The Denver Broncos begin their 2025 regular season against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. After a successful offseason, the Broncos added plenty of talent on both sides of the ball in hopes to improve upon their finish last season. In order to beat the Titans, Denver will need to have a fast start and dial up the heat on rookie signal caller Cam Ward. In order to accomplish those goals, here are three players I’ll be watching closely this weekend.
Bo Nix — Quarterback
After a tremendous rookie campaign,
Broncos Country is rightfully optimistic about the potential of Bo Nix in his second year as the team’s quarterback. Last season, Nix struggled early on but really hit his stride in the second half of the season and showcased his tremendous abilities. I fully believe he is poised to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump and make a huge impact right away in ‘25.
One of the major mantras for the Broncos this offseason was starting off fast. A large issue with the Broncos’ offense last year were too many three-and-outs and a lack of sustained drives. With upgrades at running back, wide receiver, and tight end, I believe that will definitely change this season. On paper, there is no doubt this year’s team is more talented than last years, which should certainly aid in Nix’s development.
In 2024, the Titans sported one of the league’s worst defenses. While they certainly improved with additions via free agency and the draft, that side of the ball is still a work in progress. This would be a great game to let Nix get loose and gain chemistry with the team’s new additions, as well as a young wide receiving corps that could really blossom this season.
Nik Bonitto — Edge Rusher
Entering his fourth year with the Broncos, edge rusher Nik Bonitto is coming off a breakthrough ‘24 campaign. Finishing with 13.5 sacks and helping propel Denver’s defense to a league-leading 63 sacks, Bonitto established himself as one of the National Football League’s premier pass rushers and rising stars.
In order to achieve a victory against the Titans, the Broncos will need him to showcase his pass rushing prowess and rattle rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Ward has a good amount of mobility and the ability to extend plays with his legs, but Bonitto has one of the best get-offs at the line of scrimmage in all of football.
Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph was one of the most aggressive play callers in the league last season sending an extra player after the quarterback. I’d expect that to happen going up against the former Miami standout who is making his NFL debut on Sunday. I usually don’t do stat predictions for players, but I’m thinking Bonitto comes away from the season opener with two sacks. After all, I would expect him to perform at a high level with a potential mega extension on the horizon.
Evan Engram — Tight End
For most of the ‘24 season, the Broncos deployed a three-headed attack at tight end with Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, and Nate Adkins. While they were relatively efficient when targeted, their overall production failed to be a needle mover for the offense. Hoping to find a difference maker at the position—Head Coach Sean Payton’s proverbial ‘Joker’—Denver made veteran tight end Evan Engram one of their highlight free agency signings.
Don’t expect Engram to be a traditional tight end in the Broncos’ offense. Whether it’s in-line, at the slot, or even flexed outside, expect Payton to be creative in the way he utilizes the savvy veteran. After all, that’s what a ‘Joker’ is—a mismatch weapon that can deployed in a myriad of ways. If healthy for the entire season, I believe Engram will be a focal point of Denver’s offensive endeavors and receive triple digits in target share.
In their preseason game against the Cardinals, Broncos Country was able to witness Engram’s playmaking ability and penchant for generating yards after the catch. I think we will see him heavily involved in the team’s offensive plans against the Titans. Look for him to be targeted often and be a high-efficiency player who keeps the chains moving for Denver on Sunday.
