When the schedule was released ahead of the 2026 NFL season, it was noted early that the Denver Broncos had a rough 6-game stretch to open the season. That road gets even more difficult when you go out and lay an egg in Week 1.
The Broncos must shake off the effects of their lopsided loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday and be prepared to face a team that came into Empower Field and handed the Broncos a 14-point defeat last December, ending their 11-game winning streak in the process.
That team would be the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have not lost a regular-season game since November 9 last season. They came away with a dominant 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
How do the experts see this one going? Do they see the Broncos bouncing
back or falling into a concerning 0-2 hole to begin the season?
Week 2 NFL expert picks: Broncos vs. Jaguars
Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Broncos 28, Jaguars 27
"The Jaguars looked sharp in their opener around Trevor Lawrence, who took just one sack in a four-TD performance against the Browns", Bender wrote for The Sporting News. "Denver has a better pass rusher, however, and the home opener is a huge spot. Lawrence took five sacks against Denver last season – and still led the Jags to a 34-20 victory. This will be tight."
Pete Prisco, CBS: Jaguars 23, Broncos 20
"The Jaguars are riding high after blowing out Cleveland, while the Broncos are coming off a bad loss to the Chiefs on Monday night", wrote Prisco for CBS. "The Jaguars went to Denver and beat them last December and I think they will beat them again. Look for a big game from Bhayshul Tuten running it for Jacksonville."
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Broncos 27, Jaguars 24
"Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars impressed in Week 1, but it's hard to win at Empower Field at Mile High", wrote Cluff for Arizona Republic.
NFL.com
Over at NFL. com, three of their experts — Brooke Cersosimo, Bobby Kownack and Dan Parr — went with Jacksonville. The other two experts, Gennaro Filice and Jeremy Bergman, sided with the Broncos.
"With well-rounded teams on both sides, this feels like a game that could come down to a few key plays", Filice wrote for NFL.com. "That’s where Jaylen Waddle enters the picture. You’re forgiven if you forgot about Denver’s blockbuster trade addition -- after all, he caught one pass for 2 yards in his Broncos debut -- but the explosive wideout was acquired to put Denver’s loaded roster over the top against fellow contenders. I think he does just that on Sunday."
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Who the experts predict to win in the Broncos-Jaguars game
