OFFENSE

The Broncos’ offense has been arguably the worst in the NFL, averaging a league-low 14.7 points. But the Panthers, which will start their third different quarterback this season Sunday, haven’t been much better. They rank 25th in scoring offense at 18.8 points per game. QB Sam Darnold will get the start for the Panthers. With how bad the Broncos are, it’s hard to ever give them the advantage offensively.

DEFENSE

The Broncos almost always have the defensive advantage. They rank third in total defense allowing only 302 yards a game and second in scoring defense allowing only 17.1 points a game. The Panthers are a solid defensive team, ranking 22nd in total defense and 19th in scoring defense. Denver’s defense could have a big day facing Darnold and an offense that only scored three points last week.

SPECIAL TEAMS

As bad as the offense has been for the Broncos, special teams might actually be their worst unit. They currently rank last in special team DVOA, meaning they’re the least efficient special teams unit in the NFL. The Panthers are one of the best in the NFL, ranking 10th. The Broncos need to make something happen on special teams, and maybe they can in North Carolina, with the last their punt return for a touchdown coming at the Panthers in 2020.

COACHING

The Panthers fired coach Matt Rhule five games into his third season, which Carolina started 1-4. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has served as the interim, leading the Panthers to a 2-4 record since. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Hackett is on the hot seat in his first season, giving up play-calling duties last week. Under Wilks, the Panthers have become a scrappy team, while Hackett’s group continues to struggle.

INTANGIBLES

This is a battle of two of the worst teams in the NFL, similar to the Broncos’ matchup last week against the Raiders. But the Broncos do have a little bit more to play for, with the defense having a bit of a chip on its shoulder, the offense making some changes at play-caller and the coaching staff coaching for their jobs.

STOIA’S PICK

Gazette Broncos beat writer George Stoia is 4-6 picking Broncos games this season, and he is 4-6 against the spread.