These teams met opening week at Denver two years ago and the Broncos won in a shootout, 49-27. That's not going to happen here.

The Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Their first-string defense did not surrender a touchdown during preseason. The Ravens have a banged-up offensive line.

The Ravens finished in the top eight defensively last year in fewest yards allowed per game and fewest points allowed per game.

Peyton Manning wasn't driving the ball toward the home stretch of last season and his physical form hasn't improved. Neck surgeries and assorted other injuries have taken their toll on the 39-year-old. He no longer can throw deep. The Broncos did not manage a touchdown during any of the 10 drives Manning led them on during preseason.

Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs were the top pass rushing tandem last year. They will throw Manning's timing off. The Broncos will be running the ball a lot more in 2015 under new coach, run-oriented Gary Kubiak.