Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix enters Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals facing mounting pressure to jump-start an offense that has lagged behind the team’s ball-hawking defense. The Broncos sit at 4-2 on the season, but their quarterback has underwhelmed with 1,049 yards and six touchdowns while completing 60.3% of his passes—pacing for career lows across the board.
Denver Broncos Travel to Face Arizona Cardinals on Sunday
The Broncos arrive in Glendale following a gritty 17-14 overtime victory over the Seattle Seahawks where Nix managed just 107 passing yards. Denver coach Sean Payton shouldered the blame for the offensive struggles during the week, telling reporters that he needs to provide a better game plan and stronger leadership as games unfold. Nix acknowledged his coach’s remarks while emphasizing that the execution ultimately rests on the players on the field.
“He’s been a really good leader right now,” Nix said. “We need that. I think it goes back to us. I have to play better. We have to play better. The offense has to play better.”
Arizona Cardinals Snap Four-Game Losing Streak Against Rams
The Cardinals snapped a four-game skid last weekend with an 18-16 road victory over the Los Angeles Rams, leaning on an aggressive defensive performance and kicker Chad Ryland. Ryland accounted for all 18 of Arizona’s points by connecting on six field goals, including a 43-yard game-winner as time expired. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett praised the team’s ability to bounce back but quickly pivoted to first-year coach Mike LaFleur’s mantra that humility is always a week away.
“The Broncos don’t care what we did last week and we don’t either,” Brissett said of the upcoming matchup. “It’s finding a way to go 1-0 this week.”
Matchup Details and Betting Odds
The Broncos and Cardinals kick off Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EDT on CBS. Latest odds list the Broncos as 4 1/2-point favorites. Denver holds a 4-2 record against the spread this season, while Arizona sits at 3-3. The historical head-to-head series favors the Broncos 10-1-1, with Denver winning their last meeting 24-15 on Dec. 18, 2022.
Zach Allen Faces His Former Team in the Desert
Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen returns to face the franchise that drafted him in the third round out of Boston College in 2019. Allen, who spent his first four NFL seasons in Arizona before leaving in free agency after the 2022 campaign, brings 4.5 sacks through six games following last year’s All-Pro selection. He will attack a reworked Cardinals offensive line featuring rookie Jayden Williams at left tackle. Williams stepped into the starting role after Paris Johnson Jr. suffered a season-ending torn left biceps three weeks ago.
Larry Fitzgerald Enters Cardinals Ring of Honor at Halftime
Former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald – who recently entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame – will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor at halftime on Sunday, and his No. 11 jersey will be retired. Meanwhile, Arizona aims to break a nine-game home losing streak at State Farm Stadium that has stretched for more than a calendar year—the longest home skid for the franchise since moving to Arizona in 1988.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunday’s Game
How did Chad Ryland perform in the Cardinals’ previous game?
Chad Ryland scored all 18 of Arizona’s points in an 18-16 win over the Los Angeles Rams by connecting on all six of his field goal attempts, culminating in a 43-yard game-winner as time expired.
What personnel changes affect the Broncos’ defense for this week?
The Broncos welcome Jonathon Cooper back from the commissioner’s exempt list following a five-sack performance against the Seattle Seahawks.
What is the status of the Cardinals’ offensive line ahead of Sunday?
The Cardinals’ offensive line surrendered zero sacks against the Rams last week, though rookie Jayden Williams continues to start at left tackle in place of the injured Paris Johnson Jr.
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