RSS Broncos Team Notes

[Denver Broncos]

Broncos could be the biggest contender for a WR at the trade deadline

The NFL trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and we are starting to hear some rumors surrounding what the Denver Broncos may do ahead of the deadline. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports is hearing that the Denver Broncos, not the Pittsburgh Steelers, could be the biggest contender to trade for a wide receiver.

I put together some trade intel Monday, but I want to add a few things to it I’ve learned in the days since.

Perhaps the biggest contender for a receiver is not the Steelers but instead the Broncos. Courtland Sutton is 30-years-old and just signed a four-year extension with an out after next season. Denver has all of its picks through the fifth round and added a fourth from the Saints in the preseason.

The Broncos are 5-2 with a top-ranked defense and a quarterback on his rookie deal for at least another season. Folks around the league are watching the Broncos to see how aggressive they may be.

With the Broncos currently sitting at 5-2, first place in the AFC West, having a top-ranked defense, and quarterback Bo Nix on a rookie contract, they’re in a window to go all-in for a postseason and Super Bowl push. One area they could address is the wide receiver position.

Veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton is having a really good year and continues to be Nix’s top and most trusted target. However, after Sutton, things get a bit more murky. Both Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin have flashed potential this season, but neither has really stepped up as a trusted number two target behind Sutton. So, adding an established veteran who can step in and be that trusted number two option would be ideal.

Interesting trade rumor here@jjones9 of CBS Sports has heard that the Broncos are in the market for a WR ahead of the trade deadline

Link: https://t.co/ZCowXO0xmY pic.twitter.com/DNeod4tadE

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 23, 2025

The Broncos also have some draft capital to play with. They added a 4th round selection when they traded Devaughn Vele and could get more if Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph gets a head coaching job this offseason. So, if they really wanted a certain player, they have the draft picks to make it work.

With all that said, who could be available for the Broncos? Earlier today, there was a report that teams are calling the Saints about the availability of wide receivers Chris Olave and speedster Rashid Shaheed. While neither player played for Sean Payton with the Saints, a number of his offensive coaches spent time with both receivers over the past few seasons. So, there is a coaching connection there that could come into play.

The biggest name who might be available is Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. It seems unlikely that he will be moved, but with the way things are trending in Miami, you never know. Raiders veteran wide receiver Jakobi Myers has requested a trade, but a trade within the division seems unlikely. After that, you have names like Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, and Rashod Bateman who are being mentioned as players who could be traded, but neither of them really moves the needle for me.

Of the players mentioned, Chris Olave would be my top target. He’s just 25 years old, he has another year left on his contract, and he is a very productive wide receiver. Sure, he does have concussion concerns, but the talent is hard to deny. On the year, Olave has 44 receptions for 440 yards and 3 touchdowns. I think he would be a perfect number two behind Sutton and would instantly improve the Broncos’ offense.

If the Broncos want to contend in the AFC, and very likely with the Chiefs, they need some more firepower to work with. This report indicates that they know that and will be looking to add prior to the trade deadline. Of the names mentioned, I think Olave could be the most realistic addition, but we’ll see. Waddle would be great, Shaheed has real speed, Myers is a solid veteran, and there could be someone out there that we are overlooking.

The NFL Trade Deadline is November 4th at 2 p.m. MT, so we still have time to see if the Broncos will make a deal for a wide receiver or not. We will likely get more news and rumors in the coming days so stay tuned to Mile High Report for any and all trade deadline updates.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...ceiver-olave-waddle-shaheed-myers-sean-payton

 

[Denver Broncos]

Scouting the Enemy: Dallas Cowboys

The Denver Broncos host the Dallas Cowboys this weekend in one of the best matchups of Week 8. This will be a tough game for the Broncos, as the Cowboys have a high-powered offense. If the Broncos want to notch their fifth win in a row and sixth of the season, they will have to play a complete game with little miscues, turnovers, or errors. Let’s take a deeper look at Denver’s opponent this Sunday.

2024 Dallas Cowboys Season Review

The Cowboys finished their 2024 campaign going 7-10 and finishing third in the NFC East. They ranked 21st in the NFL with respect to points scored and 17th in yards gained on offense. With respect to the defense, they were 31st in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed.

2025 Dallas Cowboys Offseason Additions and Departures

After an underwhelming season, Head Coach Mike McCarthy who had been there since 2020 was fired. They replaced him in house with Brian Schottenheimer. Subsequently, there were a lot of shake ups on both sides of the ball over the course of the offseason.

The Cowboys were one of the most active teams trying to acquire talent but also lost some as well. They traded away All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers was certainly their biggest departure. In turn, that helped net them nose tackle Kenny Clark to man the middle of their defense. DeMarcus Lawrence, who had played in their defensive trenches for 11 seasons, wound up with the Seattle Seahawks.

As far as additions go, they traded for Kenneth Murray to shore up their linebacker position and Kaiir Elam to help out their defensive backfield. Dallas also rewarded defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa with a four-year deal with $80 million in early March.

On offense, acquiring wide George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers was a big get for them on offense. Pickens has had a fantastic start to the season. They also signed running back Javonte Williams in free agency who has performed very well with his new team. Those two are big reasons why their offense is much improved over last season.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, they utilized their top pick on Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker who is currently a starter for them at right guard. For the rest of their draft endeavors, there was a big focus on improving their defense. While Donovan Ezeirauku has played in seven games, he has failed to make an impact as a high-level pass rusher with sacks, but has been generating a decent amount of pressure.

Offensive X-Factor: Quarterback Dak Prescott

The strength of the Cowboys is longtime veteran quarterback Dak Prescott. He ranks among the best in the NFL when it comes to passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completion percentage. On top of that, he is great at avoiding sacks and has an innate ability to make great plays outside of the pocket, as well as inside of it.

In my opinion, Prescott has been playing at an MVP level. He boasts a great duo of receivers in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, as well as a high-quality tight end in Jake Ferguson. The aforementioned Williams has also been a boon to their running game, helping make their heavy-gap scheme offense one of the most formidable in the NFL. That’s helped alleviate a lot of pressure from Prescott’s shoulders.

Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph runs man coverage among the highest rates in the league. One of the best battles this weekend will be watching Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss go head-to-head against the aforementioned wide receivers. Another thing to keep in mind is how great Prescott is when teams blitz him. He has been one of the most productive quarterbacks against the blitz and Joseph’s been dialing up a lot of heat with extra players throughout the season.

I’m interested to see if we see more zone principles against Prescott and the Cowboys considering Dak’s ability to win routinely against man coverage. This is a game where the Broncos can’t afford to get themselves into a shootout. How Denver’s defense fairs in this game will have a major impact on the outcome.

Defensive X-Factor: Do they even have one?

The Cowboys’ defense has struggled in a lot of ways to date. They’ve given up the most yards through the air, the highest yards per reception, and a lot of touchdowns and explosive plays over 40 yards. Additionally, their defense has given up the second most yards on the ground this season. That’s a combined recipe for disaster, which is why they amongst the worst in the NFL in points scored and yards allowed.

Micah Parsons would have been the surefire selection for their defensive X-Factor, but they traded him away to the Packers for Kenny Clark and two first down picks. As noted above, they have done a lot of shuffling on the defensive side of the ball over the offseason. They’ve also been dealing with some injuries and may have several defensive backs (Treyvon Diggs and Donovan Wilson who are starters) out for the game.

Is Clark their top player? He is a three-time Pro-Bowler but doesn’t look like the same player he was with the Packers. Odighizuwa is an above-average starter, but he really isn’t a dynamic player on their defensive front. I’m not trying to deliberately throw shade, but their defense has been awful for most the season so it’s really hard to pinpoint any player I’m significantly concerned about this weekend.

How the Broncos can secure a victory over the Cowboys

The Cowboys will be a tough opponent for the Broncos due to their prolific offense. This is a game where Denver’s defense is going to have to show up and limit their big-play ability. Dallas had had a few games with some turnovers but have been stellar the past several weeks taking care of the football. If Joseph’s crew can find a way to help win the turnover battle, that would go a long way toward achieving a win.

On top of that, the offense has to sustain drives. They need to get the running game going and help control the clock. They can’t continue to have three-and-outs at such a high rate, which has added unnecessary pressure to the defense. The Broncos need to clean up the penalties, miscues, and poor blocking on offense to operate much more effectively.

I expect this to be a hard-fought battle. Denver had played some quality opponents to date, but I feel the Cowboys, despite their record, definitely factor in amongst the higher-caliber teams on the schedule. A fifth-straight victory and sixth overall would be a huge achievement for the Broncos. It’s not going to be easy, but I have faith that the team can take care of business at home again this weekend.

Hart’s Prediction: Broncos 27, Cowboys 24.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...tion/161486/scouting-the-enemy-dallas-cowboys

 

[Denver Broncos]

2025, Week 8: Broncos vs. Cowboys – Everything we know

The Denver Broncos (5-2) will host the explosive Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1) to try and extend their win streak to five games. The Cowboys are certainly explosive offensively leading the NFC in scoring, yet their defense is also leading the NFC in points given up. The result is a .500 start for them, but they are a dangerous football team to play, especially after such an emotional comeback win for Denver last week.

Kickoff is set for 2:25 p.m. Mile High time on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. You can watch the live stream of the game through FuboTV or on CBS. The game will be called by Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst), and Tracy Wolfson (sideline). You can also check local Broncos radio network affiliate stations.

• Broncos vs. Cowboys: Friday practice participation report
• Scouting the Enemy: Dallas Cowboys
• Broncos vs Cowboys: 3 Keys to Victory
• Broncos vs. Cowboys TV broadcast map for Week 8
• Broncos focused on crafting a game plan to halt Cowboys offense
• Broncos vs. Cowboys: Wednesday practice participation report
• Broncos vs Cowboys preview: Denver aims to buck Dallas

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...61610/broncos-vs-cowboys-full-coverage-week-8

 

[Denver Broncos]

Broncos are monitoring the tight end market

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Denver Broncos are reportedly monitoring the tight end market ahead of the NFL trade deadline. An earlier report indicated the Broncos could be the “biggest contender” for a wide receiver, but according to this report, they are also monitoring the tight end market.

The Jaguars are listening on calls for WR Brian Thomas Jr., even if a move feels highly unlikely. They’re also shopping for defense.

More trade intel: https://t.co/6oUQniX8Wc pic.twitter.com/26SsdQZtMb

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 25, 2025

The Broncos made a big splash this offseason when they signed veteran tight end Evan Engram to be Sean Payton’s ‘Joker’. There was a lot of hype about that signing and the impact he would have on the offense, but through 7 games, we have seen mixed results. Things started slowly for Engram, but recently, he has been a bit more productive. Despite his recent surge in production, he has 22 receptions for 179 yards and just 1 touchdown on the year.

I think both sides expected more.

So, could they explore the trade market to add another receiving option to this unit? It is possible if the price is right. The two big names that have been rumored as trade candidates are Ravens tight end Mark Andrews and Browns tight end David Njoku. I would be surprised if either veteran would be moved, but with both teams having down years, they could listen to offers on some of their veteran players.

Andrews has lost a step in recent years, but would give the Broncos another solid underneath option as well as another big red zone target for quarterback Bo Nix. I do not think the Ravens pull the trigger on a trade here, but if they lose again this Sunday, things could change. As for Njoku, he may have a better shot at being moved due to the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. If he were to become available, he is a player I would love the Broncos to acquire.

Njoku can block, is still an excellent receiver, and would give Bo Nix another big and athletic target in the red zone. He’s 29 years old, entering the final year of his contract, and could be a valuable piece added to a contending team. It’s unclear if the Browns will move on from their longtime pass catcher at the deadline, but if they do, the Broncos should have interest.

Another name that is rumored to be available is Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo. He is another big and athletic “move tight end”, but I am not sure the Broncos will want another move tight end who isn’t known for their blocking. I do like his athleticism and pass-catching upside, but unclear on the fit.

The less exciting route would be to add an in-line tight end to help with the run blocking. The Broncos have veteran Adam Trautman and fullback/tight end Nate Adkins for those roles, but if they want to improve that, adding another mauler inside could be what they want to do.

Off topic, but if the Jags are listening to offers for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., George Paton HAS to make that call. You’re talking about a receiver with Demaryius Thomas upside, who would give the Broncos a size/speed guy they are desperately missing. It would be shocking if he is available, but if he is, make that call and get Bo another explosive weapon.

The trade deadline is November 4th at 2 p.m. MT, and we will have to see if the Broncos make a move for a wide receiver, tight end, or anyone else. Stay tuned to Mile High Report for all the news and rumors for the Denver Broncos ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...ht-end-andrews-njoku-brian-thomas-evan-engram

 

[Denver Broncos]

Ultimate Fan: Tight game should still land in Broncos’ favor

Ultimate fans, I barely have words for what happened last week. For three quarters I was furious with what I assumed was going to be an embarrassing loss. Even Bo Nix admitted that morale on the sidelines was pretty low.

But Mile High Salute to Nix and all the Broncos who rallied and never gave up. Because that fourth quarter was something to behold. There was a lot of luck and a ton of bo-lief — and that combo propelled the Broncos to a 5-2 record and atop the AFC West.

But if they want to stay there, the Broncos have to get past a red-hot Cowboys team whose QB is back to playing up to his elite level. This matchup is no longer the “easy win” many of us hoped it would be before the season started.

Breaking it down for us like only our UFGs can is Sickboy67, who has no delusions about the potential from the Cowboys but still believes the Broncos get the edge. Like me, he’s predicting a close game with the good guys as the victors.

As Samuel L. Jackson might say, “hold on to your butts, Broncos Country!”

Oh my god…this is so good. Enjoy Broncos fans pic.twitter.com/NMwE2Q27WQ

— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) October 25, 2025

Week 8: Broncos v. Cowboys​

MHR – Holy cow. THAT game last week was something. Be honest, how many times did you watch the highlights?
Sickboy67: Only a couple of times. In my case, it was more internal. I spent a lot of time reminiscing about all of those John Elway comebacks. I’d forgotten that anxiety we’d have almost every game. I’m not comparing Bo to JE – still too early for that – but the feeling was similar.

MHR – Apparently the analytics show that teams that have such an emotional comeback one week tend to fail spectacularly the next. Are the Broncos going to beat the odds?
Sickboy67: I think they will, but it won’t be a cakewalk. The Dallas offense is firing on all cylinders right now, so I think it’s going to be tight.

MHR – The Dallas Cowboys will make their first trip to Mile High since 2017, looking for their first win over Denver since 1995. But it’s a battle of two of the league’s best units – the Cowboys’ offense and the Broncos’ defense. So is the Broncos’ offense more capable than the Cowboys’ defense in overcoming the NFL’s best?
Sickboy67: I’m going to give the edge to our defense, but Dallas will land some punches. Let’s not forget that Vance was here in 2017, and even though he was head coach, he was also basically the defensive coordinator. I can definitely picture PS2 jumping into the stands after a pick 6 like Talib did in 2017.

MHR – Javonte Williams is having his best season with the Cowboys, and he’s possibly the Cowboys’ best chance for getting the offense down the field, given Denver’s secondary, but the Broncos have mostly been able to stop the run (not counting Jonathan Taylor). How many yards do you think Williams can get on Sunday? What is the key to stopping him?
Sickboy67: I picture him hitting the 60 yard range. He’ll be motivated. Our front 7 is used to facing him in practice, so I think they’ll be ready.

MHR – Two of the biggest pieces to the Cowboys’ offensive juggernaut this season are CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Who draws the short straw and gets Pat Surtain? Will the other guy be too much for Riley Moss?
Sickboy67: Lamb will draw the short straw here. I think Moss will do what he’s done all season. He’ll give up a big catch or two but will otherwise be solid.

MHR – The Cowboys’ offensive line has done a great job protecting Dak this season. Can they hold up against a relentless Zach Allen and John Franklin Myers? What about Bonitto and Cooper? What scares you the most about Dak Prescott versus this defense?
Sickboy67: He’ll get the ball out quickly. We really need the linebackers to play well, or Dak will dink and dunk us all afternoon.

MHR – Nik Bonitto has picked up where he left off last season and is a sack monster. But Prescott can be elusive. What’s the best way to get him off his game and prevent a breakaway run or deep ball for a quick score?
Sickboy67: Tight coverage and blitz packages. As to my previous point, the linebackers have to be a part of that. They have to neutralize screen passes and check downs to the running backs and tight ends.

MHR – Bo Nix has shown his moxie a few times already this season, engineering a comeback win over the Eagles, and then erasing a 33-point fourth quarter to beat the Giants last week. But the offense still sputters way too often. What would you like to see on Sunday from Nix and his receivers?
Sickboy67: Keep it simple and utilize short crossing routes. I have no idea why this is seldom part of the game plan. I think that Bo’s running ability has to be featured more often as well.

MHR – Speaking of running backs, JK Dobbins has been a solid runner every week for Denver. Given the state of the Cowboys’ defense, is this going to be a 200-yard-day for Dobbins? What kind of balance between run and pass would you like to see?
Sickboy67: He won’t see 200 yards, but he should hit 100+ again. I’d like to see a clock-management run-to-set-up-the-pass style offense this week. Keep Dak off the field and prevent the Dallas offense from getting into a rhythm.

MHR – Nix has spread the ball around to his plethora of targets but Courtland Sutton remains his most clutch player when needed. Are we due for a crazy one-handed circus catch in the back of the end zone from this guy?
Sickboy67: Most definitely. That stuff is in Court’s wheelhouse. If we get one of those early, it’s going to fire up the whole offense.

MHR – The kickers for both teams have been clutch (I know this because Aubrey is my fantasy kicker!) What are the chances the score differential on Sunday is three points or less? How likely is it that the game comes down to a kick as time expires?
Sickboy67: With this team? Likely. Might even go to OT.
(*editor’s note: please, no…my heart can NOT take that!)

MHR – The absolute best uniforms will be worn on Sunday – throwback Orange Crush. Will the Broncos live up to the moniker, get revenge for 1977 and crush the Cowboys on Sunday?
ickboy67: Yeah. I love having the throwbacks a couple of times each season, and the team seems to play with an extra bit of pride when they’re wearing them. That being said, I don’t want to go back to them as the main kit. I think having them only twice a season makes them that more special.

A throwback masterpiece pic.twitter.com/3ibV5iC9il

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 25, 2025

Predictions​

Stats for BO NIX? 16-26 for 240 yds and 2 TDs

Stats for each Broncos RB? JK 18 for 110 and 1 TD. Harvey 10 for 50, maybe a receiving TD for him as well.

Number of yards receiving/TDs for the receivers? Sutton 8 for 100 yards and a TD. Mims gets 60 yards, and Franklin gets about 40 and Engram about 30.

Longest FG for Lutz? 53 yards

Number of sacks to Dak Prescott? 6. I think they’re going to hit him a lot.

How many times Nix is sacked? 3

Broncos player with the most tackles? Bonitto

Who gets the first sack of the game for the Broncos? JFM

How many punts inside the 20? The 5? 3 and 2.

How many INTs/FF/FR for the Cowboys D? None

How many INTs/FF/FR for the Broncos D? 1

How many penalties that cost the Broncos 8

Final Score? 30 – 24 Denver

It's the start of throwback week & we have a new #BroncosIn60:

CB Pat Surtain II talks facing Cowboys in Week 8
QB Bo Nix weighs in on offense starting fast pic.twitter.com/bwx4f349Be

— Elisa Hernandez (@EHernandezTV) October 23, 2025

The Favorites ​

Favorite Broncos win ever? Super Bowl 32

Favorite Peyton Manning win? 7 TD revenge game against the Ravens

Favorite John Elway win? Super Bowl 33. MVP, baby!

Favorite win by any other quarterback? Brock Lobster in the snow against the Patriots

Team you love to beat the most in the AFC West? Now, the Chiefs. Historically, the Raiders.

Coach you despise most in the NFL? McDaniels, but he’s not a head coach anymore. Not overly fond of Daboll.

Team you hate to lose to the most in the rest of the AFC (outside AFC West)? Ravens

NFC team you could cheer for in the Super Bowl? Lions

NFC team you’d want to face more than any other in the Super Bowl? Cowboys

Toughest game left on the schedule besides the Chiefs? Commanders, if Daniels is healthy

Favorite Broncos player on the current roster? Surtain

Favorite Broncos player of all time not named John Elway? Von Miller

Favorite new guy/rookie on the team? Hufanga

Food/Snack you have to eat on game day? Popcorn

Favorite game analyst/commentator? I like Buck and Aikman. Not everyone’s cup of tea, though.

Who is on your Broncos’ Mt. Rushmore? We need a bigger mountain — Elway, Miller, Little, and Champ

How did you become a Broncos fan?​

SickBoy67: When I was a little kid, my best friend was a Cowboys fan, so I wanted a team that was pretty much the polar opposite. I’ve always been a fan of defense in most sports, so the original Orange Crush appealed to me. Yes, I’m that old.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...tight-game-should-still-land-in-broncos-favor

 

[Denver Broncos]

Broncos vs. Cowboys: 3 players to watch in Week 8 matchup

The Denver Broncos square off against the Dallas Cowboys this weekend in one of the premier gridiron matchups in Week 8. The Cowboys boast a formidable offense, but sport one of the worst defenses in the National Football League. It won’t be easy, but if the Broncos play at a high level, they can certainly win their fifth-straight game and sixth of their 2025 campaign. Here are three players I believe need to play at a high level in order for the Broncos to come away with a victory on Sunday.

Riley Moss — Cornerback​

A few players on the Broncos defense have gotten a lot of criticism this season. Alex Singleton comes to mind at inside linebacker. However, third-year cornerback Riley Moss has also been a player that has been floated as an underperformer or underachiever. He has had some bad penalties and given up a few big plays, but overall, he is a consistent performer on a week-to-week basis.

As we all know, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph is aggressive in his scheme and has the utmost confidence in his cornerbacks to excel in man-to-man situations. The Broncos are running man coverage concepts higher than any other team in the NFL. That puts a lot of pressure on the secondary to perform at a high level.

I expect Patrick Surtain II to draw most of his coverage assignments going up against CeeDee Lamb. That means all eyes will be on Moss to go head-to-head against George Pickens who the Cowboys traded for this offseason. With Lamb missing several games due to injury, Pickens has been the top target for Dak Prescott to date. He is off to a ferocious start with 36 receptions for 607 yards and 6 touchdowns.

How Moss is able to fair against Pickens is easily the biggest individual matchup I’m interested in seeing transpire this weekend. They are both tough and physical players and it’s clear Prescott has already developed a great chemistry with Pickens. This may very well be Riley’s biggest challenge of the season thus far.

Troy Franklin — Wide Receiver​

Last season, the Broncos’ passing attack wasn’t firing on cylinders for the early part of the season. Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton struggled to connect early on but ignited into one of the best QB-WR duos in the NFL after their bye week. That success has transferred into this season for most of the games, but Denver is still struggling to find out consistent complementary options in the passing game in ’25.

Against the Giants in Week 7, Nix targeted second-year wide receiver Troy Franklin ten times. Unfortunately, Franklin only came down with three grabs. Sutton leads the team with 50 targets this season, but Franklin is right behind him with 46. It’s clear that Head Coach Sean Payton is trying to find a way to get him involved to make an impact for the team. Unfortunately, the results to date have been less than favorable.

Since his Week 2 performance against the Indianapolis Colts, Franklin has had less than fifty yards receiving in four of the last five contests. This weekend, the Broncos are going up against a defense that has given up the most passing yards in the NFL. They may also be out several players in their secondary. I’m hoping that someone outside of Sutton can rise to the occasion and make some big plays in the passing game. Franklin is the player I’ll be watching the most.

Talanoa Hufanga — Safety​

The Broncos have a storied tradition of players at the safety position who have proven to be transformative forces. Last year, Brandon Jones was easily one of the best outside additions the team made. This offseason, it’s no question Talanoa Hufanga has been the most impactful player Denver signed in free agency.

Hufanga’s ability to be a Swiss Army knife defender that’s as capable combating the pass as he is the run has helped take the Broncos’ defense to new heights this season. Going up against Prescott and the high-powered Cowboys offense will be a tough challenge. However, the savvy veteran’s football intelligence, toughness, and tenacity should have him primed to help slow down Dallas’ offense.

As Ross Allen discussing in his keys to victory, finding a way to generate some turnovers will be critical in order for the Broncos to achieve a win. If I had to peg a player that seems likely to do that, I’d throw Hufanga’s name out there as a player to watch. He has been an absolute treat to watch and has made some clutch plays in big moments. I’m hopeful he can do that again on Sunday.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...-cowboys-3-players-to-watch-in-week-8-matchup

 

[Denver Broncos]

Week 8: Broncos vs. Cowboys – Live Coverage

The Denver Broncos currently have sole possession of the AFC West at 5-2, but must take care of business today against the Dallas Cowboys to stay one game ahead of the pack in that strong division. Which means playing good football for an entire 60 minutes for once and not play the role of the cardiac cats in the fourth quarter. Here’s to writing that new script this week!

Kickoff is set for 2:25 p.m. Mile High time on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. You can watch the live stream of the game through FuboTV or on CBS. The game will be called by Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst), and Tracy Wolfson (sideline). You can also check local Broncos radio network affiliate stations.

• Game Information
• Gameday Inactives
• Everything we have on this game

Broncos vs. Cowboys score predictions​

According to FanDuel, the Broncos are 3.5-point home favorites over the Cowboys today. I think the Broncos do play better through all four quarters in this game, but will still end up finding themselves in a tight, hard-fought game that will come down to the very end. After last week’s miracle, I feel pretty good that they’ll find another way to come out on top again this week.

Prediction: Broncos 30, Cowboys 26.

Join the discussion in the comments section below.​

Broncos vs. Cowboys live updates​

The classics are BACK. pic.twitter.com/hVjOPXUSf3

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 26, 2025

Two trends developing. #Broncos trusting the run. And targeting Engram. … And it is spoiled by miscommunication between Bryant and Bo Nix… Nix throws pick where he thought Bryant was going to be… Cowboys take over possession.

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 26, 2025

Not sure what else Nix would be expecting here but either a miscommunication or pretty easily the worst throw of the season here. pic.twitter.com/S5Rpochni6

— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) October 26, 2025

Pat Surtain II is walking off the field but with the trainers help.

Looks like he is putting weight on his right leg, but in pain.

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 26, 2025

The best red-zone defense in the NFL holds up again. Dallas settles for a field goal after the third-down incompletion with Moss in coverage on Lamb on the slant route. 3-0, Cowboys.

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 26, 2025

The Nix to Franklin connection picks up 26!

DALvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/XKRVVGB8Yg

— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025

.@rjharvey07 on the run

: CBS pic.twitter.com/xgBLweHBHn

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 26, 2025

GREAT news: Pat Surtain II is back on the field for the Broncos' defense.

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 26, 2025

SACK.

Dak Prescott initially gets away from Nik Bonitto, but John Franklin-Myers doesn't let him get away.

Another third-down stop for the Broncos.

— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) October 26, 2025

Broncos are gashing the Dallas D. Nix to Bryant for 16
Dobbins for 21

— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) October 26, 2025

There goes J.K. Dobbins!

DALvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/aqCZ4C1yiH

— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/game-day-threads/161652/broncos-vs-cowboys-live-coverage-week-8

 

[Denver Broncos]

Winners and Losers from the Broncos 44-24 win over the Cowboys

The Broncos are coming off a historic comeback victory over the Giants and were looking to start this game hot. However, an opening drive INT by Bo Nix rattled all of Broncos Country. However, that was the low point of the game for the Broncos, who went on to score 44 points and hold the explosive Cowboys offense to just 17 points (not counting the garbage time touchdown), and they did this while not having reigning DPOY Pat Surtain II for most of the game.

This game had a bunch of winners on both sides of the ball, and this may have been the most complete game they have played all season. So, with all that said, here are your winners and losers from the Broncos’ 44-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

WINNER – Bo Nix​

Bo Nix finished the game going 19 for 29 for 247 yards and 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. After his opening drive interception, Nix sliced and diced this vulnerable Cowboys defense and moved the Broncos offense up and down the field all game.

WIDE OPEN TROY FRANKLIN TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/N7L2eTn5da

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

In the last 5 quarters of football, Bo Nix has scored 8 total touchdowns. 6 through the air and 2 on the ground. The much-talked-about and discussed quarterback has silenced haters the past few weeks and has the Broncos offense rolling and looking good as they sit at 6-2 on the year. On the year, Nix has 15 passing touchdowns through 8 games and 18 total if you count his 3 rushing touchdowns.

If Nix keeps this up, the Broncos can compete with anyone in the NFL.

WINNER – RJ Harvey​

The Broncos’ rookie has had a slow start to his season, but against a poor Cowboys defense, the explosive rookie exploded for 3 touchdowns. He finished with 7 carries for 46 yards and 2 touchdowns, as well as 1 reception for 5 yards and an additional 1 touchdown reception.

RJ HARVEY'S 3RD TOUCHDOWN OF THE GAME!!!pic.twitter.com/OsiLAPb81i

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

He looked explosive and was the type of back we thought the Broncos would be adding to their offense. He had a long touchdown run, looked quick in space, and continues to be a red zone weapon for Bo Nix in the red zone. If he can be this explosive 1B to J.K. Dobbins, the Broncos offense can be really, really good.

WINNER – Troy Franklin​

Earlier this week, I wrote about a rumor connecting the Broncos to some of the wide receivers on the trade market. Well, Troy Franklin responded with his best game of his career. The second-year wide receiver totaled a team-high 6 receptions for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns.

It has to be noted that this came against a very banged-up Dallas Cowboys secondary, but a big game is a big game. I am not going to fault him for producing against a struggling defense. If they struggled, we would all be calling for him to be replaced. That did not happen, and Franklin had himself a big game.

Things will get tougher next week, but hopefully, Franklin can build on this moving forward.

WINNER – Broncos Defense/Vance Joseph​

This looked like a tough matchup for the Denver Broncos’ defense. Dak Prescott looked like an MVP candidate, Javonte Williams looks like his former self, Lamb and Pickens are dangerous, and Jake Ferguson looked like the next tight end to victimize the Broncos’ defense.

They held them to 17 points and did it while being without Pat Surtain II for most of the game.

Riley Moss, Kris Abrams-Draine, rookie Jahdae Barron, and Ja’Quan McMillian all held their own and limited Dak to just 188 yards passing, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Yes, Moss gave up some plays, but they held Pickens and Lamb in check and kept them out of the end zone. It wasn’t perfect, but they all did their job and stepped up in place of the injured PS2.

Javonte Williams had the Cowboys’ two touchdowns, but even he was held to just 41 yards and averaged 3.2 YPC.

As for Jake Ferguson, who leads all tight ends in catches, yards, and touchdowns? He had 1 target and 0 catches.

Oh, and the Broncos defense sacked Dak twice and picked him off twice.

Vance Joseph deserves a game ball.

WINNER – Broncos rookies​

There were rumblings out there about this Broncos rookie class. RJ Harvey hasn’t done much, Barron isn’t starting, Bryant just blocks, and so on.

Well, the rookies silenced all the doubters today.

I already touched on Harvey, but the explosive rookie had a LONG touchdown run early in the game and finished with 3 total touchdowns. Huge game for him.

RJ HARVEY TOUCHDOWN!!pic.twitter.com/OnY2ihOYcw

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

Wide receiver Pat Bryant made a beautiful touchdown catch later in the game, which was his first career touchdown. That was exciting to see.

FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN FOR PAT BRYANT pic.twitter.com/M3sqWjTvv9

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

Then, Jahdae Barron showed off his ball skills with an impressive INT of Dak Prescott right before halftime.

JAHDAE BARRON WITH HIS 1ST CAREER INT

First of many for the talented rookiepic.twitter.com/cymL7iV5sD

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

If the Broncos’ rookies continue to develop and improve and contribute more in the second half of the season, that will be a HUGE boost to this team moving forward.

WINNER – Dondrea Tillman​

The backup edge rusher is known for setting the edge, his powerful play, and sacking the quarterback. However, he showed off his hands, ball skills, and moves in the open field in this one.

DONDREA TILLMAN INT + A CRAZY RETURN!pic.twitter.com/Do1qUZP2sC

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

This interception was huge and officially ended the game for the Cowboys. They were driving down the field and appeared to be on the verge of making it a two-score game with 10 minutes left. We all witnessed a crazy comeback last week, and they have the firepower to make it happen.

Well, Tillman was not having it.

He jumped a Prescott pass and then showed off his open-field ability by taking the ball down the field and making multiple defenders miss. This set the Broncos up to score their final touchdown of the game and go up 44-17 in the 4th quarter,

A huge play to seal the game for the Broncos.

WINNER – J.K. Dobbins​

While Dobbins did not find the end zone, he did go over 100 yards for the second time this season. He had 15 carries for 111 yards and gashed the Cowboys’ defense for an impressive 7.4 yards per carry.

The Broncos are at their best when they have a run game and they ran all over the Cowboys.

LOSER – Refs​

Once again, the Broncos were victimized by the refs. They had some iffy calls on them, especially on Riley Moss (again), and gave the Cowboys the ball on a fumble despite an obvious recovery by the Broncos. There were a few more instances, but thankfully for them, Dre Greenlaw was not on the field to frighten them.

He does return next week. You have been warned, refs.

pic.twitter.com/KBkmBsGr4p

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

WINNER – 1ST PLACE IN THE AFC WEST​

At 6-2, the Denver Broncos once again sit at the top of the AFC West.

…and still, YOUR 1ST PLACE IN THE AFC WEST DENVER BRONCOS!! pic.twitter.com/YqVthinKJm

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

Other notable winners and losers​

WINNER – Kris Abrams-Draine: He came off the bench and had to cover Lamb and Pickens. He gave up some plays but held his own in place of PS2 and slowed down the explosive Cowboys pass game

WINNER – Broncos OL: Ross will have more on it later this week, but they absolutely dominated in protection and in the run game.

WINNER – Zach Allen: I thought he had 2 sacks, but was only credited with 1, but still, Sack Allen was at it once again today

WINNER – Alex Palczewski: We might have a keeper at LG

LOSER – Refs: You still suck

WINNER – Throwbacks: While I like the Broncos’ new uniforms, the throwbacks are beautiful, and the Broncos are 3-0 while wearing them.

LOSER – Flags: They had 9 flags for 80 yards in this one. While most of these were questionable at best, you still cannot have this trend continue, and we still have the Chiefs games yet.

WINNER – 5 game win streaks: The Broncos were 1-2 and coming off two terrible last-second losses. Since then, they have won 5 straight games, a few dominant performances, some nail-biters, and one historic comeback. Now, they are 6-2 and firmly in the postseason conversation.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...s-from-the-broncos-44-24-win-over-the-cowboys

 

[Denver Broncos]

Game balls for the Broncos 44-24 win over the Cowboys

The Denver Broncos were six minutes away from falling to 4-3 on the season. Since that moment in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants, the Broncos’ offense has piled up 77 points in five quarters to not only comeback to beat the Giants, but also to dominate the Dallas Cowboys the following week. Bo Nix and the offense have lit up the scoreboard since.

At 6-2, they are currently the number three seed in the AFC behind both the Indianapolis Colts (leverage!) and the surprising New England Patriots. Everything seems to be stacking up for a mega-clash in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs. All Denver needs to do is take care of business against the Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders over the next two weeks. If they keep playing offense like they have over the last five quarters, then that should happen.

Here are Mile High Report’s game balls for the Broncos’ 44-24 victory over the Cowboys!

Bo Nix​

Another stellar performance from the second year QB. It was touted as the game of the week and Bo showed up big. He had command of the offense, limited the mistakes, and took advantage of a bad Cowboys defense. With 247 yards passing and 4 touchdowns, Nix led the Broncos to a dominant victory. Nix was patient when he needed to be, but made the most of his big play opportunities. Dallas made the decision to take Courtland Sutton away, so Nix found success with other receivers. Troy Franklin was the major recipient. After the emotional win against the Giants, the Broncos could have had a let down game. Nix made sure that didn’t happen. Huge day for the Broncos leader. – Adam Malnati

Bo Nix the last 5 quarters

465 total yards
6 passing touchdowns
2 rushing touchdowns
Led the offense to 77 offensive points
Historic comeback
Ass whooping the Cowboys pic.twitter.com/RixCKUOaHz

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 27, 2025

Riley Moss​

The Cowboys are the first team this season that could really stress-test the Broncos secondary with both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens lining up. Riley Moss, due to his size, was given the task of taking on Lamb with PS2 covering the bigger and more physical Pickens. Moss played an outstanding game. Outside of that early 29-yard completion to Lamb, Moss didn’t give up a single completion over eight yards. He had one ugly DPI penalty in the end zone and one phantom DPI called on the very next play in the end zone. He’ll continue to be the most targeted guy on defense and the officials seem to hate him every single game. Despite all that, he’s having one heck of a season and, in my opinion, played his best game against Dallas. – Tim Lynch

RJ Harvey​

Have a day, rookie. Harvey finished with a hat trick of touchdowns in the flogging of the Cowboys, including a 40-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Harvey is the first Broncos rookie to record three TDs in a game since Clinton Portis in 2002. For the game, Harvey finished with 46 yards rushing on seven carries. Harvey also had one reception for five yards that resulted in a TD. When you add what J.K. Dobbins did, Denver has one of the best one-two punches running the ball in the NFL. On a day the offense played its best game, it was great to see Harvey play such a big role. – Ian St. Clair

RJ HARVEY TOUCHDOWN!!pic.twitter.com/OnY2ihOYcw

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

Quinn Meinerz​

While the entire offensive line was cooking today, Quinn Meinerz, the best RG in the league, was on another level of destruction. He was all over the field in the run game and was a brick wall in pass protection. The Crack Toss where he decimated three defenders was just the cherry on top. It’s so much fun being able to watch this guy work week in and week out. – Ross Allen

Troy Franklin​

Last week’s game against the New York Giants was a struggle for Troy Franklin. The second-year pro was targeted ten times but only came up with three catches for 19 yards. Granted, one of those was an awesome touchdown, but a 30-percent catch rate certainly wasn’t ideal. Against the Cowboys, Franklin was the top receiver for the Broncos. He had 6 catches on 8 targets for 89 yards [37 after the catch] and two touchdowns. I’m optimistic the chemistry between him and Nix will only get better as the second half of the season approaches. – Chris Hart

WIDE OPEN TROY FRANKLIN TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/N7L2eTn5da

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

Dondrea Tillman​

After going undrafted out of Indiana of Pennsylvania (yes, that’s a real school) and then spending a year toiling in the XFL, Dondrea Tillman has found a home for himself on the Bronco DL. As the other backup OLB with Jonah Elliss, Tillman has cemented himself as a cog in the best pass rush in the NFL. Despite only getting two sacks this game, the Bronco DL was pressuring Dak Prescott into hurried throws. They ended the game with 8 QB pressures. While Tillman didn’t have any of those pressures, he did have a pass batted down and a beautiful interception that the ran back for 40ish yards, breaking a few tackles in the process. Tillman finished the game with 3 tackles (1 solo) along with the PBU and the INT. For dropping into coverage and picking off Dak, Tillman gets my gameball. – Taylor Kothe

DONDREA TILLMAN INT + A CRAZY RETURN!pic.twitter.com/Do1qUZP2sC

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 26, 2025

Pat Bryant​

It was a great day for Broncos’ rookies, including wide receiver Pat Bryant. The third-round pick has been criticized for not being too impactful, but he was today, scoring his first NFL touchdown, followed by an emphatic Mile High Salute. He gets it. And for that, he gets my game ball. – Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann

Respecter of Broncos History, Pat Bryant with a vintage Mile High Salute pic.twitter.com/10ixwLDGl5

— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) October 27, 2025

Jahdae Barron​

Jahdae Barron gets my game ball this week for playing excellent coverage on a tight end (a rare occurrence as of late for this defense). He was in perfect trail position to pick off an ill-advised throw from Dak Presoctt and helped break the game open for the Broncos early. – Sadaraine

Who gets your game ball for the Broncos-Cowboys game? Share in the comments section below.​

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/bron...ys-game-balls-bo-nix-troy-franklin-riley-moss

 

[Denver Broncos]

Can someone please get Sean Payton orange pants?

Denver radio broadcaster Zach Bye pointed out on Sunday that in this divided world in which it is virtually impossible to find agreement, much less compromise, one topic has seemingly gotten 100% support.

The Denver Broncos’ throwback uniforms are literally the best in all of football. Maybe all sports.

I’ve never seen so many people agree on a single issue as much they do on the Broncos throwback uniforms. From all corners of the sports world, everyone seems to love them. I haven’t seen a single opposing opinion. In a world of division & discourse, we have this. pic.twitter.com/ENlvY1DZcK

— Zach Bye (@byesline) October 26, 2025

Literally no one doesn’t think the Denver “D” with the snorting Bronco logo on the lighter blue helmet with orange jerseys and blue-and-orange-striped socks is the greatest thing ever.

So why wasn’t Sean Payton kicking it old school on the sidelines?

Turns out he needs orange pants.

“I’m like everyone,” the head coach said in his defense. “I grew up on the throwback uniforms. I love the throwback uniforms.”

“I wanted desperately to wear [the throwbacks]. I just hate the match with the navy bottoms, so we need to work on a lighter blue slack, or I’d even sport an orange slack if it was the right color.”

Sean Payton

The problem is that Payton is also kind of a fashionisto. He got to the stadium early on game day and discovered that the navy pants clashed with the old-school blue sweatshirts.

“We need either an orange or that Bronco blue, that old blue, as a pant,” Payton laughed. “So I struggled with the navy and then the throwback on the top, so I just kind of went traditional.”

But make no mistake, Payton says he is “the biggest fan” of the old school digs.

“I wanted desperately to wear it. I just hate the match with the navy bottoms, so we need to work on a lighter blue slack,” he added, “or even I’d sport an orange slack if it was the right color.”

Oh, that definitely needs to happen. I want our head coach in orange pants stat. The swagger on the sidelines would be impalpable.

Dobbins thrilled he chose to be a Bronco​

J.K. Dobbins got his second 100-yard game as a Bronco, and the running back could not be happier he decided to come to Denver in the offseason.

“It just took a little time to get here. I had to get over them mountains, you know?”

J.K. Dobbins

“I do know today me and my boys went over another 100-yard game,” he said, adding this was a dream of his. “I love Coach Sean Payton, he’s a great person. The offensive line is amazing, the defense is amazing, then the ownership is amazing.”

In fact, Dobbins believes he was born to be a Bronco.

“It just took a little time to get here, ” he said. “I had to get over them mountains, you know?”

Tillman tries to score​

Dondrea Tillman’s bruising run after snagging an INT is getting some suggestions to make the man a tight end. Who knew he was so nimble?

“I was trying to score. I always tell myself, ‘If I get my hands on the ball, I’m trying to score.’ You only get one chance, so you better do it all… It was amazing,” he said, recalling how he saw CeeDee Lamb come across so he just sat in his zone and waited. “That’s everything I dreamed for right there.”

But it was the roaring crowd that really got him excited.

“It’s a lot, just hearing the roar. It honestly gave me an extra boost,” he added. “That’s why I tried to pick up my knees and tried to run a little bit faster. Shoutout to the crowd.”

Dondrea Tillman on his awesome INT return:

"I was trying to score…You only get one chance, so you'd better do it all!" https://t.co/IxXcT09oIV pic.twitter.com/UfN51dvXH6

— Scotty Gange (@Scotty_G6) October 27, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...eone-please-get-sean-payton-some-orange-pants

 

[Denver Broncos]

Broncos Reacts Survey Week 9

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Broncos fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/general/162091/broncos-reacts-survey-week-9

 

[Denver Broncos]

Trade Deadline rumor: Broncos would like more of a classic, field-stretching receiving option

With the NFL trade deadline less than a week away, we have more rumors connecting the Denver Broncos to wide receivers.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says that the Broncos have his attention and that they have evaluated multiple spots, including left guard, tight end, and wide receiver. He goes on to say that while he is not convinced the Broncos will make a bold move, he believes that ideally, they would like more of a classic, field-stretching receiving option to offset the skill sets already in place on the roster while also adding some veteran experience.

ESPN's @JFowlerESPN on the Broncos trade deadline plans

Link: https://t.co/6ByLKXND15 pic.twitter.com/9EwQTus9ew

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 29, 2025

Denver being in the market for a classic field stretcher would be interesting. They do have Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin, who can do just that, but both have been hit or miss on their deep shot attempts this season. Payton may be looking for a more reliable veteran who can stretch the field for quarterback Bo Nix and come down with the deep ball. If that is the case, then Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed seems like a logical fit.

I mentioned before that he has coaching ties to Denver. While he did not play for Sean Payton, he has played for a number of the offensive coaches on his staff. Also, he fits what the Broncos want perfectly. He is a classic speedy field stretcher who is a veteran in the league. He is very explosive, probably would be the Broncos’ fastest player on the team, and already has an 87-yard touchdown this season for the Saints.

Shaheed is a free agent at the end of the year and likely would not cost the Broncos all that much if they decided to go in that direction. This is all speculation on my part, but based on who is expected to be available, the skill set, and coaching connections, he seems like the most logical candidate for the Broncos.

Fowler also mentions left guard and tight end as options for the Broncos, but both seem less likely now. Alex Palczewski has filled in well for Ben Powers, and outside of depth, that area of concern seems filled for now. As for tight end, they recently signed 41-year-old blocking specialist Marcedes Lewis to their practice squad. It remains to be seen if that takes them out of the market for a tight end, but for now, we can assume they aren’t big fish hunting there.

Despite Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims having a couple of standout games this season, the Broncos continue to be mentioned as teams in the market for a wide receiver. We shall see if they make a move before the 2 p.m. MT trade deadline on November 4th, but it certainly does sound like they are making calls about wide receivers.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...s-trade-deadline-wide-receiver-shaheed-fowler

 

[Denver Broncos]

Broncos vs Texans: 3 Keys to Victory

We’re hardly two years removed from the last time these two teams faced off but the embarrassment from that ugly loss still dampens the hearts of those unfortunate enough to still remember that game and all 100 opportunities they wasted.

But there’s good news: the Denver Broncos are a lot better now than they were then.

Let’s dig into how the Broncos can keep their momentum going and extend their winning streak to six games.

1. Find a way to make up for Pat Surtain’s injury​

One positive I want to take away from their game against the Cowboys is that Surtain missed the entire second half against one of the best passing offenses in the league and Denver did just fine. Their secondary held up against two of the best receiving threats in football. And while Nico Collins is a legitimate threat, the Texans don’t have that 1-2 punch like the Cowboys do.

One way to keep that going is to get pressure on CJ Stroud. Their offensive line is only giving up just above two sacks a game this year, but they’ve also benefited from a somewhat sub-par schedule. The schemes that Vance Joseph has in store for them will be lethal. I expect everyone up front to eat.

There’s also the added bonus of Dre Greenlaw making his second return to action this season, following a bogus suspension. Having him being able to secure the middle of the field and let the DBs give a soft shell over the top should make things that much harder for Stroud to deal with as well.

2. Keep running that dang ball​

Believe it or not, the Broncos currently boast the third-best rushing attack in the league with 1,102 yards on the season (137.8 YPG). This was not the case last season, the season before, or the season before that. And it’s this running game that’s completely elevated the offense, and it’s what kept them on the field last week as they went three-and-out the least amount of times in a game as they have all year long.

On first downs against the Cowboys, when the Broncos ran the ball they averaged over six yards a carry. On the game they averaged nearly seven yards per carry when adjusting for kneel downs and scrambles. JK Dobbins himself averaged 7.4 YPC.

This team is a running team through and through. And when you have an offensive line that dominates as much as Denver’s does (specifically looking at you, Quinn Meinerz) you have to keep pounding that rock. And the Texans only make up the fifth-best run defense, and out of the seven teams Houston has gone up against, only one team currently has a rushing attack that ranks in the top half of the league.

Truly this is a defense that is untested in the run game and the Broncos by-far boast the best rushing attack the Texans will see all year outside the Bills and the Colts.

3. RPOs​

A great way to keep a good defense guessing is the frequent use of both run and pass options. Bo Nix has been good at both of these this season. Against the Cowboys he was really carving them up with his pass options. Sean Payton does a great job switching up motions and formations to give the offense a numbers advantage, and Nix has been able to read the majority of these and make the proper call.

If they can keep these type of plays sprinkled in throughout the game, then that’s just another wrinkle the Texans have to come up with a plan for. And this is not something they’ve really encountered this season.

Sean Payton is a great offensive coach and he’ll show up on Sunday.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denver-broncos-news/162195/broncos-vs-texans-3-keys-to-victory

 

[Denver Broncos]

Thursday Night Football Week 9: Ravens at Dolphins Open Thread

Lamar Jackson officially makes his return to the lineup after being out a while with a hamstring injury. The 2-5 Baltimore Ravens are in desperate need to get on a run after winning just their second game on Sunday. The Miami Dolphins are 2-6 themselves and reeling from poor play and injuries. This is game that could help keep the Ravens hopes for a playoff berth alive for another week.

Kickoff is set for Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. Mile High time at Hard Rock Stadium in Opa Locka, Florida and will air on Prime Video.

My Prediction​

According to FanDuel, the Ravens are massive 7.5-point road favorites over the Dolphins here. I don’t really like this big spread, but I would agree it could certainly turn into a blowout. I do think the return of Jackson is being overplayed here on this line. Last I checked, he doesn’t play defense and that defense has given up 37 or more points in four of their seven games and three of those were with Lamar Jackson in the lineup. That said, I do thinks Baltimore comes out on top in a closer outcome.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Dolphins 24

Open thread in the comments section below. Discuss the games action there!​

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/game-day-threads/162212/tnf-week-9-ravens-at-dolphins

 

[Denver Broncos]

Game by game Bronco snap percentages by player for 2025 at the half-way point

Not one player on the Denver Broncos has played every snap on offense or defense so far this season, but that is mainly due to getting a series for the backups in the blow out win over the Cowboys.

OFFENSE​

Offensive Line​

The loss of Ben Powers has shifted Alex Palczweski from the 6th OL to starting guard. AP’s quickness and hand-fighting skills have made him a plus guard. He played well at tackle last season when he had to fill in for one of the starting tackles. Frank Crum and Calvin Throckmorton have both been used now as the 6th OL with AP moving into a starting role.

Tight Ends and Running Backs​

Jaleel McLaughlin has lost his role from last season. JK Dobbins is getting the majority of the RB snaps, with RJ Harvey getting the RB2 snaps and Tyler Badie getting the 3rd down back snaps. With Harvey’s performance against the struggling Dallas defense I would expect him to take a few more RB snaps in the second half of the season.

The loss of Lucas Krull and now Nate Adkins means that the Broncos were forced to bring in veteran Mercedes Lewis as the blocking TE. Evan Engram’s effectiveness in the passing game has made the other TEs almost non-factors in the passing game. Adkins, Krull and Adam Trautman have combined for 22 targets in 8 games, despite Trautman playing the most TE snaps in many games this season. It will be interesting to see how quickly Lewis picks up the playbook. The 41-year old former first round pick (2006) has never played for Sean Payton, but he’s a veteran so he should pick it up quickly. He played 220 snaps for the Bears last season and was targetted twice. He’s listed as 6-6, 267 lbs.

Wide Receivers​

Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin have been WR1 and WR2 for most games this season with the exception of game 6 when Pat Bryant get the same number of snaps as Franklin. Marvin Mims has mostly been WR4 with Trent Sherfield gradually losing playing time to Pat Bryant.

DEFENSE​

Defensive line​

Sai’vion Jones and Jordan Jackson have both played D snaps in only one game this season. Zach Allen has played the most snaps in every game except last week when Malcolm Roach did. The return of Roach from injury has relegated both Jackson and Jones to the game-day inactive list. Eyioma Uwazurike had been losing playing time until the last two games when he started trending up.

Outside Linebackers (edge defenders)​

Que Robinson was active and played in games 6 and 7 when Jonah Elliss was injured. Other than that Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper have been playing 55-75% of the snaps at OLB and Elliss and Dondrea Tillman have been playing 25-45%. The lone exception was the last game against Dallas when all four played about the same snap percentage.

Inside Linebackers​

Free agent acquisition Drew Greenlaw was injured until game 7 and then he was suspended for game 8. Alex Singleton has been the every down ILB with Justin Strnad coming off the field on passing downs. Karene Ried, Levelle Bailey and Garret Wallow have not seen the field much on defense when they were on the 53 man roster.

Cornerbacks​

Riley Moss is the darker blue and he has played almost every snap on defense this season. Pat Surtain was matching him until he got hurt last game. KAD took those CB snaps with Surtain out. I would expect that to continue unless Jahdae Barron proves he should be CB2 with Surtain out. Ja’Quan McMillian has played between 50-80% of the D snaps as the slot corner. Barron has been roughly between 20-40% in every game, but that might change with Surtain’s injury. KAD and Ja’Quan have both played CB2 for the Broncos in the past. It will be interesting to see how the roles and snaps are distributed while PS2 is out.

Safeties​

Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones have played almost every safety snap through the first eight games. With Locke and/or Skinner getting a handful in heavy nickle here and there. Remember Locke was one of our starting safeties last year and the play at safety in 2025 has been significantly better this year relative to 2024. Jones (56.3) and Hufanga (93.1) have allowed fairly low passer ratings this season when their men are targetted. Locke allowed one of the worst passer ratings in the league last season among starters with a 125.8. He allowed 40/54 (74%) for 484 yards, 4 TDs and 0 INTs.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...r-broncos-snap-percentages-by-player-for-2025

 

[Denver Broncos]

Broncos vs. Texans: 3 players to watch in Week 9 matchup

The Denver Broncos head on the road to battle the Houston Texans this weekend for their Week 9 gridiron matchup. The Texans are 3-4 and struggling to hit their stride on offense. However, their defense is one of the best in the National Football League. This will be a tough road challenge, but one Denver is capable of winning if they execute. Here are three players I believe need to play at a high level in order for the Broncos to come away with a victory on Sunday.

Garett Bolles — Offensive Tackle​

Left tackle Garett Bolles is the longest tenured member of the Broncos. In his ninth season in the National Football League, the franchise’s longtime blindside protector continues to perform at a high level. In fact, he might just be having the best season of his career.

So far in 2025, Bolles hasn’t allowed a single sack and has just four penalties. Even better? He has given up the least amount of pressure of any starting tackle in the NFL. Though his impact doesn’t stop there. Bolles’ play is a big reason for their uptick in production running the ball. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey have had some of their best and most explosive runs of the season with #73 paving the way with his downfield blocking.

This weekend Bolles and teammate Mike McGlinchey have their biggest test of the season thus far. We all know the Broncos have a great edge rusher duo in Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. Though the Texans boast a duo that is arguably just as formidable. Going up against Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will be a big test for Denver’s offensive line. If they can protect Bo Nix and give him time to make plays down the field, that would go a long way toward achieving their seventh win of the season.

Kris Abrams-Draine — Cornerback​

The Broncos’ secondary has continued to be a bright spot this season. Unfortunately, reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II will be sidelined for the next several games due to a pectoral strain. That will present some challenges for the unit but also more opportunities for some of their younger players.

It’s next man up in the Broncos’ secondary. Second-year pro Kris Abrams-Draine figures to see extensive playing time on Sunday opposite of Riley Moss. While the Texans’ offense is certainly missing Tank Dell, quarterback C.J. Stroud is known for distributing the football to a lot of different players. Even so, there is no doubt the Texans will be looking for ways to go after Abrams-Draine.

I’m interested to see how Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph approaches this game. Will he opt for more blitzes with zone coverages? Or will he still be calling man coverage at the highest rate in the NFL? With respect to Kris, I think we will see him in lot of off-man and zone coverages through the game. That should help him make some plays on the ball like we were accustomed to seeing during his collegiate days at Mizzou. Hopefully he can be consistent, keep the ball in front of him, and not allow big plays down the field.

J.K Dobbins — Running Back​

As we’ve outlined at Mile High Report all week, the Texans’ defense is formidable. They do a really good job of shutting down opposing quarterbacks through the air and force a lot of turnovers. I wouldn’t call it a weakness of theirs, but trying to establish the running game against them is going to be crucial for Denver to secure a road win.

There is no doubt the Broncos’ rushing attack has revitalized in ‘25 with veteran J.K. Dobbins leading the way. In eight games, the veteran is third in the NFL with 634 rushing yards. He has been a productive player, especially on first and second downs, and has toppled the 100-yard mark twice over the past several games. And even second-round pick RJ Harvey has flashed—including three touchdowns—in last week’s blowout victory over the Cowboys.

Dobbins clearly has a hot hand right now. So why stop giving him the ball? Pound the rock. Playing on the road, controlling the clock and dictating the pace of the game is important. If Dobbins can get rolling and generate consistent yardage early on, that should help sustain drives and alleviate some pressure off the shoulders of quarterback Bo Nix. If the Broncos’ rushing attack can thrive on the road, I believe Denver’s odds of winning improve immensely.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...s-texans-3-players-to-watch-in-week-9-matchup

 

[Denver Broncos]

Ultimate Fan: Broncos’ pass rush, run game keys to beating the Texans

The beatdown over the Dallas Cowboys is ancient history by now, so the Broncos are turning their attention to another team from Texas.

And although the Texans’ record is 3-4, they are playing at home after a good win over the Niners. So as this week’s ultimate fan, TheGueroLoco, reminds us in his fabulous UFG — the Texans shouldn’t be taken lightly, but the Broncos have the personnel to win this.

Can the #Broncos throttle the #Texans as they did the #Cowboys?

I can't wait to find out. This team is fun two watch.https://t.co/elAAZHOFkv

— Doctor of Words (@docllv) October 30, 2025

Week 9: Broncos at Texans​

MHR – Rumor has it you live near a bunch of Cowboys’ fans. How much fun has this week been for you?
TheGueroLoco: It has been an absolute blast! I got to spend all of Sunday night trolling Cowboys fans on social media, which never gets old! I moved to Texas 22 years ago, and since I have lived here, the Broncos have never lost to the Cowboys. The last time Dallas beat us was Sept. 10, 1995 (John Elway was hurt, for the record). The next time we play will likely be in 2029. So by the time they beat us again – IF they ever beat us again – it will have been 34 years.

Another great thing about all these wins is that most of them have not been close. Cowboys fans can’t use their usual excuses about the refs, or Dak choking. It’s just good ol fashion beatdown after beatdown!

I am a big fan of memes, most of which I confiscate and redistribute (lol), but a few years ago I made this one myself! Feel free to steal it!

MHR – One of our new post-game stories at Mile High Report is to ask “what did you learn about the Broncos this week?” It’s a great question, so what did YOU learn about the Broncos the last few weeks?
TheGueroLoco: I do have some good news for Cowboys fans! I know y’all hate Jerry Jones as much as just about any fanbase can hate an owner. Well guess what? Jerry Jones doesn’t own the Cowboys anymore. The Denver Broncos do!

Okay, I’m done trolling Cowboys fans (maybe).

The one thing that has been true about the Broncos in the Sean Payton era is they beat the snot out of bad teams. That looked to not be true after back-to-back tight victories against New York’s not-so-finest. (I blame both games on the London trip, but I digress). On Sunday we got back to being the team that thumps bad teams. That’s a good thing, but won’t matter come playoff time.

My biggest takeaway is that when the players execute Payton’s game plan, good things happen.

MHR – The Broncos’ offense finally looked in sync on Sunday – or at least like it picked up where it left off in the fourth quarter against the Giants. Is it too soon to believe that this offense can be something special this season?
TheGueroLoco: Probably? Look, the Dallas defense is absolutely atrocious. On top of that, they were missing arguably their two best players in Trevon Diggs and DeMarvion Overshown (plus a few safeties). So not only were we playing a bad defense, but they were severely undermanned.

For now, it is too soon to say the offense IS something special. I still absolutely Bo-lieve that this offense CAN be special. I just don’t think beating up on a bad, injured defense allows us to say that unequivocally.

The main thing with this offense is they have to put up points against good and great defenses – which they finally get to do this week! Once I see them hang 24+ on a Top 10 defense, I’ll say they HAVE arrived.

MHR – The big story on Sunday was the production of the rookies – touchdowns from RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant plus an interception by Jahdae Barron. And the other touchdowns and interception were from “year two” guys – Troy Franklin and Dondrea Tillman. Not to mention, the guy under center is just in his second year as well. How encouraging is it to see so much production from so many young players?
TheGueroLoco: Not to throw cold water on a great game, but again, it was the Cowboys, lol.

That being said, any growth from the young players is a positive. The Cowboys’ game plan was clearly to shut down Courtland Sutton, and they were moderately successful. Seeing Troy Franklin step up was the most encouraging thing for me. All of the trade deadline chatter is that the Broncos need a WR2, but I’d love to see Troy put that to bed this week with a breakout against the Texans.

Seeing RJ Harvey house that sweep was awesome, we finally got to see his burst and open field ability (the last time I can remember him having a run like that was Week 1 against the Titans). If he can continue to provide explosive plays and catch the ball out of the backfield it adds another dimension to this offense.

I love Pat Bryant, I think he’s the guy who will ultimately unlock the middle of the field. He is incredible on slants, and can really be the go-to option when we need 5-8 yards. We’re now eight games into the season, and he seems to be coming into his own.

Aa for the defensive guys, Tillman getting that INT and turning into a running back for 15 seconds was fun to watch! Barron still hasn’t really played enough for us to make any judgments about him. I’m glad the team has been able to bring him along slowly, but he needs to step up big with Patrick Surtain II out this week! He’s a Texas kid, so I know he’s up to the challenge! (I turned my back on Colorado college teams, and embraced the burnt orange … sorry, not sorry!)

MHR – On the other end of the age spectrum, the Broncos just signed 41-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis to the practice squad, primarily for his blocking ability and leadership. Do you think this signing indicates the Broncos, current AFC West leaders, want to do everything they can to give Bo Nix an edge – whether it’s another pair of hands to catch the ball or another blocker to protect the QB?
TheGueroLoco: Very interesting way to word this. To directly answer your question, no.

If that was the case, they would have traded for David Njoku or another veteran tight end that was not a street free agent. This is a desperation move to fill a void for a few weeks while they figure out how long Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull will be out. It is also an indication that the Caleb Lohner and Patrick Murtagh (never heard of Murtagh before now)) are nowhere near ready.

I do think it is a good move, though. This is a veteran’s veteran. He has been in the league since Sean Payton was a rookie head coach, so to say he has been around a while is an understatement! He is a guy you can plug right in. He blocks like an offensive lineman, and if you have to throw the ball to him, he will catch it. He only has 11 catches over the last three years, so don’t expect him to come in and be a weapon for Nix.

MHR – The run game last week broke wide open with JK Dobbins having his second game over 100 yards and rookie RJ Harvey busting out three touchdowns. Was that just because Dallas has such an awful defense, or are our running backs finding their footing (literally)? How do you expect them to do against DeMeco Ryans’ defense?
TheGueroLoco: Two things can be true at the same time: Dallas defense is , and the Broncos’ run game is finally clicking. After the 40-yard TD, Harvey didn’t do too much on the ground, but the rest of his work was mostly goal line and late game clock grinding.

I really enjoy watching JK Dobbins tote the rock. It is clear that a patient, veteran back was what we were missing last year. Our RB crew last year just seemed to charge full speed ahead into whatever they believed to be there as soon as they took the handoff.

Dobbins, on the other hand, is very patient sets up his blockers and churns his feet, always finding creases and extra yards. He always seems to get what’s blocked plus a few extra. Usually, when a guy is averaging 5.0+ yards per carry, he gets a bunch of chunk plays of 15+ to go with lots of 1-3 yard gains. Dobbins seems to find 5-7 yards on about every play and then every other game hits a 20+ yarder. It is a joy to watch.

The real question now is the last one: How does that translate this Sunday? This week is going to be tough sledding. My hope is Payton does not abandon the run like he usually does. This one is going to be a slog; those 5-7 yard carries are probably now 2-4. Denver has to just keep slamming into the brick wall until it breaks. If Payton abandons the run early and tries to win with screens and bombs (basically, our entire passing game revolves around these two things right now), it will be a long day. I believe Payton will stick to it and JK finally gets 20 carries, but it only translates into 70-80 yards.

MHR – Joe Lombardi said the Texans defense will be the best one the Broncos have faced so far. And likely the Broncos are the best defense that the Texans have faced. Which defense has the easier path on Sunday (or which offense is more likely to overcome the opposing defense better)?
TheGueroLoco: The Broncos defense has the “easiest path.” The Texans offensive line is by far the biggest weakness on the team. If Denver can get pressure with four pass rushers, they can dominate this game. I would also point out that this does not mean that four-down linemen are the only ones rushing the passer. This is a completely new line in Houston. None of them has played next to each other prior to this year. I think this key is a staple of Joseph’s defense: put 7 guys on the line of scrimmage and change up who is coming. In the last two weeks, this has led to interceptions by both Justin Strnad and the aforementioned Tillman. Repeatedly doing this will lead to miscommunications on the Texans offensive line and repeated sacks and throwaways for Stroud. If Denver can generate 4+ sacks and 10+ pressures, this game swings dramatically in their favor.

"It's going to be a physical game."

1-on-1 with @TalanoaHufanga ahead of #DENvsHOU pic.twitter.com/7nrUiZhlfv

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 1, 2025

MHR – The Broncos defense has been outstanding, especially making the NFL’s No. 1 offense last week look rather pedestrian. And even though CJ Stroud and the Texans’offense struggled early this season, last week looked like they turned a corner. How dangerous could Stroud be for our defense?
TheGueroLoco: I have watched a decent amount of their last two games and I have some news for you! No corners have been turned. The Texans have been able to beat teams with bottom eight pressure rates. Against the Seahawks, Stroud was running for his life most of the night and they did not score a single offensive touchdown (defense got one on an endzone strip sack). The 49ers front seven was decimated by injuries last week and didn’t have the firepower to pressure Stroud. The NFL in 2025 comes down to the trenches: can you pressure the Quarterback and can you keep pressure off of yours? Stats bear out that the Broncos are the best in the league in both of these categories. They lead the league in sacks, and Bo has been sacked less than any QB in football.

Could Stroud have a monster game? Yes, if Denver cannot get pressure, he can pick us apart, especially with PS2 out. I think Denver will heat him up enough and force the ball out quick. I trust the backend to make tackles and keep everything in front of us. This will be a great game to play “bend but don’t break,” because the Texans redzone offense is 31st in redzone percentage at 42.11. Ironically, their defense is also 31st at 70.59% (it’s technically a tie for last, but I like the symmetry).

MHR – Vance Joseph had a great quote this week about the approach to young quarterbacks, noting that thinking you always blitz a young quarterback is faulty because if he gets the ball out fast, he neutralizes the blitz but then also gets more favorable one-on-ones with receivers. What do you think the best approach will be for limiting Stroud’s strengths and keeping him more one-dimensional?
TheGueroLoco: As I said earlier, get home with four. Easier said than done for most teams. Dial up lots of simulated pressures. Give him exotic fronts where the line does not know who is coming. This line is still learning how to play together and will miss enough of these to swing the game. IF for some reason we struggle to get home, start blitzing Ja’Quan McMillian and the ILB’s but do that as a last resort.

MHR – Last week’s win over the Cowboys was also done mostly without Pat Surtain, and that meant Ja’Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine had to step in, which they did. How confident are you in the Broncos’s secondary, without PS2, going against an offense that put up over 300 yards in the air last week?
TheGueroLoco: PS2 is what makes the whole thing go with this defense. The Broncos play man coverage at a higher rate than any other team in the league (and it’s not that close). This game is a litmus test for Vance Joseph as a coach: can you scheme around losing your best player? We will probably have to move to more zone coverage, which I think can work as long as we get pressure. The biggest key to me is Riley Moss, not the other three guys you mentioned. He needs to continue to play at a high level (I know some in Broncos Country hate him, but he has been really good this year). If he can get through the game without giving up a big play on third down (catch or DPI), it will go a long way toward us winning this game.

I am also really excited to see KAD. He is a converted WR and Payton says he has the best hands on the team (I am sure that was to fire up the WRs). They’re going to test him and I think he makes a game changing INT along the way.

MHR – Dre Greenlaw will be back in the line-up on Sunday. How much of a difference-maker is he (or do you think he will be) for this defense?
TheGueroLoco: He’s played one game. Alex Singleton isn’t coming off the field. He wears the green dot and is a team captain. Justin Strnad has played really well. In Greenlaw’s first game back, he played around 20 snaps. I don’t see that going too much over 30 in this one. Unless he forces a game changing fumble or lights up Stroud because the line forgot to block him, I don’t see him changing much. This isn’t because he isn’t a great player, but because Strnad has been playing at a very high level. Strand has been our best ILB this year and isn’t even playing full time as is.

I could see Greenlaw’s impact being bigger if he went in for Singleton at some point, but that isn’t happening barring injury.

MHR – Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper, working in tandem with Zach Allen and JFM, provide relentless pressure. Combined with the secondary, and an improved inside linebacker corps, there are not too many holes in this defense. Which part of the Broncos defense do you think is the most formidable to opposing offenses?
TheGueroLoco: With Surtain II out, there is no question it is the pass rush. You listed the starters, but the Broncos bring pressure in waves with Jonah Ellis, Dondrea Tillman, Malcom Roach, and Eyioma Uwazurike, among others coming off the bench. This unit not only leads the league in sacks, but is on pace to break the single season sack record!

MHR – Who are your midseason MVPs – offense, defense, ST?
TheGueroLoco: I am going to run this like the Offensive Player of the Year and remove the QB position. It’s the most important position in football and Bo deserves credit for how he has played for stretches.

Offense: I have to go JK Dobbins here. He’s currently third in the league in Rushing yards. He’s tied for 4th in yards per carry (minimum 75 carries). He’s been the missing piece that this offense needed.

Defense: Vance Joseph and Sean Payton have both said publicly that the entire defense is based around the generational talent that is Patrick Surtain II. Nik Bonitto has been fantastic, but Surtain’s numbers (minus the INTs) have arguably been better than last year, when all he did was win Defensive Player of the Year. Pat’s MY GUY, and he gets the nod here.

I believe this is a get-right game for Bonitto. He has always struggled a bit against top-tier tackles. Sunday, he feasts against a rookie. By the time PS2 is back, Vonitto (this was a typo, but it might make a good nickname. Let’s hear it from the comments section) will likely have surpassed him.

Showdown in H-Town. pic.twitter.com/jWT3Cgk65R

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 31, 2025

Predictions​

Stats for BO NIX? 17/28 177 yards no TDs and more importantly no turnovers.

Stats for each Broncos RB? Dobbins finally gets 20 carries and snags 75 yards and a TD. Harvey adds 8 for 23.

Number of yards receiving/TDs for the receivers? Sutton 3 for 40, Franklin 6 for 52, and Bryant 3 for 18, with some tough catches on 3rd down to move the chains.

Longest FG for Lutz? 58

Number of sacks to CJ Stroud? 5

Number of times Nix barely misses getting sacked? 5

Broncos player with the most tackles? Talanoa Hufanga

Who gets the first sack of the game for the Broncos? Bonitto’s jump gets Aireontae Ersery on the first drive to force a punt.

Who gets any sacks? Bonitto 3, Cooper 1 ,Ellis 1

How many INTs/FF/FR for the Texans’ D? 0/0/0 Broncos play a clean game

How many INTs/FF/FR for the Broncos’ D?

2/0/0 KAD and another DL/Edge in coverage I’ll go with Cooper since he’s been SO close a few times.

How many completely wrong DPI penalties called on Riley Moss? 1

Final Score? Good old-fashioned rock fight…Denver 16, Houston 9

#DENvsHOU WEEK — Dec. 22, 2013 — Peyton Manning set an NFL record by throwing his 51st touchdown pass of the season, as the Denver Broncos beat the Texans 37–13 in Houston. Denver also captured its 13th AFC West division title.
TDs: DT (RIP), @EricDecker87 (2) and @Julius_Thomas pic.twitter.com/LDP5Vv7pgP

— Mile High Moments (@MileHighMoments) October 30, 2025

The Favorites ​

Favorite John Elway win outside of the Super Bowls? The Drive!

Favorite Broncos win ever? Should be Super Bowl 32, but there is something about Super Bowl 50 that still resonates with me a decade later. It wasn’t just an amazing time for Broncos Country, it was a peak in my own life as well.

Favorite Peyton Manning win? I would normally say SB50, but in honor of the Cowboys beatdown I will say the 51-48 victory in 2013. We can call it “The Bootleg.” When Manning faked the stadium, the announcers, and the camera man out and walked into the endzone.

Toughest Peyton Manning loss? Had to be the 2012 Ravens game, because we HAD that game in the bag!

Team you love to beat the most in the AFC West? Right now the Chiefs. The Raiders are so non-competitive it feels like beating up a very younger brother.

Coach you laugh at the most in the NFL? None of them really make me laugh. Pete Carroll running around with wide receiver gloves at 70 something is pretty funny though.

Coach you most want to “bench?” I know he is a coordinator, but I will always have a special disdain for Josh McDumbass (New England OC). The only good thing that guy ever did was run the Raiders further into the ground.

Team you hate to lose to the most in the rest of the AFC? Well now it is New England, because they are good again and Mcdouchecanoe is back to being their OC.

NFC team you could cheer for in the Super Bowl? It’s becoming cliche to say the Lions so I’ll go with the Bears since I have family in Chicago.

NFC team you want to face more than any other in the Super Bowl? The only thing Cowboys fans can hold over our heads is Super Bowl XII. Of course it’s them!

Favorite game looking forward to this season? Chiefs on Christmas! The ultimate litmus test: road game in December, short week, great team. If we win that one we can beat anyone anywhere.

Easiest game left on the schedule? No true gimmes left, and it’s a division game. Right now it’s the Raiduhs!

Toughest game left on the schedule? We all know it’s the Chiefs on Christmas in KC!

Favorite Broncos player on the current roster? Patrick Surtain II, he has a chance to go down as the greatest corner of all time.

Favorite Broncos player of all time not named John Elway? Von Miller (PS2 is RIGHT on his heels though)

Favorite new guy/rookie on the team? This is really hard, because they’re all playing so well. I’ll say Talanoa Hufanga

Food/Snack you have to eat on game day? I’m not picky, but as a Texan I have to wash it down with Dr. Pepper

Favorite game analyst/commentator? Joe Buck is one of the great play by play guys of all time. I’ve got to give him some respect!

If YOU were choosing your Broncos’ Mt. Rushmore, who would be included?
I am cheating and making an offensive and defensive. Offense: Floyd Little, John Elway, Peyton Manning, Terrell Davis (SOOOO hard to leave off Shannon Sharpe and DT). Defense: Randy Gradishar, Von Miller, Champ Bailey, Patrick Surtain II (yeah he is that good) sorry Steve Atwater.

How did you become a Broncos fan?
It was a cold December day in 1984 in The Rocky Mountains, and my mom went into labor. Our little town did not have a labor and delivery ward, so they typically sent the moms to the next county to give birth. I wasn’t waiting, so our family doctor had to deliver me. When he slapped me on the butt, I looked at him and said “that Elway kid is something, ain’t he?” The nurses were shocked when they drew my blood and it came out orange. The lab tech took one look at it and said “this one is a Broncos fan for life!”

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...pass-rush-run-game-keys-to-beating-the-texans

 

[Denver Broncos]

Week 9: Broncos at Texans – Live Coverage

The Denver Broncos will be looking to extend their win streak to six games here on the road against the Houston Texans. Two of the NFL’s top defenses will take the field in this one, so I would expect a bit of a defensive struggle. After starting 0-3, the Texans are on a roll too winning three of their last four games. Denver needs to keep winning, though, as both the Chiefs and Chargers are right on their heels in the AFC West.

Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. Mile High time on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. You can watch the live stream of the game through FuboTV or on FOX. The game will be called by Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (analyst), and Allison Williams (sideline). You can also check local Broncos radio network affiliate stations.

• Game Information
• Gameday Inactives
• Everything we have on this game

Broncos vs. Texans score predictions​

According to FanDuel, the Broncos were 1.5-point favorites when betting opened, but the line shifted the Texans way over the week. Houston is now favorited by that amount, instead. In my prediction this week, I felt it was going to be a tough slog for Denver this week. The game feels like a ‘trap’ and the Texans defense is as legit at Denver’s. Even so, the Broncos are rolling and I’m going to give them the slight edge here.

Prediction: Broncos 17, Texans 16.

Join the discussion in the comments section below.​

Broncos vs. Texans live updates​

Geared up for #DENvsHOU pic.twitter.com/rKJ610Zb4z

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 2, 2025

There might be more Broncos fans in NRG stadium than Texans fans just before kickoff pic.twitter.com/UFLjfgGgZt

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) November 2, 2025

Have seen both Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine outside opposite Riley Moss in warmpus.

— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) November 2, 2025

Bo Nix, Talanoa Hufanga and Alex Singleton are the Broncos' game-day captains.

Broncos call heads, win the toss and defer.

— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) November 2, 2025

#Broncos DC Vance Joseph said the plan was to cover Pat Surtain's absence with a few guys. We're already seeing that.

Jahdae Barron started at outside CB, but was at nickel with Kris Abrams-Draine outside on that third down

— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) November 2, 2025

Stroud's got two third-and-long conversions working on Kris Abrams-Draine already.

First a slant to Nico Collins and now a ball to Christian Kirk when he had enough time to let Kirk work toward the sideline.

— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) November 2, 2025

Zach Allen's sack likely was the difference of the Texans making and missing the FG.

Huge sack.

Broncos get the ball on the Texans' 41 yard line.

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) November 2, 2025

Marcedes Lewis checks in for the Broncos on their fourth offensive snap of the day. He officially becomes the oldest player in Broncos history.

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 2, 2025

Wil Lutz is… blocked

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) November 2, 2025

Dalton Schultz past Alex Singleton for the deep 47-yard catch-and-run. Texans in the red zone.

Also, Tyler Badie's earlier drop was his third of the season in 11 catchable passes — a 27-percent drop rate.

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 2, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/game-day-threads/162363/broncos-vs-texans-live-coverage-week-9

 

[Denver Broncos]

Broncos vs. Raiders betting odds for Week 10

The Denver Broncos secured their sixth win in a row on Sunday in a defensive slugfest on the road against the Houston Texans. They will now have a short week to prepare for their AFC West rival Las Vegas Raiders who are coming off their own close game, though they lost in overtime on a failed two-point conversion attempt. This is a must-win game for Denver as they will be hosting the Kansas City Chiefs the following week in a game that figures to have major playoff implications.

According to FanDuel, the Broncos are 9.5-point home favorites against the Raiders in Week 10 on Thursday Night Football. The over/under stands at 42.5 for this matchup.

Broncos vs. Raiders betting odds​

Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 6:15 A.M. Mile High time
Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado
ATS Betting Lines: Denver -9.5
Moneyline Odds: Denver -560 / Las Vegas +420
Over/Under: 42.5

I know the Raiders are a bad football team, but they are a divisional opponent. Divisional games can be quite tough and the Raiders biggest strengths in their passing game on offense is Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. The Broncos defense struggles to cover both tight ends and running backs, so that should make this game a lot closer than the line suggests.

Even so, the Broncos should beat the Raiders at home here. They are the better team right now and are riding high on the NFL’s longest win streak. I do think Denver wins, but I am not confident they cover this 9.5-point spread.

What are your predictions for the Broncos-Raiders game in Week 10?

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denver-broncos-odds/162369/broncos-vs-raiders-opening-odds-week-10

 

[Denver Broncos]

Broncos stats and snaps for the win over the Texans

As I write this, the Denver Broncos are tied with the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots for the league lead in wins with 7. There is no NFC team with 7 or more wins.

Interesting look at the distribution of wins so far this season in the NFL – 3 teams with 7, 3 teams with 1, but 14 with 5 or 6, and only 1 with 4. pic.twitter.com/6fLTSppGbK

— Joe Mahoney (@ndjomo76) November 3, 2025

The Broncos are currently 4th in points allowed per game.

The Bronco offense has now beaten the best scoring defense in the league after having played five of the six worst scoring defenses in the league. The only one of those that the Broncos have yet to face is the Bears – Denver does not play Chicago this year. The Broncos have two games remaining with the Chiefs (3rd), Raiders (23rd) and get to face the Commanders (22nd), and the Jaguars (17th). The also have to play the Chargers (11th) and the Packers (8th).

The Broncos were 1-6 in one score games last season and are 5-2 so far this season. Over the last two seasons they are still 6-8, but at least they are not the Giants who are now 2-10 in one score games over the last two seasons.

The Eagles and the Chiefs (who met in the slaughter of the chiefs last Super Bowl) both have been great in one-score games over the last two seasons. The Jaguars have had the most one-score games 2024-2025 with 19. They are 7-12 in those games. That’s pretty crazy that 19 of the Jags 25 games have been one score.

The Bronco defense now has 40 sacks in 9 games. That’s 4.4 sacks per game which is not only the best per game season in Bronco history, but is also the second best rate in NFL history. The Broncos are on pace for 75 sacks, which would be three more than the 1984 Bears, but they did it in 16 games.

Broncos are now at slightly lower sack per game rate than the 84 Bears (4.4 vs 4.5), but still have a crazy sack rate relative to league average pic.twitter.com/xmS48epoHI

— Joe Mahoney (@ndjomo76) November 3, 2025

The snaps will follow

Player	Pos	Num	Pct	Num	Pct	Num	Pct
Luke Wattenberg	C	63	100%	0	0%	3	9%
Mike McGlinchey	T	63	100%	0	0%	3	9%
Quinn Meinerz	G	63	100%	0	0%	3	9%
Alex Palczewski	T	63	100%	0	0%	3	9%
Garett Bolles	T	63	100%	0	0%	0	0%
Bo Nix	QB	63	100%	0	0%	0	0%
Courtland Sutton	WR	58	92%	0	0%	0	0%
Troy Franklin	WR	50	79%	0	0%	0	0%
Adam Trautman	TE	46	73%	0	0%	3	9%
Pat Bryant	WR	36	57%	0	0%	3	9%
Evan Engram	TE	32	51%	0	0%	0	0%
J.K. Dobbins	RB	29	46%	0	0%	0	0%
RJ Harvey	RB	20	32%	0	0%	5	15%
Tyler Badie	RB	14	22%	0	0%	20	61%
Adam Prentice	FB	10	16%	0	0%	17	52%
Trent Sherfield	WR	8	13%	0	0%	16	48%
Michael Bandy	WR	6	10%	0	0%	8	24%
Marcedes Lewis	TE	6	10%	0	0%	0	0%
Riley Moss	CB	0	0%	73	100%	6	18%
Talanoa Hufanga	S	0	0%	73	100%	6	18%
Alex Singleton	LB	0	0%	73	100%	0	0%
Brandon Jones	S	0	0%	70	96%	0	0%
Ja’Quan McMillian	CB	0	0%	51	70%	0	0%
Zach Allen	DL	0	0%	48	66%	6	18%
Kris Abrams-Draine	CB	0	0%	43	59%	8	24%
Malcolm Roach	DT	0	0%	42	58%	10	30%
Nik Bonitto	LB	0	0%	41	56%	0	0%
John Franklin-Myers	DL	0	0%	36	49%	6	18%
Jahdae Barron	CB	0	0%	34	47%	8	24%
Justin Strnad	LB	0	0%	31	42%	21	64%
D.J. Jones	DT	0	0%	29	40%	6	18%
Jonathon Cooper	LB	0	0%	29	40%	0	0%
Dondrea Tillman	LB	0	0%	28	38%	24	73%
Dre Greenlaw	LB	0	0%	27	37%	0	0%
Eyioma Uwazurike	DL	0	0%	26	36%	10	30%
Jonah Elliss	LB	0	0%	23	32%	19	58%
Quandarrius Robinson	LB	0	0%	23	32%	12	36%
JL Skinner	S	0	0%	3	4%	19	58%
Devon Key	DB	0	0%	0	0%	30	91%
Karene Reid	LB	0	0%	0	0%	24	73%
J.T. Gray	DB	0	0%	0	0%	21	64%
Jeremy Crawshaw	P	0	0%	0	0%	11	33%
Mitchell Fraboni	LS	0	0%	0	0%	11	33%
Frank Crum	T	0	0%	0	0%	9	27%
Wil Lutz	K	0	0%	0	0%	6	18%
Alex Forsyth	C	0	0%	0	0%	3	9%
Calvin Throckmorton	G	0	0%	0	0%	3	9%

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denver-broncos-stats/162712/broncos-stats-snaps-vs-texans