The upcoming NFL preseason week two features an intriguing matchup on Sunday evening, with the visiting Green Bay Packers facing off against the home team Denver Broncos at Empower Field in Denver. In their preseason opener, Green Bay secured a solid 23-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Packers quarterback Jordan Love showcased his skills with a long touchdown pass on the team’s third play, but he did not return for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, Denver kicked off its preseason with a thrilling 34-30 victory against the Indianapolis Colts, amassing an impressive 410 offensive yards, despite committing three turnovers.
As the fourth quarter approaches, fans anticipate an electrifying finish, and our NFL Picks are ready to deliver excitement!
Green Bay’s Key Players Expected to Sit Out
This week, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that many starters on both the offensive and defensive lines will likely not participate in the game against Denver. As a result, Jordan Love may not even see the limited action he had in the first preseason game. On a positive note, rookie safety Evan Williams has been making a name for himself during training camp, impressing coaches with his performance. In the opener against Cleveland, Williams forced a fumble on the first play of the second half and finished with an impressive six tackles in just 22 snaps.
For this matchup, Green Bay will likely rotate quarterbacks Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt while running backs AJ Dillon and Marshawn Lloyd are expected to see the bulk of the carries. The receiving corps will feature Bo Melton, Malik Heath, and Dontayvion Wicks as the primary targets. Additionally, there are a few injuries, with one player on the second-team offense and two on defense listed as questionable.
Denver’s Quarterback Situation Heats Up
On the other side, the Broncos plan to field several of their starters against the Packers. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix is set to start, and he is in a competitive race with backups Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the starting job. Fans can expect Nix and Wilson to take the majority of snaps in this game. Last week, Nix threw for 125 yards and one touchdown in the victory over the Colts.
Defensively, rookie linebacker Jonah Elliss made a significant impact during his first NFL game, pressuring Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger and forcing an interception in the first half. Denver’s first-team defense aims to limit the Packers’ second-string offense to fewer yards than they allowed the Browns. The Broncos only have four players on defense listed as questionable, while their offense remains largely healthy as they prepare for this matchup.
Betting Insights for Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos
Denver’s first-team offense and defense will host Green Bay’s second and third-team units, leading to a favorable outcome for the Broncos. Historically, the Packers have struggled in Denver, with a record of 2-10 straight up in their last 12 visits to the Mile High City. Although Denver will start rookie quarterback Bo Nix and has Zach Wilson as a backup, they are expected to score enough points to cover the 7-point spread. With Green Bay prioritizing the health of key players like Jordan Love, it is likely that the starters will see limited action, making it easier for Denver to secure a decisive victory. Nix’s previous performance with 125 passing yards and one touchdown sets the stage for another promising outing as he aims to solidify his place as the starting quarterback.
