Sunday night in Denver brings together two teams that already look like they belong in the same conversation at the very top of the league. The Broncos and Rams both arrive at Empower Field at 1-1, and while it’s still early, this matchup has the feel of something bigger than a Week 3 game.
Denver is coming off a much-needed 20-17 win over the Jaguars, one that required a second-half rally after the Broncos fell behind 13-3. They answered with 17 straight points, capped by a rushing touchdown from rookie running back Jonah Coleman in the fourth quarter. The result got Denver back to .500, but the backfield situation is suddenly shaky.
That’s where Tyler Badie comes in. With J.K.
Dobbins leaving last week’s game with a hamstring injury, Coleman exiting with an ankle injury, and RJ Harvey already sidelined by a hamstring issue, the Broncos are thin at running back. Badie, a 26-year-old depth special-teamer, handled one carry and caught two passes for 28 yards in relief against Jacksonville.
He has bounced on and off Denver’s roster since signing with the team in December 2022, and his only NFL touchdown came in his debut in Week 18 that season, when he caught a 24-yard score from Russell Wilson. With the workload available on Sunday night, Badie looks like a candidate to finally get back in the end zone.
The other name to watch is Aaron Donald. He returned to action last Monday night after signing back with the Rams late in training camp, and his first game since 2023 gave Los Angeles exactly what it needed.
In 32 snaps against the Giants, Donald posted three tackles, including one for a loss, along with one pressure and a pass-rush win rate of 27.8%. After the game, he said, “I’m a little sore right now,” and added, “But it felt good to be back out there, get that first game under my belt.
It felt like as it started going on it kind of slowed down towards the third and fourth quarter. Got it under my belt.
Officially back playing football.”
Now that he’s got that first one behind him, Donald gets a chance to remind everybody why he’s a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Broncos’ offensive line is one of the better groups in the league, but this feels like the kind of game where Donald still makes his presence felt. A first sack since the 2023 season feels like a real possibility.
The Rams looked a little lost in Week 1 after that trip Down Under ended in a loss to the 49ers, but they were far more convincing in their win over the Giants. Matthew Stafford threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns, while Davante Adams and Donald both played major roles in the victory. Denver, meanwhile, has been tough at home since Bo Nix’s rookie season in 2024, going 15-3 at Empower Field.
Even so, this one feels like it leans Los Angeles. The prediction here is a Rams win, 28-17, with the visitors leaving Denver at 2-1.
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Broncos Fans Loved This Rare Aaron Donald Moment On SNF
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Broncos Rally Win Will Ignite Debate Over One Crucial Late Call
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Josh Wallaces controversial defensive pass interference call is going to be the part everyone keeps replaying. The flag wiped out an interception and gave Denver a fresh set of downs near the goal line, and the Broncos made it count by punching in a touchdown before closing out the finish. For Denver, the result matters most, but the sequence is certain to fuel debate long after the final whistle. [Read more 🡒]