The Denver Broncos (4-2) are set to go on the road to face the Arizona Cardinals (2-4) in Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here's a quick list of five storylines we'll be following going into the battle in the desert.
1. Denver’s secondary vs. Trey McBride: Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain (ankle) has missed the last two games, safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) was out last week and cornerback Riley Moss (ribs) was limited in his return to action. Fortunately, Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine did an excellent job stepping up at cornerback. "I’m glad we have that depth," coach Sean Payton said. "We certainly needed it last week.” Moss should be full go this week, but PS2's status is less certain. Hufanga is likely to miss a second consecutive
game, but veteran Taylor Rapp did an excellent job stepping up last week. "He’s smart, tough, loves the game and is one of those players that can come in like he did and transition cleanly," Payton said of Rapp. "It’s hard to find that. His experience, his football I.Q., all of that shows up on tape, and it’s one of the things that attracted us to him.” This week, Denver's defensive backs (and linebackers) will be tasked with defending Trey McBride, one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
2. Jonathon Cooper’s return: The Broncos technically have until next Monday to make a decision on activating Cooper to the 53-man roster, but they will likely activate him on Saturday so he's able to play on Sunday. Cooper spent the first six weeks of the season on the commissioner’s exempt list following two arrests related to incidents involving his former girlfriend this summer. After Cooper's trial was pushed back to March, the league reinstated him. Cooper is facing multiple charges, including a felony assault charge, but the NFL will allow him to play while the trial looms. The 28-year-old pass rusher will likely be on a snap count in his first game back, joining Nik Bonitto, Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman in the outside linebacker rotation (Jonah Elliss is sidelined with an ankle injury).
3. Jonah Coleman and the Broncos’ backfield: Jonah Coleman (ankle) is eligible to return from injured reserve this week, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Denver activate him to the 53-man roster on Saturday. "We think it’s a deep room and a talented room. So all those things are a positive," Payton said earlier this week when asked about the potential impact of Coleman's looming return. The Broncos' rushing attack could certainly use a spark as they're averaging just 3.4 yards per carry through the first six weeks of the season. Arizona's run defense ranks in the bottom half of the league, allowing 4.4 yards per rush and 120.8 rushing yards per game to opponents.
4. Zach Allen and Vance Joseph vs. their old club: Three years ago, the Cardinals released defensive coordinator Vance Joseph from his contract and allowed Zach Allen to walk in free agency. Denver's defense greatly benefited from those two decisions as Joseph landed the Broncos' DC job, and he prioritized adding Allen to his defensive line. Denver has had one of the NFL's best defenses since 2024, and Allen has been a huge part of the unit's success. Sunday will mark the first time Allen has faced his old club in a regular season game.
5. Bo Nix’s average yards per attempt: Much has been made of Nix averaging just 5.6 yards per passing attempt, which ranks 32nd in the NFL. If ever there was a game to get back on track, perhaps it will be Sunday against a Cardinals defense that allows a league-high 8.6 yards per passing attempt. Payton said earlier this week that the team has not considered benching Nix, but the QB desperately needs a get-right game.
Sunday's contest will begin at 2:05 p.m. MT (4:05 p.m. ET), and the game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV broadcast map). Denver's considered a road favorite going into Week 7.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos vs. Cardinals: 5 storylines to watch for on Sunday
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