles to defend the pass — Sean Payton finds just enough patience to stick with the run plan and Russell Wilson doesn’t turn the ball over three times. Unless they really fail against Khalil Mack. … Yeah, it’s not likely to be easy.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

The Broncos will get back into the win column and improve their playoff chances. It’s a divisional matchup, so things are going to be close. But I can see Sean Payton leaning on the run and using the play-action game to exploit Los Angeles’ pass defense. Denver doesn’t deserve to be in the playoffs if it can’t beat Los Angeles.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 22, Chargers 20

Somebody get the shepherd’s crook for Bolts coach Brandon Staley before he wastes any more peak years of Justin Herbert’s career. The Broncos’ pass-protection issues make you nervous in this one, granted, which is only one more reason why Sean Payton needs to let somebody other than Russ do the cooking.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 20, Chargers 16

In Broncos Country takeover of Sofi Stadium, Denver beats the team the City of Angels never wanted. And Russell Wilson out-performs Justin Herbert, the most overrated player in the NFL.

Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 14: Must-reads

Task No. 1 for Broncos’ offensive front Sunday: Slow down Chargers pass-rusher Khalil Mack, who at 32 is “playing out of his mind”

By most general metrics, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense isn’t particularly daunting. It ranks No. 24 overall in estimated points added per play and is relatively balanced against the pass (No. 23) and against the run (No. 20). Brandon Staley’s defense, however, does two things really well: Win third down and get after opposing quarterbacks.

Those two, of course, end up being related when teams are forced to throw the ball on third down. The Chargers are tied for third in the NFL with 41 sacks. Even in recent weeks without star defensive end Joey Bosa (on injured reserve with a foot injury), they’ve been able to generate heat. L.A. had two sacks against Baltimore on Nov. 27 and five last week in a 6-0 shutout win against New England.

The driving force: Who else but veteran Khalil Mack. The 32-year-old is putting together one of the most productive years of his storied career, racking up 15 sacks through the Chargers’ first 12 games. He’s at 99.5 for his career, so the next one will tip the register into triple digits. The Broncos will have a big task on their hands if they’re to keep him from hitting the milestone Sunday, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

The Broncos head to California to see if they can shake off last week’s loss to the Texans. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

Live updates

Pre-game updates

Scouting report (noon): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Chargers in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

Denver was its own biggest enemy in a loss last weekend at Houston. With a similar style game on tap — indoor stadium, an opponent that struggles to defend the pass — Sean Payton finds just enough patience to stick with the run plan and Russell Wilson doesn’t turn the ball over three times. Unless they really fail against Khalil Mack. … Yeah, it’s not likely to be easy.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

The Broncos will get back into the win column and improve their playoff chances. It’s a divisional matchup, so things are going to be close. But I can see Sean Payton leaning on the run and using the play-action game to exploit Los Angeles’ pass defense. Denver doesn’t deserve to be in the playoffs if it can’t beat Los Angeles.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 22, Chargers 20

Somebody get the shepherd’s crook for Bolts coach Brandon Staley before he wastes any more peak years of Justin Herbert’s career. The Broncos’ pass-protection issues make you nervous in this one, granted, which is only one more reason why Sean Payton needs to let somebody other than Russ do the cooking.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 20, Chargers 16

In Broncos Country takeover of Sofi Stadium, Denver beats the team the City of Angels never wanted. And Russell Wilson out-performs Justin Herbert, the most overrated player in the NFL.

Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 14: Must-reads

Task No. 1 for Broncos’ offensive front Sunday: Slow down Chargers pass-rusher Khalil Mack, who at 32 is “playing out of his mind”

By most general metrics, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense isn’t particularly daunting. It ranks No. 24 overall in estimated points added per play and is relatively balanced against the pass (No. 23) and against the run (No. 20). Brandon Staley’s defense, however, does two things really well: Win third down and get after opposing quarterbacks.

Those two, of course, end up being related when teams are forced to throw the ball on third down. The Chargers are tied for third in the NFL with 41 sacks. Even in recent weeks without star defensive end Joey Bosa (on injured reserve with a foot injury), they’ve been able to generate heat. L.A. had two sacks against Baltimore on Nov. 27 and five last week in a 6-0 shutout win against New England.

The driving force: Who else but veteran Khalil Mack. The 32-year-old is putting together one of the most productive years of his storied career, racking up 15 sacks through the Chargers’ first 12 games. He’s at 99.5 for his career, so the next one will tip the register into triple digits. The Broncos will have a big task on their hands if they’re to keep him from hitting the milestone Sunday, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

MIAMI GARDENS — When the calendar turns to December and January, a measure of old-school NFL football is required. Even in this passing era, to a certain extent, teams must be able to run the ball and stop the run.

Those requirements, according to Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, make Tennessee (4-8) the perfect opponent for Miami (9-3) on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium.

“It jumps off the tape that this team that we’re going to face tries to beat you physically on both sides of the ball,” he said. “It’s a priority of theirs. And I think that’s an element that is steadfast in December and January …

“If you take those types of teams lightly in this part of the year, you will learn a lesson fast and it will not be comfortable.”

He’s right.

Looking ahead a bit, the Dolphins’ final three regular-season opponents — Dallas, Baltimore and Buffalo — each ranks in the top 11 in rushing. The Cowboys are 11th (117.0 yards per game), the Ravens are No. 1 (158.6 ypg) and the Bills are No. 10 (122.3 ypg).

Looking further ahead, Miami, the No. 1 seed in the AFC heading into this week’s games, could eventually have to travel to a cold weather locale such as Kansas City or Baltimore for a playoff game if it falls out of the the top seed, and that thought puts a premium on running the ball and stopping the run. It’s ideal to have those parts of your game honed before the playoffs.

The Titans, as you might guess by their record, aren’t a good team and they don’t do many things well.

Tennessee, which is led by rookie quarterback Will Levis, is 17th in rushing (108.9 yards per game) and 21st in rushing attempts (307). Neither of those numbers is impressive.

However, the Titans run game is led by bruising running back Derrick Henry, whose rumbling, physical style has allowed him to plow his way to 841 yards, which ranks second in the league. He’s impressive.

Henry can wreck the Dolphins defense by himself, and there will be greater concern considering Miami, which is No. 8 in run stopping (96.6 yards allowed per game) is again without edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (season-ending Achilles injury) and inside linebacker Jerome Baker (knee), who were both instrumental in stopping the run. And the defense could again be without hard-hitting safety Jevon Holland (knees), another key run stopper.

Miami’s run defense had held five consecutive opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing before Washington broke loose for 138 yards in the Dolphins’ 45-15 victory last week.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said the defensive line must be effective if the Dolphins are to control Henry.

“You have to do a good job up front, first and foremost,” Fangio said. “You can’t get pushed back. You can’t be blocked out of your assignment and let him get rolling because once he gets rolling, he’s a load.

“That’s why he’s probably headed to the Hall of Fame as a running back.”

There’s a good chance Miami loads up on the run with eight-man fronts, relying on cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard to control Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

When it comes to running the ball the Dolphins rank No. 2 (143.3 ypg), led by running backs Raheem Mostert (828 yards, No. 3 in the league) and rookie De’Von Achane (534 yards, 9.5 yards per carry). Miami has rushed for more than 100 yards in three of its past four games.

There’s a chance rookie running back Chris Brooks (knee/injured reserve) gets activated Monday, providing an additional boost to a run game that also has recently-activated veteran Jeff Wilson Jr.

The concerns in the run game are largely because of instability on the offensive line. Right guard Robert Hunt (hamstring) has been ruled out. Left tackle Terron Armstead, who has left the past two games due to injuries, has battled multiple injuries all season and there’s a good chance he doesn’t start. There’s also a chance backup left tackle Kendall Lamm (back) doesn’t start due to his ailment. 

Those injuries mean left tackle Kion Smith, left guard Liam Eichenberg and right guard Lester Cotton could all start along with center Connor Williams and right guard Austin Jackson.

The Titans are a respectable 13th in run defense (106.2 ypg allowed) but most likely the Dolphins’ run game success has more to do with them than Tennessee.

The Dolphins are 17th in rushing attempts (326) but in their past two games they’ve run the ball 34 and 37 times, respectively. On top of that, last week they had a 13-play fourth-quarter touchdown drive and 12 of the plays were runs.

Offensive coordinator Frank Smith said that’s a significant and promising trend.

“If you’re able to run the football at the end of the game to close out games and do it that way and play team football,” he said, “that’s what you want to be doing in December.”

DOLPHINS (9-3) vs. TITANS (4-8)

Kickoff: 8:15 p.m., Monday, Hard Rock Stadium

TV: ESPN, WSFL (Ch. 39); RADIO: Westwood One, WBGG (105.9-FM), WINZ (940-AM), WTZU (94.9-FM, Spanish); Palm Beach: ESPN (106.3 FM), WEFL (760-AM, Spanish)

Coaches: The Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel is 18-12, including playoffs, in his second season as a head coach; Mike Vrabel is 54-45, including playoffs, in his sixth season leading the Titans and overall.

Series: The Dolphins lead the all-time series with the Titans, 21-18, including playoffs and dating back to Tennessee’s time as the Houston Oilers.

Weather: 68 degrees, 65 percent humidity, 12 mph winds, 4 percent chance of precipitation

Line: The Dolphins are 13 1/2-point favorites; the over/under is 46 1/2.

Injuries: Dolphins — Out: OL Robert Hunt (hamstring); Questionable: T Terron Armstead (knee), S Jevon Holland (knees), RB Chris Brooks (knee); Reserve/Non-Football Injury: WR Erik Ezukanma (neck); Injured reserve: LB Jerome Baker (knee), OLB Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), OL Isaiah Wynn (quadriceps), RB Salvon Ahmed (foot), CB Keion Crossen (knee), DE Zeke Vandenburgh and Brooks …

Titans — Out: CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring), DT Jeffery Simmons (knee), TE Josh Whyle (knee); Questionable: DL Teair Tart (personal reasons); Injured reserve: OL Nicholas Petit-Frere (shoulder), P Ryan Stonehouse (knee) among nine players on IR.

Noteworthy: The Dolphins enter with a three-game winning streak and can win a fourth consecutive for the first time in 2023 start. A win would mark the franchise’s 300th all time and a first 10-3 start since the 2000 season. …

It’s former Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s first game back at Hard Rock Stadium since his departure following the 2018 season, although it’s rookie Will Levis starting for the Titans. Tannehill played Miami once, at home, in 2021 since joining Tennessee. …

Dolphins-Titans is one of two Monday night games going on this week, with Packers-Giants, also kicking off at 8:15 p.m., the other. …

The Dolphins are the No. 1 seed in the AFC entering Week 14 and can hold on to that standing with a win. …

The Miami defense, since Week 5, ranks first in total defense, yards per play allowed and scoring defense. In that timeframe, it’s second in sacks, third in rushing defense, fourth in third-down defense and fifth in passing defense. …

Dolphins linebacker David Long Jr. plays his former team after he came to Miami in free agency. His replacement at inside linebacker for the Titans, Azeez Al-Shaair, is an FAU grad.

The 2023-24 NHL season is two months old, and one of the biggest storylines is how many teams with high expectations have stumbled out of the starting gate.

Look no further than any preseason Stanley Cup odds. The five teams that had the best odds to win a title per BetMGM were sixth, 11th, 14th, 19th and 25th in the league standings after the games Friday night. The most recent Stanley Cup champions were first, sixth, 15th, 20th, 18th and 21st.

There’s enough data to start to form some opinions, and to identify some weaknesses. There is time for disappointing teams to get it together, but it’s unlikely that they all will.

This field feels pretty wide open. The 2021 Tampa Bay Lightning or 2022 Colorado Avalanche would almost certainly be a significant favorite against anyone in the NHL right now. But those teams aren’t going to be in the 2024 tournament.

Which teams look like true Stanley Cup contenders? Which ones have started well but aren’t actually threats to win 16 playoff games?

Note: Records are as of the results on Dec. 8

Nice start, see you in a couple years

Philadelphia Flyers (14-10-2)

Detroit Red Wings (14-7-4)

Arizona Coyotes (13-10-2)

All three of these teams would be in the playoffs if they started today, which would make this season a no-doubt success. All three have young players to build around. The future is intriguing, but the present is still about building to get there someday.

The window is closing

New York Islanders (11-7-7)

This core made it to the conference finals twice, but this roster isn’t contender quality and there’s little flexibility to make it any better.

Washington Capitals (12-8-3)

Haven’t won a series since winning the Cup, and the Sharks have more goals right now.

Calgary Flames (11-12-3)

It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago that this team fancied itself a contender, but it’s much closer to tear-down and try something else time than one tweak or one trade from a deep playoff run.

Nice start, but we don’t buy it

Vancouver Canucks (17-9-1)

Our ability to analyze teams with advanced stats has progressed beyond just Corsi and PDO, but sometimes the combination of a very high shooting percentage with a very high save percentage equals a big red flag.

Boston Bruins (17-5-3)

The flameout last year is not why they land here. If anything, NHL history is littered with teams that bounce back from that type of situation to win. It’s the centers. The numbers can look almost as good or just as good … but that center depth chart has to be a problem in April/May, right?

Bad start, but we might still buy it

Tampa Bay Lightning (12-11-5)

They’ve allowed 99 goals, third-most in the league. Andrei Vasilevskiy has missed most of the season. Check back in a month or so.

Pittsburgh Penguins (11-12-3)

Everyone reading this has scored as many NHL power-play goals as the Penguins since Nov. 11. The goaltending is better, Erik Karlsson has been very good … so fix the power play and this might still work.

Get back to us when you find some goaltending

Edmonton Oilers (11-12-1)

Carolina Hurricanes (14-11-1)

New Jersey Devils (13-10-1)

Hey look, it’s three of those teams that had top-five odds at the start of the year. They’re second, third and fourth in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5. The rosters look great. They can score with anyone … and nobody would pick any of them to win anything with goalies that can’t stop 88% of the shots they face.

Nice team, but … 16 wins?

Toronto Maple Leafs (13-6-4)

Florida Panthers (16-8-2)

Winnipeg Jets (15-8-2)

These are the best of the rest. Toronto has the high-end talent, but the defense is a mess and the goaltending is a big question mark. Florida and Winnipeg have no obvious red flags, but both also just feel a player or two short. Both of those teams could probably beat anyone in a seven-game series. Can either of them win four series though? The Panthers got close last year, but 13 wins is often further away from 16 than fans tend to believe.

The no-doubt contenders

Vegas Golden Knights (17-5-5)

The defending champs look great. We’re nitpicking, but it’s still hard to believe that goaltending group will conjure up the same magic again. It’s really hard to repeat, but it’s also hard to see a scenario where the Golden Knights don’t play deep into the spring again.

Colorado Avalanche (16-8-2)

They could use Artturi Lehkonen and Samuel Girard back and healthy, and maybe an addition before the deadline if the finances can work. But this team finds a level of play that few others can get to. Will they be able to get there enough for two months when it matters?

Dallas Stars (15-7-3)

Are the three best teams in the NHL in the Western Conference? That’s what it says here. The Stars and Avalanche have very similar profiles right now. The two favorites in the Central could be barreling towards a titanic second-round matchup.

New York Rangers (18-5-1)

The underlying 5-on-5 numbers aren’t great, but the special teams are and Igor Shesterkin can be better. Wouldn’t bet on them against any of the “Big Three” in the West, but Shesterkin could get them over the finish line if they get to the Final.

Los Angeles Kings (16-4-3)

The high end of the roster doesn’t quite line up with the others here, but the center depth is great and the underlying numbers are no joke. A reason to possibly buy stock now in both the Rangers and Kings: Alexis Lafreniere and Quinton Byfield, the top two picks in the 2021 draft, are starting to look like top-two picks and might give these teams an extra half gear when they need it.

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