Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos finally got that winning feeling, securing their first win of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now they have to turn around and face Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football, a team that also just snagged its first win. This Week 3 matchup could be a barnburner between two teams desperate to build some momentum.
Denver’s Struggling Offense Faces a Tough Rams Defense
Let’s be real, Denver’s offense has some serious work to do. They’re ranked 25th in total offense with just 284 yards per game, and their rushing attack is way down at 27th, only putting up 82.5 yards. Passing offense isn’t much better at 20th with 201.5 yards, and their 15 points per game ties them for 26th in scoring. Compare that to the Rams, who boast the sixth-best total offense with 385.5 yards, sixth in rushing, and 10th in passing. Their 17.5 points per game is 22nd, so not world-beating, but definitely better than Denver.
On the defensive side, it’s a mixed bag for Denver. They’re 17th in total defense, but their run defense is a brutal 29th in the league, giving up a whopping 157.5 yards per game. That’s a huge problem. While their pass defense is a respectable eighth, allowing 172.5 yards, they’re 13th in scoring defense. The Rams defense, meanwhile, is stout, coming in seventh in total defense and seventh in passing defense. They’re also tied for eighth in scoring defense, giving up just 16.5 points a game. Denver is a +2.5-point underdog on FanDuel, with the total set at 45.5 points.
Keys to the Game: Start Fast and Pressure Stafford
The MHR staff laid out some critical keys for Denver this Sunday. First up, the Broncos absolutely have to start fast offensively. Nix and the offense finally found a rhythm in the second half against the Jaguars, with a balanced run and pass game and Davis Webb’s playcalls hitting. But against a dangerous and explosive LA offense led by Stafford, they need that consistency from the opening drive, not just after halftime.
Another massive key is getting pressure on Matthew Stafford. We just saw what the Rams’ passing attack can do. It was “pretty scary” even without Puca Nacua on the field. The best way to keep Davante Adams in check, and potentially Nacua if he’s healthy, is to make Stafford uncomfortable in the pocket. Denver’s defense struggled with short, quick passes last year, which is something the Rams “feast on.” The pass rush has to show up and put Stafford “on skates.” Ultimately, as Scotty Payne puts it, the main key is simple: score more points than the Rams.
Sunday night is gonna be a massive test for Bo Nix and this Broncos squad. Can they take that first win and build on it, especially against a tough Rams team? Getting a winning streak going in Week 3 would be huge for their season. You know what they say, wins always feel good.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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