The Los Angeles Rams (1-1) travel to Denver Broncos (1-1) for Sunday Night Football at 8:20 p.m. ET, a matchup many analysts view as a potential Super Bowl preview. The game features two teams with high expectations entering the season, now facing early challenges and key personnel questions.
Myles Garrett’s six-week recovery timeline and Bo Nix’s return under center for Denver are the most pressing developments ahead of the contest. The Rams, without Garrett—reigning Defensive Player of the Year—are adjusting to life without their star defensive end. Meanwhile, the Broncos welcome back their starting quarterback after an ankle injury sidelined him in Week 1, seeking to regain momentum after a narrow Week 2 victory.
Key Storylines
Rams’ Defensive Absence and Offensive Resilience
The Rams entered the season as a Super Bowl contender but have already lost Garrett for at least six weeks due to a knee injury sustained in Week 1. Garrett underwent surgery and is expected to miss significant time, though he has expressed a desire to return sooner. The Rams’ defense, ranked sixth in yards allowed, has been bolstered by the return of Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement to play in Week 2. Despite the loss of Garrett, the Rams secured a 28-6 win over the New York Giants, though the Giants were without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Offensively, the Rams’ high-powered unit remains intact, led by Matthew Stafford and receivers Davante Adams and Kyren Williams. Adams, who had a strong performance in Week 2, is listed as questionable for Sunday, adding uncertainty to the Rams’ offensive plans.
Broncos’ Quarterback Return and Home Struggles
The Broncos, who finished the 2023 season as the AFC’s top seed, have struggled to start the 2024 campaign. They lost their opener to the Kansas City Chiefs on the road and barely escaped with a 10-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, a game in which backup quarterback Case Keenum stepped in after Nix’s injury. Nix is now back under center, and the Broncos hope his return will stabilize their offense. Denver’s defense, which was among the league’s best last season, will need to perform at a high level to contain the Rams’ offense.
Altitude and Road Test for Rams
The Rams face a unique challenge in Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High, where the altitude and home-field advantage could play a significant role. The Broncos, despite their early struggles, are slight home underdogs in the matchup, with the Rams favored by 2.5 points according to sportsbooks.
Historical Context
The Rams and Broncos have met 15 times in their history, with Los Angeles holding a 10-5 advantage. The most recent meeting in 2022 saw the Rams dominate 51-14, with Baker Mayfield and Cam Akers leading the way for Los Angeles. For the Broncos, that game featured Russell Wilson, who has since retired, throwing three interceptions and the team surrendering six sacks.
Sportsbook Promotions
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Betting Insights
Sportsbooks have set the spread at Rams -2.5, with the total at 43.5 points. Key prop bets include:
- Kyren Williams to score the first touchdown at +500.
- Davante Adams to score a touchdown at +110.
- Matthew Stafford and Bo Nix both listed at 1.5 touchdown passes.
The matchup presents a clash of offensive firepower and defensive talent, with both teams aiming to assert themselves early in the season. The outcome could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations and the broader narrative of the 2024 NFL season.