The Gazette sports staff predicts Monday’s Broncos-Browns game:

Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 24, Browns 23

Talk about a well-placed bye week: Dave Logan, longtime voice of the Broncos on 850 KOA, has his Cherry Creek Bruins in their seventh-straight state title game on Saturday. With the Broncos on a bye Sunday, Logan would have a rare Sunday (without a microphone) to party — if the Bruins can get past Legend High in Class 5A.

Klee’s record: 7-5 overall

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 27, Browns 17

Denver shows a national audience they will be a tough out in the NFL playoffs. Vance Joseph will bring plenty of pressure on Browns QB Jamies Winston and force him into bad decisions all night, leading to a defensive touchdown.

Schmaedeke’s record: 9-3 overall

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 24, Browns 16

The Broncos have beaten the Browns with “The Drive” and the “The Fumble.” Now they don’t want The Stumble. The Broncos are in great position to make the playoffs but need to continue to take care of business in the games they are supposed to win. They will do so against the Browns.

Tomasson’s record: 8-4 overall

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Broncos 23, Browns 20

NFL teams take it one game at a time. It’s a good rule of thumb, but I’m not constrained by it. Your Broncos are in middle of a four-game stretch they need to sweep. Falcons and Raiders down, Browns and Colts to go. Win all four and Denver will be back in the playoffs, baby. 

Kiszla’s record: 6-6 overall

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Broncos 17, Browns 13

Winning ugly is a the trait of a quality team. You can’t expect to bring your absolute best in all 18 games. But this Broncos group has shown it can play below its ceiling and still take care of lesser opponents. That will happen again on Monday night when Wil Lutz kicks the game-winning field goal with time winding down in regulation.

Fredrickson’s record: 8-4 overall