The Denver Broncos host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football in a high-stakes Week 3 primetime matchup at Empower Field at Mile High. Both teams enter the contest looking to build momentum after securing impressive Week 2 victories following losses in their respective season openers. Kickoff arrives with contrasting historical streaks on the line: the Rams have won eight straight games against AFC opponents, while the Broncos carry a nine-game winning streak against the NFC into the primetime slot, according to team media notes.
Rams Offseason Changes and Injury Updates
Following a 12-5 regular season and an NFC Championship game loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Rams General Manager Les Snead overhauled the roster with a heavy defensive focus. The team engineered a major trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire star pass-rusher Myles Garrett. However, Garrett suffered a knee injury in Week 1 and is unavailable for Sunday’s game against Denver. Los Angeles also traded with the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie and signed versatile defensive back Jaylen Watson to a three-year deal. In a surprise move, defensive lineman Aaron Donald came out of retirement. Donald played 33 snaps in Week 2, noting after film study that his return had positive elements to build on as he works to recapture his peak form.
Offensive X-Factor: Matthew Stafford and the Passing Attack
Longtime quarterback Matthew Stafford anchors an offense that ranked as the NFL’s best in 2025. Last season, Stafford threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns against just 8 interceptions. His primary target, Puka Nacua—who reeled in 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last year—carries an uncertain availability for Sunday and is unlikely to play. Even without Nacua, wide receiver Davante Adams provides a premier threat. Adams is coming off a Week 2 performance against the New York Giants where he caught seven of eight downfield targets for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Denver Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph faces the challenge of disrupting Stafford and limiting Adams, particularly given that Adams holds a history of strong production when matched against Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain.
Defensive X-Factor: Trent McDuffie and the Secondary
With Myles Garrett sidelined, cornerback Trent McDuffie steps into the spotlight as a primary defensive weapon for Los Angeles. The Rams surrendered significant draft capital to acquire McDuffie and signed him to a massive extension. Through his first two games with the team, McDuffie has allowed just four receptions for 23 yards on six targets, adding an interception against the Giants in Week 2. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who operates behind an offensive line noted by team reports as among the league’s best, will need to avoid costly turnovers against McDuffie in coverage. Denver’s offense aims to sustain the second-half rhythm it found in Week 2, where execution clicked after a slow start.
Key Matchup Facts
- Last Meeting: The Rams defeated the Broncos 51-14 on Christmas Day, 2022, marking the largest margin of victory of Sean McVay’s tenure.
- Streak Clash: The Rams hold an active eight-game winning streak against AFC opponents, while the Broncos have won nine straight against NFC teams.
- Surtain vs. Adams: Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain has not allowed a downfield reception on his last 213 coverage snaps, setting up a premier duel against Davante Adams, who caught 13 of 22 career targets against Surtain for 172 yards and two scores in their head-to-head history.