The energy is palpable in Denver as the Broncos prepare to kick off their 2025 NFL campaign against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. The September 7th clash marks the first regular-season test for both teams, with the Broncos eager to snap a recent streak of slow starts and the Titans ushering in a new era with rookie quarterback Cam Ward at the helm. With high stakes, fresh faces, and plenty of intrigue, all eyes will be on the Mile High City as the action unfolds.
For the Broncos, the mantra all week has been about starting fast and making their home turf an intimidating fortress. Head Coach Sean Payton hammered home the importance of preparation and urgency, telling his squad, "We're playing at home, and we've got to make this the hardest place to play." After failing to notch a Week 1 win since 2021, Denver is determined to flip the script and set a new tone for the season ahead.
Payton’s focus on details, from hydration to sleep, underscores his belief that games are often won before the opening whistle. "It's the schedule," Payton explained earlier in the week. "It's the sense of urgency. Ultimately, it's the preparation, the details in this game plan and the team we're playing. Everything from hydration to recovery during the week, so that they're at their best peak performance on Sunday, sleep included, all of that. That really isn't even discussing the football scheme." The Broncos' preparation, according to both Payton and tackle Mike McGlinchey, has been sharp, with players carrying the expectation of a fast start into Sunday’s showdown.
On the other sideline, the Titans are bracing for a baptism by fire for Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward, who led all FBS players in passing touchdowns last year and now holds the Division I record for career passing touchdowns, is set to make his regular-season debut in one of the league’s most hostile environments. History isn’t on his side—rookie quarterbacks drafted first overall are just 4-14-1 in Week 1 games during the common draft era. Only two, David Carr (2002) and Caleb Williams (2024), have managed to win their debut since John Elway in 1983.
Still, Ward’s talent and poise have caught the attention of Denver’s defensive staff. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph praised the rookie, saying, "He's super talented. He was the first pick in the draft for a reason. When you watch the guy play, you see a guy with special arm talent. He has this unique poise about him for a young guy. He's trying to make big plays. … Some young quarterbacks try to not mess it up. He's trying to make a big play, and that makes him dangerous." Joseph emphasized that containing Ward and making him one-dimensional will be key, especially given his ability to make explosive plays on the move.
The Broncos’ defense, ranked third in scoring last season, is loaded with new and returning talent. The secondary welcomes All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga and first-round pick Jahdae Barron, while the front seven remains formidable with Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen—both instrumental in Denver’s franchise-record sack total in 2024. Last year, the Broncos posted a 37.4% pressure rate, good for third in the NFL, and they’ll look to rattle Ward early. The Titans’ offensive line, which allowed the second-highest pressure rate in 2024 despite adding Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler and tackle Dan Moore Jr., will have its hands full trying to protect their prized rookie.
One of the most anticipated matchups will be between Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Titans receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley, who posted 64 catches for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns last season, is Tennessee’s top aerial threat. The Titans may try to move Ridley around to avoid Surtain, but as observers note, "Surtain travels, and travels well." This duel could go a long way in determining the outcome, especially with rookie quarterback Cam Ward looking to establish an early connection with his star receiver.
The Broncos’ offense, meanwhile, is anchored by quarterback Bo Nix, who enters his second year with momentum after a stellar finish to his rookie campaign. Nix went 6-2 at home last season, tossing 19 touchdowns and compiling a 102.0 passer rating at Empower Field. He’s feeling more comfortable and confident, telling reporters, "Just a year makes a lot of a difference. I feel like I'm much more comfortable and in a better spot." Cornerback Pat Surtain II has noticed the growth, remarking, "I think with him, he has the utmost confidence in the guys around him, and when you build that with a quarterback like him, the sky's the limit, so I'm looking forward to it."
Denver’s offensive line, led by All-Pro guard Quinn Meinerz, will have its own test against Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons—a disruptive force who’s been vocal about his plans to challenge Nix. Simmons called Nix a "one read" quarterback, a claim that Broncos head coach Sean Payton dismissed. Meinerz and the line are expected to use that as motivation, especially with Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat, Arden Key, and Sebastian Joseph-Day forming a stout Tennessee front.
The Broncos are intent on establishing their ground game early, a critical factor that could open up the passing attack for Nix. Newcomers J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey are expected to share the workload, with Dobbins praised by Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi for his versatility: "There's really a complete back, you'd say, nothing that you're concerned that you have to keep him out of. Third down, he can handle it. [He] knows who to block and is physically able to do so. Good runner, good receiver." Denver’s running backs averaged just 83.7 yards per game last year, but the hope is that fresh legs and improved schemes will jumpstart the attack against a tough Titans front.
Wide receiver Troy Franklin could also be a breakout candidate, especially if the Titans focus on containing Courtland Sutton. Observers expect Franklin to see seven or eight targets, making him a potential X-factor in what could be a chess match between Tennessee’s bolstered secondary and Denver’s evolving aerial attack.
As for predictions, the oddsmakers have the Broncos as 8.5-point favorites, and most analysts are leaning Denver’s way. Some see a close contest, with the Broncos’ rushing attack and defensive adjustments ultimately wearing down the Titans, while others believe Cam Ward’s unpredictability could keep things interesting. The consensus? This opener is shaping up to be a hard-fought battle with plenty of storylines to watch.
With kickoff looming, both teams have plenty to prove. Will Denver finally break its Week 1 drought and ride a fast start to bigger things? Or will Cam Ward and the Titans spring a surprise and announce themselves as contenders right out of the gate? One thing’s for sure: the Mile High crowd is ready, and the NFL season is officially here.
