How it Happened: Broncos defense overwhelms Cam Ward, Titans in season opener

Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver hosts the Titans at Empower Field at Mile High.

Live updates

FINAL | Broncos 20, Titans 12

Denver’s run game took a while to get started, but it’s better late than never for the Broncos.

Rookie RJ Harvey broke out for a 50-yard run on a drive that was capped off by J.K. Dobbins’ 19-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. The score gave Denver a 20-12 lead, which would also be the final.

The Broncos’ defense did the rest, overwhelming No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward by sacking the rookie quarterback six times and limiting him to just 112 yards passing.

Nik Bonitto — who just inked a four-year, $106 million extension — was a problem all day for the Titans as he had a sack, two tackles for a loss and a pair of quarterback hits. Talanoa Hufanga had a huge debut, tallying 10 tackles for the Broncos.

Denver (1-0) will take on the Colts (1-0) in Indianapolis next Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.

More Broncos coverage:

• Broncos analysis: Nik Bonitto, defense roar out of the gates in opening win over Titans.
• Renck: Broncos whiffed on helping Bo Nix in offseason, and it shows in ugly Week 1 win.
• Keeler: Run the ball, Sean Payton! If Broncos want to help Bo Nix, they’ll have him hand off.
• Broncos-Titans four downs: Bo Nix’s struggles continue. Did he prove Jeffery Simmons right?
• Broncos tight end Evan Engram injures calf in Week 1 win over Titans.
• Broncos report card: Sean Payton strays from run game, makes baffling fourth-down decision.
• WATCH: Bo Nix connects with Courtland Sutton for 22-yard touchdown against Titans.

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Fourth-quarter updates

Defense does it (5:29 p.m.): Yet again, the Broncos defense bails out some Broncos offense weirdness. Why Denver opted to throw the ball up for grabs on fourth-and-long in field goal range, we’ll never know. — Schubert

Going for it (5:26 p.m.): That was a bold move. And it didn’t work. The Broncos went for it on fourth-and-9 and Bo Nix missed Marvin Mims Jr. deep. It’s all on the defense to keep the lead with 1:04 remaining. — Nguyen

Penalty (5:18 p.m.): Jeffrey Simmons with an assist on a completely unnecessary personal foul penalty. That’s likely game. — Schubert

Jumbo (5:14 p.m.): Broncos have gone to LT Alex Palczewski a ton today as a jumbo tight end. He’s helped buoy the running game. — Evans

Penalty (5:12 p.m.): Another facemask call on Tennessee has the Denver offense at midfield. — Nguyen

Free agency (5:08 p.m.): If not for Talanoa Hufanga, Broncos free agency would be looking rather bleak right now. — Schubert

Injury update (5:08 p.m.): Evan Engram questionable to return with calf injury. — Renck

Not a great sign for 31-year-old tight end Evan Engram, who was plagued by injuries last season and now looks likely out for the rest of the game with a calf injury. That’s a dangerous area. — Evans

No good (5:07 p.m.): Loss of 7 inches. Titans ball at midfield. — Schubert

Going for it (5:06 p.m.): Broncos go for it on fourth-and-3 inches and we’re getting a virtual measurement. — Schubert

A better half (5:02 p.m.): Bo Nix fired behind Troy Franklin there. It’s one game, and he’s largely righted the ship in the second half, but Broncos are winning this game outside of him. — Evans

Dominant defense (5:01 p.m.): Broncos had franchise-record 63 sacks last year. Have 5 today. Right on pace for another big year. Can’t say enough about this defense carrying the water. — Renck

Touchdown, Broncos (4:53 p.m.): J.K. Dobbins busts through the hole for a 19-yard touchdown. It took more than three quarters, but the Broncos run game has finally arrived. And at 20-12 with 7:37 left, that’s probably game. — Schubert

Broncos rushing before before the most recent drive: 18-56

Broncos rushing that drive: 3-74-TD — Gabriel

R. J. Harvey. (4:48 p.m.): The Broncos needed that. Rookie RJ Harvey with the 50-yard run to start the drive. — Nguyen

Welcome to the party, RJ Harvey! A 50-yard run has the Broncos in business. Score here — field goal or TD — and this game is over.

And for the record: That’s the longest run the Broncos have had since Latavius Murray two seasons ago. — Schubert

Per research from Parker Gabriel, Broncos’ longest carry last year was 43 yards by Tyler Badie. Harvey tops in his first game.

Was needed on so many levels on what has been a disappointing day offensively. — Renck

Another sack (4:44 p.m.): Zach Allen’s 11-yard sack pushes Tennessee out of field-goal range. The punt goes through the end zone. — Nguyen

Zach Allen’s turn on the sack machine. Sack total now stands at five. Marvin Mims Jr. owes the defense dinner. — Schubert

Zach Allen follows with sack. Titans take over at 24-yard line. And lose 27 yards on three plays. This game is not on the defense no matter what happens. — Renck

Sacked (4:42 p.m.): Jonah Elliss sacks Cam Ward for a 16-yard loss. — Nguyen

The Broncos pass rush is winning this game single-handedly. — Schubert

Muffed punt (4:40 p.m.): Et tu, Marvin? Oh. No. — Keeler

A muffed punt catch by Marvin Mims Jr. and a recovery by Tennessee gives the Titans the ball at the Denver 24. — Nguyen

Broncos now in trouble. Defense camouflaging more blemishes than Revlon. But Mims fumbles a punt. Now Titans in position to take lead with ball at 24-yard line with 11 minutes left. Special teams and offense have been a mess today. Save for Crawshaw. He’s been fine. — Renck

Third-quarter thoughts: Broncos 13, Titans 12

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: I saw Titans kicker Joey Slye pretty easily hit from 67 yards in warmups. The Broncos do not want to be leading by two or less when this thing comes down to the wire.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: The Broncos need a takeaway. Badly. This is one of those games where a Nik Bonitto pick-6 or something wacky could put the scrappy Titans away. Otherwise, it’s too tight. Too ugly. And those are the kind of NFL games that underdogs sometimes sneak a victory out of.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: Broncos are fortunate they have a great defense and are playing a team that had the No. 1 overall pick or they would be getting skunked. Just lack balance, continuity, rhythm offensively. Traces back to zero impact from ground game.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: If the Broncos continue playing with their food, they could mess around and lose this thing. It’s a real good thing the Titans are on the other sideline right now.

Third-quarter updates

Engram update (4:33 p.m.): Engram is out of the tent and walking around. — Evans

Evan Engram’s out of the medical tent and has his helmet in his hands. Was doing some jogging on the sideline.

Would seem to be good signs. — Gabriel

Engram (4:30 p.m.): Bo Nix finds Evan Engram for a 10-yard gain and the first down. Engram reached for his ankle after the play and limped off the field. — Nguyen

Broncos tight end Evan Engram just came up limping after a first-down grab, it looked like he was trying to hop it off on the sideline but he just went straight to the medical tent. — Evans

Definitely a situation to watch here: Evan Engram grabbed right at his right Achilles/ankle after that third-down conversion. Went to the medical tent immediately. — Gabriel

Corner play (4:25 p.m.): Pat Surtain II’s debut as the reigning DPOY is another tour de force by erasure.

Calvin Ridley so far: 2 targets, 1 catch, 1 yard. — Renck

The Titans are trying to pick on Riley Moss, and it ain’t working. Two targets on that last drive, two breakups. — Schubert

Rookie first-round CB Jahdae Barron had played pretty exclusively in third-and-long dime situations up until that Titans drive, where he rotated in for starter Ja’Quan McMillian at nickel. — Evans

Another challenge (4:22 p.m.): Sean Payton blows his final challenge on a first-down call on Tennessee’s side of the field, but the Titans are going backwards again. The Broncos pass rush has been spectacular today. — Schubert

No-shows (4:15 p.m.): Your no-show count for today: 2,173.

Consider yourselves lucky. — Schubert

2,174 counting the run game. — Renck

Field goal, Broncos (4:11 p.m.): A 12-play, 48-yard drive is capped off by a 33-yard field goal by Wil Lutz. Broncos 13, Titans 12 with 4:17 to go in the third quarter. — Nguyen

Drive stalls out and Lutz comes on for a chip-shot field goal. Broncos lead 13-12.

Two words for this game right now: Bo-ring. — Schubert

Broncos inch back ahead 13-12. At least this drive featured some runs. If Nix doesn’t scramble, he’s ordinary. Teams are going to force him to beat them on the outside. The way to get safety out of the middle of the field is to run the ball more and have Nix use legs on scrambles. — Renck

Offense picking up steam (4:08 p.m.): Broncos putting together a decent drive here, and JK Dobbins just ripped off his best run of the day for 8 yards. Put a touchdown on the board here, and that might actually be enough. — Schubert

Run, Bo, run (4:06 p.m.): Nix with the 11-yard scramble up the middle on second-and-18. A quick pass to Courtland Sutton has them convert the first down. — Nguyen

Nix finally scrambled and got 11 up the middle, then hit Sutton for an easy first-down conversion on an out-breaker. It doesn’t have to be so hard. — Gabriel

Bailed out (4:04 p.m.): Titans’ Jarvis Brownlee Jr. bails Denver’s offense out again with his third penalty of the day. This one was a facemask on Marvin Mims Jr. — Nguyen

Field goal, Titans (3:58 p.m.): Denver’s defense stayed stout. Tennessee only had three plays before having to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Joey Slye. Titans 12, Broncos 10 with 11:56 to go in the third quarter. — Nguyen

Picked off again (3:55 p.m.): Halftime lasts just an extra three minutes and we’re back at it. And Bo Nix is back to being bad. Ill-advised throw leads to an interception on the second play of the third quarter. — Schubert

Well, Nix now has three turnovers. Throws to Troy Franklin in double coverage — he was bracketed — leading to easy interception. That’s two picks and one fumble. Only way Titans can pull off the upset is through through turnovers. And Broncos continue giving them gifts. — Renck

Bo Nix three-turnover games as a rookie: 1

Already on the board this year and we’ve still got 28 minutes left in the opener. — Gabriel

Halftime thoughts: Broncos 10, Titans 9

Luca Evans, beat writer: Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper could win this game by the Broncos by their dang selves. Denver’s defensive-front depth and secondary has been as advertised. Calvin Ridley has one catch for one yard on Pat Surtain. That’s the good news. Bad news is that Bo Nix and Sean Payton and most everyone on Denver’s offense look out of sync besides a late-half TD to Courtland Sutton. We’re now in a lightning delay. Feels about right.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Bo is redeemed! Meanwhile, hurry back, Dre Greenlaw. Seriously. Punting’s been fine. Nik Bonitto’s living up to the money. Talanoa Hufanga is on a pace for 18 tackles — which is great for your IDP league, but a bad sign for a defense that’s struggled to keep those interior runs in front of the linebackers for most of the first half. No coincidence: Titans RB Tony Pollard led all skill guys in touches (14) and yards from scrimmage (76) over the opening 30 minutes. If you’re Tennessee, ugly-ing it up is your best chance at an upset.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: Sean Payton can’t help himself. He wants to pass. Continues to pass. Won’t stop passing. Nix has 22 attempts at half, same as last year’s opener at Seattle. You can get away with it vs. Titans at home. But not on road against competent teams. Thank goodness Vance Joseph’s defense is suffocating, spearheaded by Bonitto and Hufanga. But everything about this first half offensively — save for one TD pass to Sutton — has felt unorganized and ineffective and chaotic.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: As bad as the Broncos offense played in that first half, being up a point at halftime is a massive win. Bo Nix was awful — save for one throw — and the 2025 run game looks a lot like the 2024 run game. Lucky for Denver, 2025 Nik Bonitto looks even better than 2024 Nik Bonitto.

Second-quarter updates

Field goal, Titans (3:34 p.m.): Chimere Dike’s huge kick return sets up a 42-yard field goal for the Titans. Broncos 10, Titans 9 with two seconds in the half. With Marvin Mims Jr. fielding the ball, scoring might not be done yet. — Nguyen

Touchdown, Broncos (3:31 p.m.): Denver capitalized on Tennessee’s questionable offensive decisions as Bo Nix connects with Courtland Sutton for a 22-yard score and the team’s first touchdown of the season. Broncos 10, Titans 6 with 16 seconds remaining in the half. — Nguyen

Titans gave the Broncos a gift with some bizarre end-of-half playcalling, and Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton cash in. — Schubert

It’s Badie’s world (3:31 p.m.): As presently constructed, Tyler Badie has one fewer target than the entire Broncos backfield has carries this first half. — Evans

Questionable decisions (3:28 p.m.): Titans with some questionable decisions here. Three straight dropbacks and now the Broncos are gonna have a chance at a field goal here to close out the half.

Don’t know why you do that with your offense pinned inside the 10 and 48 seconds left on the clock.

Jonathon Cooper makes them pay with a near safety. — Schubert

Brian Callahan just gifting the Broncos a chance to get the ball, likely in great field position, here for another chance at points before the half. — Gabriel

Lessons (3:27 p.m.): Bo Nix threw 22 times in first half vs. Seattle in opener last year. And has thrown 21 times so far in the first half this year. Has history taught us nothing (insert old man screaming into the clouds meme). — Renck

Another punt (3:25 p.m.): Jeremy Crawshaw’s punt has the Titans starting at their own 7. — Nguyen

RB3 (3:24 p.m.): Tyler Badie is the offense today, folks. — Schubert

Slow start (3:19 p.m.): Would really like to see the Broncos get points on this drive. They’re getting the second-half kick, so here’s a chance to swing this. — Schubert

Casa Bonitto (3:15 p.m.): Nik Bonitto sacked Cam Ward for 12-yard loss on third-and-goal. Tennessee settles for a 33-yard field goal by Joey Slye. Titans 6, Broncos 3 with 2:16 to go in the half. — Nguyen

Nik Bonitto today: Sack, two TFLs. Add it to a $106 million extension and a deal with Nike and he’s having a better week than you are. — Gabriel

Bonitto and Hufanga are writing diaries of havoc. So far this season looks a lot like last September. Defense carrying the team. — Renck

Newcomer’s big debut (3:13 p.m.): Talanoa Hufanga’s got nine tackles already plus the forced fumble. Nice play there even 8 yards down the field because Pollard had his sights on quite a bit more. — Gabriel

Titans’ offense (3:13 p.m.): The Titans’ offense has had flat-out better execution than Denver’s so far. — Evans

A rare lost fumble (3:10 p.m.): Really poor start for Bo Nix. Strip sack and Tennessee has the ball in Broncos territory. — Schubert

That’s Bo Nix’s first lost fumble since, if I’m not mistaken, he was at Auburn.

Didn’t lose one last year and believe he went two seasons at Oregon without losing one, too. — Gabriel

All kinds of horror for Broncos’ offense there.

Lost in that Bo Nix sack-fumble was the fact that he fake-handed off on wrong side on play-action to J.K. Dobbins, or Dobbins went to wrong side. Either way. So much chaos on offense for Denver right now. — Evans

Bo knows running (3:08 p.m.): Bo Nix’s first carry of the year is a QB sneak for a first down. — Gabriel

Successful challenge (3:07 p.m.): Could be coincidence, but first game Broncos HC Sean Payton has new director of game management Evan Rothstein on the headset up in the booth and he’s 2-0 on challenges in the first 20:05 of game time. — Gabriel

Another challenge (3:03 p.m.): Sean Payton using those challenges like they are burning a hole in his pocket. — Schubert

At 9:55 mark left in half, Sean Payton has three challenges and four rush attempts. And who says this team doesn’t have balance? — Renck

Crawshaw’s debut (2:59 p.m.): Well, at least punter Jeremy Crawshaw nailed his first punt, a 52-yarder. Broncos tied at 3. Nix has thrown 16 times. On pace for roughly 60 attempts. That seems like a lot. — Renck

Jeremy Crawshaw needs no mulligan. That’s a beautiful punt pinning the Titans inside their own 10. — Schubert

Out of sync (2:58 p.m.): The Bo Nix-Tyler Badie connection needs work. Three and out. — Schubert

Tyler Badie targets: 4. Evan Engram targets: 1. Woof. — Keeler

That decision to render Jaleel McLaughlin inactive isn’t looking great. Tyler Badie is 0-of-4 on targets thus far. — Evans

A Sean Payton tradition (2:57 p.m.): Alex Palczewski is the Broncos’ jumbo TE.

It used to be Quinn Bailey. After Bailey got hurt it was Matt Peart. Now Palcho. — Gabriel

Familiar faces (2:57 p.m.): Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson shown on JumboTron. Both were at a practice this summer. Now hanging out at a game. — Renck

Fumble (2:53 p.m.): Tony Pollard runs up the gut and Talanoa Hufanga popped the ball loose. Brandon Jones gets the recovery. Denver ball on its own 39. — Nguyen

Doesn’t appear like Pollard was down. He spins in pile and fumbles, caused by Talanoa Hufanga. Brandon Jones recovers it.. Play under review. But should stand as a turnover. — Renck

That’s brand new Broncos Talanoa Hufanga flying in to force the fumble. — Schubert

There’s Talanoa Hufanga’s impact already showing through. Of all Denver’s newcomers this offseason, he was the only one to make captain. — Gabriel

Full-speed Talanoa Hufanga is here, folks. Nice drive-by swipe there on a Tony Pollard carry as Jonathon Cooper was wrapping him up. First time Broncos fans are seeing the free-agent safety go all-gas and he makes a big impact early. — Evans

First-quarter thoughts: Broncos 3, Titans 3

Luca Evans, beat writer: We’re through Q1 and this Broncos new-look offense has looked … new-look.

Bo Nix is 8/14 for 57 yards and an INT. Denver’s run the ball three times. Delay of game penalty, erratic pre-snap motion, Nix has barely been set when throwing. All kinds of sloppiness.

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos got 8 yards on an RJ Harvey run out of two-back. That looked pretty good. Maybe more of that.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Sean Payton still hasn’t completely exorcised his “slow start” demons. The Broncos’ offense is going through the motions right now, literal or otherwise. The run game is a rumor. Maybe speeding up the tempo a little bit would get Nix going a little bit? This is shaping up to be a slog. First to 15 wins.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: 14 passes and 3 rush attempts in Broncos’ first 17 plays. Not ideal, especially for a team committed to running the ball better. Underwhelming and surprising first quarter.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Sean Payton does want to run the ball, right? Sure doesn’t look like it one quarter in. Are we sure Cam Ward is the rookie quarterback here?

First-quarter updates

Picked (2:45 p.m.): Bo Nix makes a bad decision on second-and-long. Floated it. — Schubert

Nix has been good on the run but that one was ill-advised. Roger McCreary picked off a floating ball for Sutton.

Titans in business off Denver’s first turnover of the season. — Gabriel

The bar on Bo Nix’s “Let’s Get Cute” meter is fast expiring. — Keeler

Holding (2:44 p.m.): Bo Nix has been really good on the move so far in this game. His latest, though, to Courtland Sutton, got called back due to a hold on Ben Powers.

Hasn’t been easy for Denver’s offense in its first time out this year. — Gabriel

Engram sighting (2:42 p.m.): Engram gets first catch for 5 yards. — Renck

Three tight ends have caught the ball today. Engram was the third. — Keeler

Third-down conversion (2:40 p.m.): Operation has been a little messy. Misalignments. Some wrong assignments. But Nix extends drive with short third down completion. Been odd how little Engram has factored in game plan so far. Payton said run game would be different. I think he meant non-existent. — Renck

Rookie touch (2:39 p.m.): RJ Harvey nice inside vision with Broncos backed up at the 8 on his first NFL carry.

Takes it for 8. — Evans

We’re at two running plays so far today. — Schubert

Titans punt (2:37 p.m.): Broncos defense gets off the field, but that’s a hell of a punt from Johnny Hekker. Bo Nix and the Broncos backed up inside their own 10 to start Drive No. 2. — Schubert

Bound to happen (2:35 p.m.): Nik Bonitto’s gonna get home on one of these plays real soon. Pretty clear Tennessee’s left tackle is out-gunned. — Schubert

Local kid (2:31 p.m.): Cherry Creek’s finest, Gunnar Helm, looking sharp early on for the Titans. — Schubert

Where’s Thunder? (2:29 p.m.): Thunder is under the weather, the Broncos just announced, so if you’re wondering why you haven’t seen him … that’s your answer. — Schubert

Field goal, Broncos (2:28 p.m.): Denver settles for a 39-yard field goal by Wil Lutz to cap off the 10-play, 44-yard drive. Broncos 3, Titans 3 with 8:35 to go in the first quarter. — Nguyen

Broncos opening drive of the season:

8 passes, 1 run.

Sean’s in midseason form. — Gabriel

Run game (2:26 p.m.): Opening drive Tyler Badie targets: 3. Opening drive Broncos carries: 1. — Keeler

One rushing attempt on that drive.

Ultimately, the Broncos shot themselves in the foot with a really bad delay of game penalty immediately after an offside for a first down. That just cannot happen. — Schubert

Drive stopper (2:26 p.m.): Jeffery Simmons: Pretty good. — Gabriel

Jeffrey Simmons swallows up Bo Nix on a 3rd-and-15 as he throws, incomplete. Simmons gets up and talks a WHOLE lot to Nix as Nix walking back to sidelines

Simmons, if you’ll recall, doubled down this week that Nix was a guy who would tuck and run after his first read. — Evans

Time out (2:25 p.m.): Bo Nix screaming after calling time out on third-and-15. Looked like was mad at Franklin. But not sure. But the frustration was real. — Renck

Bad drop (2:24 p.m.): Tyler Badie drops dump pass against blitz. Might have been a TD. That hurts. — Renck

For all the run game talk this preseason, it’s been a whole lot of Bo Nix on the first drive of the 2025 season. — Schubert

Penalty (2:22 p.m.): Bo Nix, chess snap chump. — Keeler

Bo Nix, chess snap chump. — Keeler

Looking good (2:21 p.m.): Bo Nix showing athleticism and ability to throw from multiple arm angles on this drive. Good stuff early on. — Renck

It’s Krull time (2:18 p.m.): Just like everyone expected, the #Broncos’ first offensive package has Lucas Krull in at TE instead of Evan Engram. — Evans

Return men (2:17 p.m.): Broncos deep return men: Marvin Mims Jr. and rookie RB RJ Harvey. — Gabriel

Field goal, Titans (2:14 p.m.): Joey Slye from puts it through the top of the uprights from 50 and the Titans are on the board first.

3-0 with 11:58 left in the first quarter. — Gabriel

Broncos dodge a bullet on the first drive. If it wasn’t clear before the game, it is now: Cam Ward is gonna be a handful. — Schubert

Was clear this week Vance Joseph had a lot of respect — or, rather, gained it after watching the tape — for Titans RB Tony Pollard. He’s got three carries for four yards so far. Broncos’ run defense was solid on that first drive. — Evans

Titans settle for a field goal. Impressive opening drive by Cam Ward, especially extending play on first third down. It was seven plays, 3:02, 33 yards. Getting a touchback and starting at 35-yard line leaves field goal range possible after one first down. — Renck

No catch (2:13 p.m.): Obviously Jay Norvell was in the replay booth in New York. Called reversed and ruled incomplete. — Renck

Catch? (2:11 p.m.): In Fort Collins, that’s a drop. — Keeler

As Parker Gabriel said, “What is even a catch anymore?” — Renck

Big gain (2:08 p.m.): The Broncos nearly took down Cam Ward, but the rookie QB found Tony Pollard for a 29-yard catch-and-run for the first down. — Nguyen

That Cam Ward guy might be OK. — Schubert

On third-and-10, Cam Ward escapes the pocket and sling ball to Pollard for 29 yards. That is one area Vance Joseph wants improvement, on reducing chunk plays. No luck on first series. — Renck

Casa Bonitto (2:07 p.m.): Hello, Nik Bonitto.

The new $106 million Nike man totally blows up a Titans run to start the game. Heck of a week for that guy. — Evans

Badie (2:05 p.m.): Part of the reason Tyler Badie got the nod as Denver’s third RB: He’s out there on the kick coverage unit. Also was their punt up back in the preseason and a deep man with Mims on kick return. Three special teams units will get you a spot on the gameday roster. — Gabriel

Coin toss (2:04 p.m.): Former Broncos Llloyd Cushenberry and Cody Barton among Titans captain. Broncos win toss and defers. — Renck

Broncos win the toss, defer and will put their defense on the field first.

Go time on the 2025 regular season. — Gabriel

Broncos game captains (2:02 p.m.): Bo Nix, Quinn Meinerz, D.J. Jones, Talanoa Hufanga and Alex Singleton. — Gabriel

Pre-game updates

Looking ahead (1:47 p.m.): Broncos will face an undefeated team next week. Indiana Jones — Daniel Jones — and Colts are skunking Dolphins 33-8. — Renck

Ownership (1:41 p.m.): Greg Penner, Carrie Walton-Penner, Bud Walton and Condi Rice walk across the field before the game. Broncos ownership has been on a heater the last two years, especially regarding contract extensions for core players. — Renck

RB1 (1:33 p.m.): J.K. Dobbins is the first-team RB for the Broncos in warm-up formations. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad appear to be starting at ILB with Dre Greenlaw out. — Evans

No added protection (1:23 p.m.): Broncos ILB Alex Singleton doesn’t have any added protection on his thumb as team goes through warmups. Wouldn’t expect much restriction role-wise for him today.

Missed the final 14 games last year after tearing his ACL at Tampa. — Gabriel

Favorites (1:22 p.m.): Reminder of why Broncos are heavy favorites. They are facing the No. 1 overall pick making his debut in his team’s first game. QBs in this situation are 4-14-1. Cam Ward is incredibly talented. But the Broncos will look to confuse him with multiple looks and make the Titans one dimensional to make his life miserable. — Renck

RBs (12:34 p.m.): This makes official essentially a full overhaul of Denver’s RB room. McLaughlin could have a role at some point, but last year the Broncos began the season with Javonte Williams, McLaughlin and Audric Estime.

This year: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie. — Gabriel

Jaleel McLaughlin is a favorite of Sean Payton. But they have upgraded the RB room. Also, Badie passed him this summer. — Renck

The Broncos clearly view Tyler Badie as a legitimate third-down option and change-of-pace back, and Badie’s shown more flashes in pass-pro and receiving out of the backfield than McLaughlin in camp. — Evans

Early huddle (12:33 p.m.): Bo Nix just led a few Broncos in an early huddle in warm-ups, with all QBs and wide receivers dressed for the day — and rookie RB RJ Harvey, which is interesting.

Head coach Sean Payton’s said previously that Harvey hasn’t earned his “Joker wings” yet, but the UCF product is clearly being mentored as a pass-catching threat in Denver’s offense. — Evans

Broncos full set of inactives (12:33 p.m.):

• RB Jaleel McLaughlin
• ILB Dre Greenlaw (quad)
• TE Nate Adkins (ankle)
• QB Sam Ehlinger (emergency QB3)
• OLB Que Robinson
• DL Sai’Vion Jones
• OL Frank Crum

— Gabriel

Sai’vion Jones being inactive is not a surprise despite his strong training camp. He just happens to be a rookie on what of deepest D-lines in the league. — Renck

Good afternoon from Empower Field (12:25 p.m.): It’s a beauty of a day to kick off the 2025 season.

Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin was just sitting on the bench in tennis shoes while other guys were going through early warmups. He’s inactive today, source said.

Looks like Denver’s RB trio for Week 1 is likely J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie. — Gabriel

Scouting report (10:45 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Titans in Luca Evans’ scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, Broncos beat writer: Broncos 28, Titans 13

A year ago, it made little sense to think Bo Nix would march into a hostile environment at Seattle and win his debut against a renowned defensive mind. The same applies to the Titans and No. 1 draft pick Cam Ward. Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is going to dial up all his favorite pressures and a bunch Ward’s never seen before just for good measure. Empower Field will be loud. Nix and company won’t have to be perfect, but they should have plenty of opportunities to make plays. Avoid turnovers, and this should be a nice, smooth start to the year.

Luca Evans, Broncos beat writer: Broncos 24, Titans 10

Poor Cam Ward. Look, the kid’s obviously fearless. He sat back behind his line at Miami, tossed bombs like they were Nerf footballs, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist because of it. The Titans have upgraded their offensive line since taking Ward No. 1 overall, and have a fleet of skill players that are pretty good, even if Calvin Ridley and Treylon Burks aren’t top-four NFL receivers. Counterpoint: Denver’s defense has been frothing for months now to get to the regular season, and Ward now faces the best pass-rushing unit in the league.

Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 27, Titans 10

Cam Ward is going to learn quickly that the AFC is not the ACC. He has never seen a defense in his life like the one he will face on Sunday. The Broncos will overwhelm him with pressure and sticky coverage. Quarterbacks picked No. 1 overall in the common draft era are 4-14-1 when starting the season opener, per The Associated Press. Make it 4-15-1 as the defense delivers three takeaways and tight end Evan Engram becomes a new favorite target for Bo Nix.

Sean Keeler, columnist:  Broncos 25, Titans 17

The only thing worse than being a rookie QB in a road playoff game? Being a rookie QB on the road in Week 1. Over the last six years, rookie NFL starting quarterbacks are 0-10-1 in season-openers. Like Bo Nix a year ago, Cam Ward’s baptism by fire starts now. And there’s no hotter seat in the league for a newbie than to be stuck 5,280 feet above sea level with Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and Zach Allen breathing down your neck.

Broncos-Titans NFL Week 1: Must-reads

Titans think Broncos’ Bo Nix will ‘take off running’ if first read isn’t there. Sean Payton disagrees.

Maybe it was a shot. Maybe it was a tip of the cap. Only Jeffrey Simmons knows.

On Tuesday, in the Titans’ locker room, Tennessee’s three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle was asked about playing a quarterback in Bo Nix who doesn’t take many sacks. The reason Nix doesn’t take many sacks, Simmons noted, is because of his ability to take off and run.

He made that point. And then he made it again. And a few more times, too.

Indeed, Nix took off running 92 times in 2024, the fifth-most rushing attempts of any NFL quarterback (according to StatMuse). His wheels surprised opposing franchises — and even his own — in his debut season. He also, however, had the 26th-fastest average time to throw of 32 quarterbacks with at least 300 drop-backs last season, Luca Evans reports. Read the full story.