The NFL season kicks off this weekend as the Tennessee Titans travel to Empower Field at Mile High to take on the Denver Broncos. In this game, Cam Ward, the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, will make his debut for the Tennessee Titans. This first game will be a hard test because Ward will be facing one of the best secondaries in the league in a difficult road environment.
Titans Offense vs Broncos Defense
On paper, the Denver Broncos project to have one of the best defenses in the league this upcoming season. Last year, the Denver Broncos led the NFL with 63 sacks as a team. This offseason, they have only improved their defense by adding linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufunga, and cornerback Jahdae Barron. This will be a tough matchup for Cam Ward in his first NFL game. Brian Callahan is setting reasonable expectations for Cam Ward this week. He told reporters on Wednesday, “We don’t need him to do anything super-human. We just need him to play good football, and need the guys around him to play well for him.” With Denver’s ferocious pass rush and new defensive weapons, Ward’s debut will serve as an early test of his poise and the Titans’ ability to rally around their rookie quarterback.
Broncos Offense vs Titans Defense
The Broncos had a solid offense last season, led by playcaller Sean Payton and rookie quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos finished top 10 in the league in points per game. This offseason, they committed to adding playmakers for Bo Nix. They picked up tight end Evan Engram and running back JK Dobbins in free agency, then picked up running back RJ Harvey and wide receiver Pat Bryant in the draft. The Titans finished 30th last season in opponents’ points per game. Hopefully, with a full offseason of development, some of this team’s younger defensive players can step up and have a big year. They will have a tough challenge in their first game against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.
Nik Bonitto vs Titans Offensive Line
Last season, Nik Bonitto had a career year at linebacker for the Denver Broncos. He totaled 13.5 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Bonitto cashed in this offseason by earning a four-year contract extension worth up to $120 million. The way that this Titans offense handles Bonitto will be a strong indication of how they will handle other top pass rushers around the league.
Jeffery Simmons vs Broncos Offensive Line
The Denver Broncos are returning all five starting offensive linemen from last season. This unit is projected to be one of the best in the league due to its talent and continuity. On the other side of the ball, the Titans will have Jeffery Simmons trying to disrupt this Broncos offense. As Titans fans know, Simmons is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL right now. If the Bronocos focus too heavily on Simmons, that may open things up for Arden Key or Sebastian Joseph-Day to have a big game on the defensive line. We will learn a lot about these two units by how they are able to battle in the trenches on Sunday.
Elic Ayomanor
The Titans put out an unofficial depth chart this week that listed rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor as a starter alongside Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. Ayomanor has displayed a strong connection with fellow rookie Cam Ward during training camp and preseason. Coach Callahan had high praise for Ayomanor during his press conference this Wednesday. Callahan said, “He’s shown up in practices, he’s shown up in games, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s made plays when the ball has come his way. He’s earned the right to be the first guy to walk out there…” With Ward under center and Ayomanor earning a starting role, the Titans’ offense could feature a dynamic rookie duo ready to make an immediate impact.
Game Information
Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos
Time: September 7th, 2025 @ 3:05 PM CDT
Location: Empower Field (Denver, CO)
TV Broadcast: FOX
TV Broadcast Crew: Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez, and Kristina Pink
Radio: Titans Radio (104-5 The Zone)
Radio Crew: Taylor Zarzour, Dave McGinnis, Rhett Bryan, Amie Wells
Referee: Alex Kemp
Line: Titans +330 (+7.5 pts)
Over/Under: 42.5
By: AJ Hughes