Broncos-Panthers: Denver Looks to Sweep the Best Division in the NFL

The Denver Broncos (8-5) will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina this week to take on possibly the best team in the NFC, the Carolina Panthers (10-3). Mike Shanahan's Broncos have been hot recently, winning their last three games on the road and four of their last five overall. John Fox's Panthers are undefeated at home, and have won six of their last seven games.  Most recently, the Panthers stuck it to then division leader Tampa Bay, running for over 300 yards en route to a 38-23 victory. Both of these teams missed out on the playoffs last year, but are poised to win their respective divisions in the 2008 campaign. Carolina will look to exploit a Denver run defense that ranks 26th in the NFL, but which lately has been playing inspired. Over the last three games, Denver's rush defense has improved from 30th to 26th, and they will be getting back two Pro Bowl defenders in Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams, barring another setback in practice. The Panthers' run combo of Jonathan Stewart ... (link)