The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the road in Week 2, taking on the Denver Broncos.
These two teams met late last season in Denver, with the Jaguars winning that matchup by a score of 34-20. So there is some familiarity between these two teams, however, each season and matchup presents new challenges.
For some insight into the 2026 Denver Broncos, Brandon Walker of Broncos Wire
answered a handful of our questions.It's only one game, but what went wrong in Week 1?
Broncos Wire: Is it bad to say everything? Tackling was at an all-time low, the vaunted offensive line and offense went on an early vacation, and we were outcoached. Not a whole lot went right, but the Broncos are confident they can push past those barriers in Week 2 and beyond.
What is the expected strength of the Broncos this season?
Broncos Wire: The expected strength of this team may lie in
its defense. We have seen this before in 2023. That year, the Broncos' defense came off their worst game in franchise history against the Miami Dolphins and turned into an elite unit in the two seasons since. Week 1 can be chalked up to lack of preparedness, a terrible tackling performance, or just jitters. However, the defense is deep. They will find a way to bounce back.
On the flip side, what is a weakness on this team?
Broncos Wire: The weakness is the run game. RJ Harvey was listed on the injury report this week with a hamstring injury, and with the uncertainty of J.K. Dobbins and his injury history, the Broncos may get an extended dose of rookie Jonah Coleman. Coleman got a brief look in the preseason, but fans haven't really seen what he has to fully offer. The Broncos should run the ball more in Week 2 and beyond, but the run game, one could argue, has not been an elite unit under Sean Payton in his Denver tenure.
Who is an under-the-radar player on offense and defense to know?
Broncos Wire: On offense, I will have to say it is wide receiver Pat Bryant. Bryant had some injuries in 2025, but he was one of the best-looking players in training camp. He was catching anything and everything thrown his way from Nix in camp, and should be one of the breakout stars of the offense in 2026.
On defense, the man to watch will be pass-rusher Jonah Elliss. Elliss is taking the place of Jonathon Cooper during his legal battle and stint on the Commissioner's exempt list. If the Broncos pass-rush is going to get to the quarterback, Elliss' place across from star Nik Bonitto will be crucial.
Prediction and score
Broncos Wire: I have to see more of the Broncos offense against Jacksonville. That being said, I want to see Bo Nix bounce back like I know he can. He is a leader and a competitor. I expect him to be better. On the defensive side of the ball, last year, the Jaguars crushed Denver with their tight ends against linebacker coverage. I am still tremendously concerned about that. That's why I'm going to pick Jacksonville by a touchdown, 28-21.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars vs. Broncos: 4 thing to know plus a prediction
