NFL Picks, Predictions Week 1: Denver Broncos vs. Tennessee Titans

Travis Wakeman

NFL Picks, Predictions Week 1: Denver Broncos vs. Tennessee Titans image

The Denver Broncos have one of the more interesting games on the Week 1 slate. 

They are opening the season against the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, Cam Ward, and will be a popular pick in Survivor pools as players will be looking to get past that dreaded Week 1 game. It will mark the first time the Broncos have ever played against a rookie quarterback as a team's starter to open a season. 

How do those around the NFL media see this game going? Take a look at some predictions for this Week 1 clash. 

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Broncos 24, Titans 13

"Cam Ward is showing plenty of early promise but his first NFL game he needs to debut vs. one of the league's toughest pass defenses in a hostile road environment. Ward will see Denver's pass rush often and also needs to be wary of Pat Surtain in coverage locking down Calvin Ridley. The Broncos will get their new-look running game well to complement the defense and take pressure off Bo Nix"."

Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Broncos 27, Titans 13

"The Broncos are the largest favorite of Week 1. Bo Nix looks to build on a successful rookie season. Nik Bonnitto and Jonathon Cooper combined for 24 sacks last season. It's going to be a tough first trial for rookie quarterback Cam Ward. If this line creeps up to double digits, we'll see value in Tennessee. Denver, however, is a little further along under Sean Payton, and all six home victories last season came by more than eight points."

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Broncos 24, Titans 14

"The Titans took Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he could have a great career in Tennessee. It just won't get off to a great start against the Broncos' defense."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Broncos 26, Titans 13

"This will be Cameron Ward's first NFL start for the Titans, and he's making it against one of the league's best defenses in one of the toughest places to play. That's tough sledding. I look for Bo Nix to have success throwing it for Denver on the other side. The Broncos get off to a fast start, while the defense closes the door by limiting Ward."

READ: Broncos predicted to have top free agent on the market in 2026

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Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.