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Buccaneers vs. Broncos: Denver continues playoff push

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos welcome Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Denver in Week 13, as the Broncos continue their playoff push.

Peter Aiken

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos look to push their winning streak to seven games this Sunday, when the Broncos host Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13.

Barring a historical collapse, the Broncos will be playing in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. John Fox's Broncos own a four-game lead, and the tiebreaker, over the San Diego Chargers, with just five games remaining in the regular season. Denver's last loss came back in Week 5, when the New England Patriots bested the Broncos, 31-21.

Tampa Bay represents a challenge to Denver, however. Before their 24-23 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12, the Buccaneers had won four consecutive games, and five of their last six. Now at 6-5, the Buccaneers are firmly in the NFC Wild Card race.

Manning and Denver's receiving corps are poised for another good game this weekend. Tampa Bay's pass defense is ranked 32nd in the league, as the Bucs give up an average of 315.5 yards per game through the air.

Tampa Bay's rushing defense, however, is best in the league, surrendering just 81.5 yards per game on the ground.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. MT. Televised coverage can be found on FOX.