First off, a very happy Thanksgiving Day to all Jets fans out there!

What I’m thankful for this year — Kris Jenkins! I’m especially thankful I don’t have to feed him today . . . .

Now on to the Broncos!

Like Spy vs. Spy, this game will pit “genius” vs. “Mangenius.” (I think you know who is whom.) The Denver Broncos (in the black hats), fresh off an upset loss to the Oakland Raiders (seems to be a lot of that going around this year) come to the Meadowlands this Sunday to face the Jets (in the white hats). Not unlike the Jets, the Broncos have been victims of their own handiwork, showing flashes of offensive brilliance — beating Oakland 41-14 — and not-so-brilliance — losing to Oakland, 31-10. Also like the Jets, it seems that they can be their own worst enemy at times.

Let’s see who will get the drop on whom ..  ..

Cheerleader check: Why yes, a bevvy of Mile-high beauties.

The scene: The game is at the Meadowlands of New Jersey. Currently, the forecast is for mid-40s and a chance of rain, which might help to slow down the vaunted Denver passing game.

Record: The Broncos come in at 6-5, currently good enough for 1st place in the weak AFC West. By two games. Ugh.

Streaks: The Broncos currently have a one-game winning steak over the Jets, but that win was a 27-0 trouncing in Denver back in 2005.

Barometer: Steady. Despite last week’s upset, the Broncos under Shanahan tend to win more than they lose, this year being no exception.

Old Friends: Defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson makes his return, and although much maligned (especially for not fitting in Mangini’s 3-4 defense), Robertson, to his credit, was always a professional during his five-year tenure, starting every game but five and generally giving good effort while being a solid citizen.

Questions: Which Broncos will show up, the team that’s leading the AFC West, or the team that got schooled by the Raiders last week? Will Dewayne Robertson be able to single-handedly stonewall the Jets’ playoff drive? Why doesn’t Mike Shanahan seem so smart now that John Elway is gone?

Key injuries: Cornerback Champ Bailey (groin), linebacker Nate Webster (knee), linebacker D.J. Williams (knee) and running back Selvin Young (groin).

Five things to know about the Broncos offense:

1. The Other Way, Jay – Up until last week’s debacle against the Raiders, quarterback Jay Cutler had been having a very good season, leading the Broncos 3rd-ranked passing attack (273 yards/game). But after stinking it up by going 16 of 37 for 204 yards and a pick, the strong-armed Cutler really has only one way to go — back up to the steady passer he’s been most of the season, who overall is 246 of 406 (60.6% accuracy) for 3,036 yards with 20 TDs and 12 interceptions. Expect to see lots of spread formations and passing this week against the Jets.
2. RRBC - For fantasy football players, the dreaded “Running Back By Committe” — which seemingly got its start in Denver — is a curse; for the Broncos, it’s generally worked out well. This season, however, the team has had a rash of season-ending running back injuries, including to Michael Pittman, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain. Selvin Young has also been in and out of the lineup, forcing the team to bring back former bust Tatum Bell, who may get the start at tailback. Currently, they are riding fullback Peyton Hillis, who has had 38 carries for 156 yards (4.1 yards/carry) and 3 TDs over the past three games.
3. Rod is God – Okay, the perpetually underrated Rod Smith was the patron saint of mile-high receivers, but now that he’s retired, two very good options have emerged: Brandon Marshall, who has 67 catches for 887 yards and 4 TDs; and rookie Eddie Royal, who started the season hot but has cooled as of late — still, he has 673 yards and 4 TDs on the season. The Broncos also have one of the better slot receivers in Brandon Stokely, who has quietly contributed 36 catches for 366 yards and 2 TDs.
4. The Scheffler Shuffle – Tight end Tony Scheffler has been shuffling in and out of the lineup this season, only playing in a total of eight games thus far. He missed the game against Atlanta two weeks ago, but suited up last week against the Raiders, only catching one pass for 12 yards. When healthy, he is a very capable tight end, and a good goal-line target. Considering the Jets’ woes covering tight ends, expect him to be featured if he’s up to it health-wise.
5. WiegMANN Up – Veteran center Casey Wiegmann draws the unenviable task of trying to contain Kris Jenkins, and giving 70 pounds away to Jenkins, can’t be sleeping well this week. (He might want to double down on the Thanksgiving leftovers . . . make that triple down.) Rookie Ryan Clady has started every game at left tackle and has performed very well, having yet to give up a sack. Overall, as a unit, the offensive line has been very good in protection, only allowing 8 sacks all season.

Jersey watch (offense): The #15 of Brandon Marshall is a playmaker in the passing game, but watch out for the #19 of Royal.

Five things to know about the Broncos defense:

1. It’s Been a Struggle – Defensive coordinator Bob Slowik’s beleaguered Broncos 4-3 defense has given up over 300 points this season, or an average of 27.5 points/game, “good” enough for 28th in the NFL. They have struggled in all phases of defense, surrenduring 235.9 yards/game passing (25th in the NFL), 144.5 yards/game rushing (27th) and a total of 380.4 total yards/game (28th).
2. The Rushing Front – “Anchored” by Robertson, the Broncos front seven has struggled both with injuries (linebackers Boss Bailey, Nate Webster and DJ Williams, among others) and ineptitude (see “giving up 144.5 yards/game rushing”). Last week, the one-dimensional Raiders ran for 160 yards against them, and they created no pressure — JaMarcus Russell was not sacked at all. Then again, he only needed to attempt 11 passes.
3. Not Playing Like a Champ – Much-ballyhoed cornerback Champ Bailey has missed the last four games with a groin injury, and may return this week against the Jets. If he doesn’t go, it’ll be undrafted rookie corner Josh Bell starting across from the solid Dre Bly.
4. Free For All – The Broncos secondary has also struggled to find someone to play free safety, rotating in recent weeks between Marlon McCree (currently out with an ankle injury), Calvin Lowry and Roderick Rogers, who was waived this weekafter starting against the Raiders last week.
5. Spenser for Hire – Versatile rookie linebacker Spenser Larsen has had a memorable season, playing in every game and notching 19 tackles. He also started on both defense (linebacker) and offense (fullback) two weeks ago.

Jersey watch (defense): The #51 of linebacker Jamie Winborn leads actual healthy players with 66 tackles this season.

Three things about the Broncos special teams:

1. Prater is Rattled – This off-season the Broncos inexplicably let Jason Elam, one of the most reliable kickers in NFL history, go to Atlanta and replaced him with Matt Prater. The strong-legged Prater started the season hot, nailing 13 of 14; but as kickers are prone to do, he has hit a cold streak as of late, missing a pair last week against the Raiders. He is 5 for 5 from beyond 50 yards, but from 40-49 he has struggled, only going 3 of 7. He still has 18 touchbacks on kickoffs, however.
2. Kern He Do It? – Yes he can! Rookie punter Brett Kern has averaged 47.2 yards/punt with a net of 37.8 and a long of 64. (Gotta love that mountain air!) He’s dropped 9 inside the 20.
3. Royal Returns – With the injury to Andre Hall, Eddie Royal returns both punts (11.8 yards/return) and kicks (a very good 30.3 average, including a 95-yarder).

What to expect from the broadcast booth: The game is on CBS with the team of Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon, so expect close attention to be paid to the passing game — probably comparing Cutler to Ol’ Whatshisname on the Jets.

Spotlight matchup: Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal vs. Darrelle Revis, Ty Law and Dwight Lowery. The Jets have been susceptible in the passing game, so expect the Broncos to try and spread the Jets out and throw it quite a bit. To be successful, the Broncos receivers will have to get free in the Jets secondary.

The pressure is on: The Broncos defensive line. The Jets offense has scored over 34 points the last three consecutive games, so in order to stop them, the Broncos will have to control the line of scrimmage.

Expect the unexpected from: Daniel Graham. Considering the Jets’ issues covering tight ends, the Broncos may decide to not only feature the aforementioned Scheffler, but give extra targets to Graham as well.

Bottom line: The Broncos pass-first offense has the potential to cause headaches for the Jets defense. If the Broncos defense plays well, they have a chance to de-rail the rising Jets.

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