The Denver Broncos were able to get through what ended up being a much more difficult game than most anyone expected on Sunday, defeating the Titans 20-12.
The Broncos overcame four turnovers and some incredibly sloppy play to get past last year's worst team and win their first season opener since 2021. All wins in the NFL are important, but Sean Payton and his staff will likely not be anywhere near satisfied with what transpired on Sunday.
The Broncos had several players land in the stud category and a few others that were duds. Let's recap what we saw in this one.
Denver Broncos' Week 1 Studs
Pass rush: The Broncos made life miserable for rookie quarterback Cam Ward in this one, sacking him six times. But the pressure Vance Joseph was able to apply forced throws that were off target and kept the Broncos in this game. With the offense being as sluggish as it was, the Broncos won this game because of the pressure they were able to get on the quarterback.
J.K. Dobbins, RB: The Broncos did not run the ball well collectively in this game, but after R.J. Harvey popped a 50-yarder, J.K. Dobbins capped the drive off with a 19-yard touchdown run that gave the Broncos needed breathing room and an 8-point lead.
J.K. Dobbins turns on the jets for the Broncos TD 🚀
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 7, 2025
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/MICnbDSpY3
Talanoa Hufanga, S: As long as he stays healthy, Talanoa Hufanga will be a hugely important player for this team. He netted 10 total tackles in his Broncos debut and this key forced fumble.
Pat Surtain II, CB: You could probably put PS2 here on a weekly basis, but the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year kept Calvin Ridley quiet. Being able to take away a No. 1 wide receiver — particularly from a rookie QB — is invaluable. Ridley had just four catches for 27 yards on the day. But none of that came with Surtain as the nearest defender. Surtain was thrown at just once in the game, and he broke that pass up.
Riley Moss, CB: There is a chance that Riley Moss could be a subject of these articles throughout the season in one category or the other. That is because teams are going to shy away from Surtain and see if they can beat Moss in the passing game, the way the Cincinnati Bengals did with Tee Higgins last year.
The Titans took this approach on Sunday, trying to get Elic Ayomanor open against Moss. He caught only two of the seven targets thrown his way and had 13 yards receiving. That's a win for Moss.
Denver Broncos' Week 1 Duds
Bo Nix, QB: Bo Nix was not good in this game. He was not even mediocre in this game. He played one of the worst games he has played since becoming the team's starting quarterback and the Broncos won in spite of his play. Nix was responsible for three turnovers and if the Titans had pulled off the upset, Nix's play would have been the main reason why.
Evan Engram, TE: Evan Engram's usage was not high in this game, as he was on the field for less than half of the team's offensive snaps, so it's not totally his fault that he is here. But for a guy the team signed for $23 million in the offseason, he needs to contribute more than three catches for 21 yards. He also limped off the field and didn't return following his third catch.
READ: Broncos survive upset scare due to just one reason
Marvin Mims Jr., WR: Marvin Mims was not a big part of the offensive attack and this muffed punt opened the door for the Titans to steal all of the momentum in the fourth quarter. Had the Titans scored on the ensuing possession, the Broncos would have been in trouble. This absolutely cannot happen.
MORE BRONCOS CONTENT
Who are the Denver Broncos' captains for 2025? Team newcomer highlights the list
Broncos must be wary not make cardinal mistake with first two 2025 opponents
Broncos predicted to get off to hot start but who gives them their first loss?
Broncos predicted to cut one of the top players to hit this year's waiver wire
4 players Broncos must find a way to keep ahead of the 2025 season