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September 22, 2024

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MATCHUP

The Broncos will head to Tampa Bay in Week 3 for their first of two consecutive road matchups on the East Coast. Denver will look for its first win of the season against a Buccaneers team that has gotten off to a 2-0 start. The Broncos have won four of their last five matchups against the Buccaneers, and the team will look to better this record on Sunday.

Denver’s defense, which has continued to build momentum throughout the first two weeks of the season, will face a challenging Buccaneers’ offense led by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield’s 129.1 passer rating in 2024 is currently the second highest in the NFL, while his five passing touchdowns and six total touchdowns are both tied for first in the NFL. Denver should look to disrupt this production as the team looks to limit Tampa Bay wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Broncos’ cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss could look to play a key role in these efforts. Defensive end Zach Allen could also look to continue his dominant presence on defense in this week’s matchup. Allen played 92 percent of Denver’s defensive snaps in Week 2, and he recorded four tackles and a sack during the game.

Offensively, Denver will look to build some momentum as the team continues to emphasize more efficiency in the red zone. Quarterback Bo Nix could look to maintain his connection with wide receiver Josh Reynolds, who leads the team in receiving yards this season. Wide receiver Devaughn Vele could return to the field for this week’s matchup after missing Week 2. Vele led the Broncos in receptions in Week 1 and could look to get involved in Denver’s pass game again this weekend.

Denver’s special teams unit should also look to continue to make big plays after downing punts by Riley Dixon on the 1-yard line in two consecutive games.

INJURY UPDATE

The Broncos ruled out outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and safety JL Skinner (ankle). Defensive end John Franklin-Myers (concussion) and safety Brandon Jones (foot) were upgraded to full participants and not assigned game statuses. The lack of a game status indicates a player will be available for the matchup.

For Tampa Bay, tackle Luke Goedeke, defensive lineman Calijah Kancey and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. have been ruled out. Wide receiver Kameron Johnson and nose tackle Vita Vea are listed as doubtful, while defensive lineman William Gholston and defensive back Josh Hayes are questionable to play.