RAMS (1-1) at DENVER BRONCOS (1-1)
When: 5:20 p.m. PT Sunday
Where: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
TV/Radio: NBC (Ch. 4)/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 193, 192
Line: Rams by 2.5
Notable injury designations
Rams: DOUBTFUL: WR Puka Nacua (groin), S Kam Kinchens (hamstring); QUESTIONABLE: TE Colby Parkinson (knee).
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Broncos: OUT: RB Jonah Coleman (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: WR Marvin Mims (foot).
What’s at stake? This is a measuring stick game for both teams this early in the season. Both teams came up a win short of reaching the Super Bowl in 2025. So who is ready to compete with the best of the best in the NFL? Who can make a statement, both to the league as a whole but to their own locker room, about what their team is ready to accomplish?
Who’s better? Both teams are led by the preeminent offensive minds of their generation. Both teams have defenses with fierce pass rushes and All-Pro corners. Both teams have balanced offenses headlined by explosive receivers. Give the edge to the Rams by virtue of having the MVP at quarterback in Matthew Stafford over third-year QB Bo Nix.
Matchup to watch: Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson vs. Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto. The Broncos’ All-Pro edge rusher tends to line up on the right side of Denver’s formation, meaning he will be Jackson’s primary responsibility Sunday. Bonitto is known for his explosive first step, so Jackson will need to be quick and alert as he drops back into protection.
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Rams win if: They prevent WR Jaylen Waddle from having any explosive plays of 20 or more yards. … The offensive line can limit the Broncos to one sack. … TE Terrance Ferguson can again gain more than 50 yards to take some pressure off WR Davante Adams in Nacua’s likely absence.
Fantasy sleeper: TE Colby Parkinson. The big tight end is one of Stafford’s favorite red-zone targets but hasn’t been fully activated yet this season. Look for the Rams to get him involved with Nacua likely out.
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Prediction: Rams 28, Broncos 21.