Game of the week? Arguably, given that these highly capable teams were each a break or two away from meeting in Super Bowl 60 to cap the 2025 season.
Of course, it didn't go that way, nor has either team gotten off to quite the start it had hoped for in 2026 – though both enter their 'Sunday Night Football' matchup on the heels of Week 2 triumphs. For the Rams, it will be a short turnaround from their victory Monday night as they and coach Sean McVay encounter their latest travel challenge heading into the Mile High City's thin air.
Still, they looked like the team most NFL observers thought they'd be while dominating the short-handed Giants in primetime – and, don't forget, L.A. did so without injured WR Puka Nacua. The Broncos are still attempting
to dial in their offense, now officially run by rookie coordinator Davis Webb – even if coach Sean Payton is keeping an eye on things.
What's gotten less attention is the slow start of a defense that was one of the league's most relentless and intimidating a year ago. Still, this should be a highly compelling chess match given the influence two highly accomplished coaching staffs are doubtless to exert over it. Keep an eye on Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle and Rams DB Trent McDuffie, two of the offseason's biggest acquisitions likely to find themselves locked up in coverage battles.
Broncos vs Rams odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Rams -3
- Moneyline: Rams -155; Broncos +155
- Total: 45.5
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Rams at Broncos score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Rams 24, Broncos 20
This is a difficult spot for the Rams. They're traveling to altitude on a short week after playing Monday night, while Denver has enjoyed a full week to prepare. I'm still taking Los Angeles. It has to be easier than coming back from Australia. Matthew Stafford barely noticed Puka Nacua's absence against the Giants, throwing four touchdowns while Davante Adams erupted for 195 yards. Denver's defense presents a greater challenge, but Stafford has seen every coverage imaginable, and Sean McVay remains one of the league's best at creating favorable matchups. The Broncos showed resilience in their late comeback against Jacksonville, with Bo Nix throwing for 288 yards and Jaylen Waddle producing his first big game in Denver. Their backfield is less certain, however, with J.K. Dobbins nursing a hamstring injury and RJ Harvey already sidelined. Denver's rest and home-field advantages keep this close. Just not close enough.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Broncos 24, Rams 23
Nice job by both these teams of washing away rather foul showings in Week 1. I'm giving Denver a slight edge in the ability to keep things going in Week 3. With the Broncos now having figured out a way to properly integrate Jaylen Waddle into the game plan, Bo Nix might have just enough comfort to navigate a path to victory. Denver's defense can't afford to regress to its Week 1 form, but Vance Joseph's group has the ingredients necessary to slow Matthew Stafford and the Rams' passing attack.
Nate Davis: Rams 23, Broncos 20
Rams QB Matthew Stafford recaptured his 2025 MVP form in the Week 2 rebound against the Giants – despite lacking his favorite target, Nacua. Denver's Bo Nix has not looked like a would-be MVP to date – and is still acclimating to having Webb in his ear instead of Payton – and has had issues protecting the ball. Barring a jailbreak by the Denver D, advantage Stafford.
Richard Morin: Broncos 24, Rams 23
This should be a fun one! Both squads kind of no-showed Week 1 but rebounded last week to spark some good vibes heading into Week 3. This should be a tightly contested game, but just two weeks ago these teams were getting blown out. It really does feel like anything could happen here, but I'll give a slight edge to the Broncos and a close score.
Where to watch Rams at Broncos
- Matchup: Broncos vs. Rams
- Date: Sept. 27
- Time: 8:20 p.m.
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- TV: NBC, Peacock
NFL Week 3 picks and predictions
- Falcons at Packers
- Chargers at Bills
- Raiders at Saints
- Patriots at Jaguars
- Texans at Colts
- Seahawks at Commanders
- Chiefs at Dolphins
- Jets at Lions
- Bengals at Steelers
- Vikings at Buccaneers
- Titans at Giants
- Cardinals at 49ers
- Panthers at Browns
- Ravens at Cowboys
- Rams at Broncos
- Eagles at Bears
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rams at Broncos: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game
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