Buffalo Bills (7-5) at Denver Broncos (9-3)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon

*Keys to the game: The Bills would love to control the ball and limit time of possession for the Broncos’ offense, which beckons a big workload for RB Fred Jackson. As good as the Buffalo defense has been of late – the front seven was downright nasty against the Browns last week – there are few groups that can match counter punches with Broncos QB Peyton Manning, his stable of receivers and what is evolving into a potent running game.

Even Bills QB Kyle Orton himself understands the notion of outgunning Manning is foolhardy. A blend of Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown and controlled horizontal routes are likely to define Buffalo’s approach as long as the game is tight. To stand a puncher’s chance, more is needed from rookie WR Sammy Watkins. He has 13 catches for 105 yards in his last four games.

The Broncos can adjust the tempo of their offense at will, and to slow down the Bills’ front four, it’s highly likely Manning will be cut loose in the first quarter. To protect himself from the NFL’s top pass rush (48 sacks), Manning will get everyone involved and work RB C.J. Anderson into the mix as a runner and receiver.

*Matchup to watch – Bills RT Seantrel Henderson vs. Broncos SLB Von Miller — Miller leads the Broncos with 11.5 sacks, and is the very type of player who has given Henderson fits. The Bills need LT Cordy Glenn to handle DE DeMarcus Ware so that they can afford help to Henderson.

*Player spotlight – Bills CB Corey Graham: The journeyman is having a career season and is the pesky type of cover man who will win or lose with aggressive play, which could bite him against a surgeon like Manning.

*Fast facts: Orton has a 107.9 fourth-quarter passer rating, fourth-best in the NFL. … The Bills have three players with 9-plus sacks (Mario Williams, Jerry Hughes, Marcell Dareus). … Anderson is averaging 164.5 yards from scrimmage in the past four games.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Short of a record rushing day from the Bills, the Broncos separate from Buffalo in the second half with balance and a resurgent defense.

*Our pick: Broncos 31-20