DEN to win-100
TLDR: The Broncos won 30-26 after trailing 16-0 at halftime. The main reason matches the case: Kinchens and Nacua stayed out, and Nix beat a thin Rams back end for 30 second-half points. The venue and rest rows did not decide it.
Point
- Pass rush
Myles Garrett had knee surgery and is on injured reserve through Week 5, so the Rams face Nix without the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
Helped usGarrett was out; Nix threw for 419 yards and scored the winner - Rest
The Rams beat the Giants on Monday night at SoFi and get 6 days before kickoff, while Denver had 7 after winning at home on Sunday.
Didn't matterRams controlled the first half; no sign the extra day mattered - Venue
Only 1 team, Jacksonville, won at Empower Field in the 2025 regular season, and visitors play at 5,280 feet one week removed from a Monday game.
Didn't matterThe visitor lost again, but the Rams led 16-0 there - Cross-conference
Denver has won 9 straight against NFC teams since Week 1 of 2024, and Nix is 9-1 against the NFC with the loss in his first start.
Didn't matterDenver's NFC streak reached 10, but the streak decided nothing
Counterpoint
- Rams vs AFC
The Rams have won 8 straight against AFC opponents since a Week 10 loss to Miami in 2024, so their streak is almost as long as Denver's.
Didn't matterThe Rams' 8-game streak against the AFC ended in Denver - Secondary
The Rams added cornerback Trent McDuffie this offseason, which gives them a No. 1 corner to put on Waddle, something Jacksonville did not have.
Helped usWatson left injured, 2 safeties were out, and Denver passed for 419
Neutral
- Aaron Donald
Donald, 35, sat out Friday's practice for rest and has no designation, so he plays, though the team is managing his workload in his 2nd game back.
Didn't matterThe recap does not mention Donald's snaps or production - Weather
Kickoff is 6:20 PM MT in an open stadium with mild, dry conditions forecast, so weather should not slow either passing game.
Didn't matterBoth passing games thrived, with over 900 combined yards
