The Denver Broncos are set to face off against the New York Jets this Sunday, marking their second consecutive road game. Currently, the Broncos hold a record of 1-2, having secured their first victory of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. In contrast, the Jets come into the matchup with a record of 2-1 after defeating the New England Patriots last Thursday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST.
Broncos Aim for Back-to-Back Wins
The Denver Broncos are riding high after a convincing 26-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix celebrated his first NFL win, contributing to the score with both a rushing touchdown and multiple field goals. The Broncos are eager to maintain this momentum against the Jets.
“It felt great. We played really well,” Nix expressed. “We went out there and executed at a high level, and that’s what it’s supposed to feel like when you get back in the locker room. The guys were really excited. You put so much into the week. You put so much effort, time, and energy, and that is what those moments are about.”
Nix’s performance was impressive, completing 25 of 36 passes for 216 yards without an interception. After struggling earlier in the season with four interceptions in two games, this performance showcased his growth. The Denver defense also played a crucial role, sacking Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield seven times and forcing a fumble while limiting him to just 163 yards passing.
Currently, the Broncos are ranked 23rd in total offense, with their performance fluctuating between 19th in rushing and 24th in passing. They’ve faced challenges in converting red zone opportunities, ranking 30th in the league in that aspect. On the defensive side, the Broncos rank third overall, showing strength in pass rush with a fifth-place standing in sacks per game. However, they must work on reducing penalties, currently averaging 22nd in the league.
Key Injuries: Safety JL Skinner is doubtful, and tight end Nate Adkins is questionable.
Jets Look to Extend Winning Streak
After a rocky start to the season, the New York Jets have bounced back with two consecutive victories, including a dominant 24-3 win over the Patriots. This game marked a significant moment for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as it was his first home game since recovering from an Achilles injury.
“It felt great,” Rodgers stated. “I was feeling real good out there. I told you guys after Week 1 that it’s going to be a process and I’ll continue to extend plays once I feel more comfortable.”
Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards, throwing touchdown passes to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. The defense was equally impressive, sacking Patriots quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye seven times, restricting New England to just 120 passing yards.
The Jets are looking to extend their winning streak to three games, coming off a well-deserved ten-day break. They currently rank 18th in total offense, with a disappointing 23rd in rushing yards. However, their red zone efficiency has been remarkable, ranking third in converting opportunities into touchdowns. Defensively, they are seventh overall and boast a second-place ranking in sacks per game. This improvement in defense has helped them to climb in turnover margin, now sitting seventh in the league.
Key Injuries: Linebacker CJ Mosley and offensive lineman Tyron Smith are both questionable.
Analysis: Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets
The upcoming matchup heavily favors the New York Jets, particularly due to their superior efficiency in the red zone and turnover margin. While the Broncos showed signs of improvement in their last game, they struggled to convert red zone opportunities, ranking 30th in the league. In contrast, the Jets excel in this area, sitting third in the NFL for touchdown conversions.
Turnovers will be a pivotal factor in this game. Although Nix did not throw an interception last week, he has four for the season. The Jets’ defense, which excels in pressuring quarterbacks, is second in the league for sacks per game. Meanwhile, Rodgers has a reputation for minimizing mistakes, contributing to the Jets’ favorable turnover margin.
Given these dynamics, the Jets are expected to capitalize on their strengths and secure a comfortable victory against the Broncos on Sunday.
