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Class 5A

Class 4A

Class 3A

Note: All stats taken from Maxpreps.com.

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Dropping the ball: Think Bo Nix misses Tim Patrick? While it would be silly to pin the Broncos’ passing game struggles on the decision to waive the oft-injured wide receiver, it sure didn’t look great early on when Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Courtland Sutton dropped catchable third-down passes in the first half. Nix and Patrick memorably showed some chemistry working with one another during the preseason. After one game, the rookie quarterback didn’t find that guy (Josh Reynolds?) until it was too late. The question is how long it will take for that to show up for an entire game.

Hello, Audric: The burst was incredible. The hurdle? Even better. The ball security? Something to work on. Rookie running back Audric Estime’s first NFL regular-season carry, coming on the first snap of the second quarter, had it all. A gain of 12 yards with more twists and turns than a ride at Elitch Gardens, capped by a fumble that was fortuitously pounced on by veteran tight end Adam Trautman. Estime didn’t get another carry the rest of the half, providing a valuable lesson for the fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame: Don’t ever do that again.

Hanging with Mr. Cooper: Jonathon Cooper told anyone who would listen what his goal was this fall: Double-digit sacks. It turns out that might not just be preseason puffery. One snap into Sunday, and No. 0 already had sack No. 1. No. 2 came just before halftime. Such was the story for the Broncos defensive front in the first half, which notched six tackles for loss, two sacks and pressured Geno Smith into an Alex Singleton interception. The Broncos entered the season convinced they had solved their problems in the trenches. The first two quarters provided evidence in the affirmative. As for the last two quarters…

Sprung a leak: Whether it was because they spent too much time on the field, or Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb figured out Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph at halftime, something happened to the Broncos defense at the break. If you thought the Broncos’ troubles against the run were behind them, the last two quarters argued otherwise. If you thought their pass rush was suddenly a problem, there wasn’t much evidence of that in the final 30 minutes. Is it unfair to ask the defense to play lights out for four quarters? Probably. But to win games like these with a rookie QB, it might be necessary.

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Live updates

FINAL | Seahawks 26, Broncos 20

It was a rough debut for Bo Nix as the Broncos rookie quarterback threw two interceptions in a 26-20 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

Nix, however, did have one highlight late in the fourth quarter when he scrambled for a 4-yard score to earn his first NFL touchdown.

More Broncos coverage

• PHOTOS: Denver Broncos drop season opener to Seattle Seahawks 26-20 in week 1 of the NFL season.
• Broncos LT Garett Bolles “going to be fine” after missing final two drives with ankle injury, HC Sean Payton says.
• Bo Nix Watch: Poor decisions stall rookie quarterback’s Broncos debut.
• Broncos Four Downs: Did Seahawks figure out Vance Joseph’s defense in the second half?
• Broncos report card: Bo Nix’s debut, Sean Payton’s offensive plan get failing grades in Week 1 loss.
• WATCH: Broncos rookie Bo Nix scores 1st NFL touchdown, a 4-yard scramble

Fourth-quarter updates

A second chance (5:18 p.m.): Baron Browning jumps offside on third down. We’re going to do this thing again. — Schubert

Third and a chance (5:16 p.m.): It’s going to be third-and-long here. Interested to see whether Seattle elects to pass here. — Schubert

Stop needed (5:13 p.m.): Two timeouts and the two-minute warning to work with for the Broncos’ defense. Need a three-and-out. — Gabriel

Bo Nix, touchdown (5:11 p.m.): Bo Nix’s first TD comes on the ground. A 4-yard scramble for the score. Gives Broncos a few breaths of life. They trail 26-20 with 2:09 left. — Renck

Bo Nix scores his first NFL TD!

: #DENvsSEA on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/R9BWx51L53

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Big gain (5:07 p.m.): Using his legs, Bo Nix scrambled for a 23-yard gain. On the day, he has four carries for 31 yards, the most on the team. — Nguyen

Another pick for Nix (5:01 p.m.): Bo Nix got into a little rhythm then throws into triple coverage for his second pick. Rookie quarterbacks will fall to 4-15 at Lumen Field. — Renck

Let’s call this a learning experience for Bo Nix. Two picks on the day, and honestly, it should probably be many more.

A reminder, he threw three INTs all of last season at Oregon. — Schubert

Tight-end connection (5 p.m.): Two straight possessions feature a Broncos tight end short of the sticks on third down. Sound familiar? — Schubert

Touchdown, Seattle (4:41 p.m.): A 30-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Zach Charbonnet gives Seattle a bigger lead. Seahawks 26, Broncos 13. — Nguyen

And that will do it. Seattle goes up 26-13. Might as well be 56-13. — Renck

Another Seahawks touchdown, this time on a wheel route, and this game appears to be all but over. Seattle leads 26-13 and the Broncos offense has shown zero signs it has the ability to answer. — Schubert

Third-quarter analysis — Seahawks 19, Broncos 13

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: A six-point lead might be enough for Seattle already. But a TD for Mike Macdonald’s team at the end of this drive early in the fourth quarter would feel like a putaway punch.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: The Broncos are only down six points, but this game feels like its over. I can’t see this offense turning things around. Nix is overmatched and Denver’s run defense has fallen apart.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: Broncos play with no margin for error. Defense, terrific in first half, is getting gashed. And offense can’t stay on the field. Not establishing run has bit them. Nix is averaging 2.68 yards per attempt. That is all-time bad.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: If you thought the Broncos’ run defense troubles were behind them, the last 15 minutes argued otherwise. Whether that’s because they’ve spent way too much time on the field due to the offense’s ineptitude, or they have real problems is immaterial. This one is quickly slipping away.

Third-quarter updates

Third-down issues (4:35 p.m.): Sean Payton goes nuclear, wanting PI. Sutton appeared to be grabbed early in the route. Broncos fail to convert on third down. And the beat goes on. They are 4-for-15 on third down. — Renck

Can’t stop the run (4:32 p.m.): The defense that had carried the Broncos to a halftime lead has not looked good to start the second half. Seattle now has 134 yards on 21 carries. Obviously, that’s not going to get it done. — SChubert

Three more (4:30 p.m.): The Broncos dodge a bullet with DK Metcalf flagged for holding on a play that likely would’ve been a touchdown anyway. Denver keeps the Seahawks out of the end zone after that. It’s now 19-13 Seattle with 4:12 left in the third quarter. — Schubert

Huge holding call on DK Metcalf negated TD. It keeps Broncso in game. Had they gone up 23-13 this game was over given Denver’s offensive ineptitude. — Renck

Penalty woes (4:25 p.m.): Another pass interference flag on the Broncos. Denver now has seven penalties for 55 yards and the Seahawks are driving. If Seattle goes up by two scores, this one might be out of reach. — Schubert

Injury update (4:21 p.m.): Trainer is looking at and re-taping RB Audric Estime’s right ankle on the Broncos’ bench. — Gabriel

Fumbled, lost (4:20 p.m.): Jaleel McLaughlin coughs it up on third-and-long near midfield with the Broncos trying to play field position, and this thing has a chance to go from bad to worse. — Schubert

Broncos start to run well and abandon it. Then McLaughlin fumbles on short reception. Seahawks in business at the Broncos’ 47-yard line. Per my man Parker, Broncos have 29 drop backs and 19 rushes.. That’s not going to work. Not at all. — Renck

Touchdown, Seattle (4:12 p.m.): Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III slipped past the Broncos defense en route to a 23-yard touchdown. Seahawks 16, Broncos 13. — Nguyen

It appears the Broncos run defense from 2023 emerged from the halftime locker room. Seattle just shoved the ball down their throats with Kenneth Walker III.

The last run goes for a touchdown — easy enough that the Michigan State product could do an exaggerated dive into the end zone. Looks like Bo Nix is going to have to make some plays to win this one. — Schubert

Kenneth Walker 23-yard TD run… Moss had chance at tackle but got off block late and missed tackle. Walker scores and with the PAT. Seahawks lead 16-13 with 10:44 left. It was six plays, 61 yards, 2:47 off the clock. Offense has to do something. Anything. Not winning this games with safeties and field goals. — Renck

Not a good time for the Broncos’ defense to have a leaky moment. Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but not much margin for error with the way the Denver offense is playing. — Gabriel

Three-and-out (4:05 p.m.): Loss of yardage on a first down sweep. Second-down pass bounced into the turf. Then a delay of game penalty. Safe to say the Broncos didn’t figure a whole lot of things out during the halftime break.

Three-and-out as the Broncos do nothing but march backward to start the second half. This game is going to be on the defense. The good news: They’ve been up to the task so far. — Schubert

Halftime analysis — Broncos 13, Seahawks 9

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: This has been one of the stranger halves of football I’ve seen. Somehow seems fitting for this team. But for as rough as the operation was offensively for Denver, they’ve got the lead, start the second half with the ball and the defense has been humming.

Maybe, just maybe, a heavy dose of the run game would be a good play to start the half.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s defense has been the highlight of the game. The Broncos have recorded two safeties and an interception while they have done well at pressuring Geno Smith. Bo Nix looked nervous throughout the first half as the majority of his throws have been off target. Maybe, Nix can build off his completion to Josh Reynolds that set up the field goal in the closing seconds of the quarter.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: Hard to believe Nix can place worse than he did in first half and Broncos lead 13-9. They have run a lot of plays, but the idea is never to throw this much on road with a rookie. Rookies are 4-14 in Lumen Field. Gotta run ball better. But the reality is they are leading because of Vance Joseph’s hair on fire defense. Can the offense do enough in second half to pull off the upset?

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Bo Nix has been bad. And the Broncos are still ahead 13-9 at the break. All things considered, that’s not a bad place to be starting a rookie quarterback on the road in Week 1. Thank Jonathon Cooper and the Broncos defensive front, which has been absolutely lights out.

Second-quarter updates

Three more (3:46 p.m.): Broncos’ Wil Lutz with the 45-yard field goal give give the Broncos a 13-9 lead with two seconds to go. — Nguyen

Broncos get 45-yard FG from Lutz to increase lead to 13-9. Nix throw to Reynolds set it up. Nix is 12-for-22 for 67 yards. Maybe that last 25-yard strike will shake him into rhythm. Been late and behind on throws all day. But #Broncos lead 13-9 at half because of 3 FGs and 2 safeties. First time had two safeties in a game since 1982. — Renck

Make-up play (3:45 p.m.): After looking like he dropped a pass from Bo Nix, Josh Reynolds a 25-yard pass from Nix to give Denver the first down. — Nguyen

Just off target (3:45 p.m.): Everything over the middle from Bo Nix so far has been behind the receiver. Again there to Reynolds. — Gabriel

Rookie jitters (3:42 p.m.): Throughout that defensive possession for the Broncos, Jarrett Stidham was talking with Nix on the bench. Looked like he was trying to impart on Nix to settle down. Davis Webb there, too. — Gabriel

No safety (3:41 p.m.): If you were hoping for a third safety on third-and-long at the Seahawks 1, you will come away disappointed. Still, the Broncos have a shot at more points if they can get this punt near midfield. — Schubert

Slow getting up (3:41 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper jogging off slowly after last play. Was favoring his right leg. But appears OK. — Renck

Sacked (3:38 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper with his second sack of the game. He was serious when he said he wanted 10 or more sacks this season. — McFadden

Cooper on pace for 34 sacks this year. #WayTooEarlyStats — Nguyen

Rough debut (3:37 p.m.): And just like that, Nix threw the ball into a defender’s chest and nearly had his second interception of the game. — McFadden

Well, the Bo Nix “almost picked” counter is now at 4 after another sloppy throw. — Schubert

Nix is playing awful. Should have 3 or 4 picks. But defense playing with hair on fire. Compensating for the offensive ineptitude, save for Geno Smith’s 34-yard run. — Renck

Momentum building? (3:34 p.m.): See if that 17-yard completion on the run from Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton settles the QB in a bit. Nice play to keep the drive moving. — Gabriel

Bo Nix with his first big play of the game, a scrambling third-down completion to Courtland Sutton. Broncos are in business. — Schubert

41 years (3:31 p.m.): Last time Broncos had two safeties in a game was Jan. 2, 1983. They had safeties by Boyd and Chavous. They lost 13-11 to Seattle in Kingdome. — Renck

This might be weirdest half of football I’ve covered in my life. — McFadden

10 the hard way (3:29 p.m.): Broncos have 10 points on two FGs — set up by an INT and a muffed punt — and two safeties. A resplendent start for Vance Joseph’s defense. — Gabriel

The safety dance (3:27 p.m.): Make that two safeties for Denver today. Broncos 10, Seahawks 9. — Nguyen

Yes, ANOTHER, safety. Zach Allen busts through the line and drops the Seattle running back right at the goal line. What a half for the defensive line. — Schubert

No worries? (3:27 p.m.): Not sure whether to be encouraged that the Broncos are still in this game despite the QB looking this shaky, or discouraged that they aren’t winning with the defense looking (mostly) this good. — Schubert

Perfection (3:26 p.m.): Riley Dixon with the perfect pitching wedge punt. Pins Seattle at 1-yard line. #Broncos best offense is their defense. Time for another safety, it appears. — Renck

The play that set up the safety

: CBS
pic.twitter.com/wpHYC3DODZ

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 8, 2024

Bo struggles (3:24 p.m.): Bo Nix could easily have four picks right now. Sean Payton desperately needs his run game to show up, because the rookie quarterback is struggling. — Schubert

Bo Nix looks spooked every time he drops back. — McFadden

We’ve seen some bouts of inaccuracy from Bo Nix in camp, especially over the middle, but not by these kind of margins.

Rough outing so far for the Broncos rookie QB. — Gabriel

Touchdown, Seahawks (3:18 p.m.): Geno Smith with nifty run and shoulder fake to race 34 yards for score. Seattle leads 9-8 as crowd breaks into “Geno!!!” Two-point conversion fails. — Renck

As well as this Broncos defense has played, they’re down by one in the second quarter.

P.J. Locke has got to make that tackle on Geno Smith in the open field. — Schubert

Rhythm in Seattle (3:17 p.m.): Geno Smith finding a little rhythm now. Metcalf over the middle and back-shouder to Lockett against Moss. Seahawks are moving. — Gabriel

Gnarly tackle (3:17 p.m.): Baron Browning goes Simone Biles on the tackle, flipping upside down to get assist on a tackle. That is a big man going head over heels. — Renck

Baron Browning just tried to do a Canadian Destroyer to Kenneth Walker III. — Nguyen

Three more (3:10 p.m.): Despite starting on Seattle’s 9-yard line, Denver couldn’t move the ball in the red zone. A 30-yard field goal gives the Broncos an 8-3 lead. — Nguyen

More conservative play-calling from Sean Payton. Two straight runs to start this drive inside the Seattle 15 gain only a couple of yards. And then third down falls incomplete after Bo Nix tries to squeeze a ball into Courtland Sutton in double coverage. — Schubert

Nix was on time and on target in preseason. Pressure is different in regular season. Nix feeling heat … mechanics are off. He has been late on multiple throws. Last pass was so bad it didn’t get picked off. Caught a break.

Payton is trying to protect Nix with conservative play calling. But playing this safe is playing to lose. Going to have to have somebody make a play in red zone because, and you all know, field goals lose road games. — Renck

Muffed punt (3:06 p.m.): Seattle muffs the punt. Denver gets the ball on the Seattle 9. — Nguyen

And now we’ve got a muffed punt for the Seahawks. Broncos ball inside the Seattle 10-yard line, but a false start moves them back right off the bat. Seattle is serving this game on a platter. Can Denver take it? — Schubert

Safety (3:02 p.m.): A holding call on Seattle from their own 1-yard line gives the Broncos a safety. Broncos 5, Seahawks 3. — Nguyen

The Broncos defensive line has been the star of the game so far. D.J. Jones’ push forces a hold in the end zone and a safety. What a start for Vance Joseph’s crew. — Schubert

Lesson learned (2:58 p.m.): Bo Nix gets his first rookie lesson. Don’t do that. — Schubert

Bo Nix makes first mistake … drifted in pocket … threw off back foot. Ball floated into double coverage and was easily picked. Sutton had no chance. If going to make that throw, have to step up and drive ball. Nix also got hit on play. But it was a bad decision. No way around it. — Renck

Sean Payton hated the way the Broncos played in the red zone last year — and was particularly frustrated with Russell Wilson’s production in that department. Two first-half trips so far today: A field goal and a Bo Nix INT. — Gabriel

First-quarter analysis — Broncos 3, Seahawks 3

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Dink, dunk, dink, dunk.

Bo Nix is 6/9 for 21 yards. Broncos have just two first downs. Vance Joseph’s defense has been really good so far.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s defense has looked solid. The Broncos held Seattle to 38 total yards and 0 for 3 on third down. Broncos have done well from a pass rush standpoint, as Bonitto, Allen, Cooper and Jones were able to get to Smith.

Troy Renck, sports columnist: Broncos looking to make this a rockfight. Defense playing with aggression and purpose. Offense has been conservative with no deep strikes. Going to have to hit one to win this game.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: The defense is doing what it needs to give Bo Nix a shot in his first NFL start. Javonte Williams has shown some early burst. and Nix has been fine. More Devaughn Vele. Less Lil’Jordan Humphrey, please.

First-quarter updates

Aired out (2:51 p.m.): OK, so maybe there’s a reason why Bo’s been so conservative. His first deep pass SAILS and is nearly picked. — Schubert

Challenge good (2:49 p.m.): Sean Payton rightfully challenges that spot and wins. We’ve got a drive going for Denver. — Schubert

Bo’s legs (2:47 p.m.): Pretty sure Bo Nix hasn’t throw a pass that’s traveled farther than 8 yards downfield so far today. That being said, that spot was absolutely horrific. Nix clearly got a first down on that scramble and dove forward. — Schubert

Tied up (2:42 p.m.): A seven-play, 46-yard Seattle drive leads to FG.. Game tied at 3. Bonitto roughing the passer wasn’t egregious, but it cost the Broncos 3 points. — Renck

Broncos get the Seahawks off the field with a defensive back blitz. Plenty of pressure from the pass rush early on. Very encouraging sign. — Schubert

Joseph’s showing all kinds of stuff early. Got Bonitto as a free-runner on that third down. Impressive stuff from the defense overall and the front in particular.

Also an encouraging start from Riley Moss. He’s feisty and not afraid to play in the run game. — Gabriel

Shadow (2:40 p.m.): Pat Surtain II’s been traveling with DK Metcalf so far. Good-on-good matchup there. — Gabriel

A first (2:35 p.m.): Alex Singleton’s interception was his first in a Broncos uniform and first since Dec. 26, 2021 when he played for Philadelphia. — Gabriel

Dropped (2:33 p.m.): Lil’Jordan Humphrey drops Nix’s pass attempt on third down, forcing the Broncos to punt. The ball was placed perfectly in Humphrey’s hands but he couldn’t secure the grab. — McFadden

Defensive numbers (2:31 p.m.): After three possessions, the Broncos have one sack, one turnover, three quarterback hits and two pass deflections.

Oh, and two tackles for a loss. — Schubert

Pass-rush strong early (2:29 p.m.): Zach Allen loves playing with JFM. Teams can’t pay so much attention to him and he took advantage, there, pressuring Geno Smith on third-and-long. — Gabriel

The Broncos pass rush has shown up in a big way early on. — Schubert

Defense rolling (2:27 p.m.): Nik Bonitto rocking his new number 15 gets the tackle. And there’s a hold on the play. Seahawks offense finding tough sledding. Riley Moss gets tackle for loss. Looked like he was bulldogging in rodeo arena. — Renck

Defensive switch (2:25 p.m.): Devon Key in the game at safety with Locke for the second series.

Sean Payton indicated Friday that Brandon Jones might be on something of a limited workload given he missed most of camp with a hamstring injury. — Gabriel

Three-and-out (2:22 p.m.): Three pass attempts, three completions for Bo Nix on his second drive. Unfortunately the Broncos only gained 5 yards. A punt back to Seattle. — Nguyen

Through two series, Bo Nix is 3/4 for 5 yards and the Broncos have gone three-and-out twice. Long way to go, obviously, but playing in the regular season is a lot different than the preseason. — Gabriel

For historians: On first and 10 from 35, Bo Nix completed first pass to Jaleel McLaughlin on rollout right for two yards. He followed with a short pass that went for minus-1 yard. But he already has more completions than John Elway had in his opening debut in 1983. Elway went 1-for-8 and was benched. But Broncos won. — Renck

Sean Payton and Co. aren’t doing a lot to dispel the notion that Bo Nix doesn’t throw the ball down the field. We’re two possessions in and nothing past the sticks. — Schubert

Money well earned (2:18 p.m.): That is why you pay Pat Surtain II. First time Seahawks go to D.K. Metcalf, Surtain knocks it away. Looks like Surtain is following top receiver today. Will see if that holds. — Renck

This just in: Pat Surtain II is good. — Gabriel

Pat Surtain II once again shows why you pay him the big bucks. — McFadden

Encourage defense (2:15 p.m.): Looking forward to seeing what Denver’s defense does after forcing a turnover to start the game. The Broncos needed to improve on their pass rush. Jones and Cooper getting to the quarterback on back-to-back plays is a encouraging sign. — McFadden

CU sighting (2:14 p.m.): Former CU receiver Laviska Shenault took that kick return for the Seahawks. Seattle will start on the 27-yard line. — Nguyen

Field goal (2:11 p.m.): Broncos take a 3-0 lead after Wil Lutz’s 35-yard field goal attempt. Broncos 3, Seahawks 0. — McFadden

Javonte Williams slips on second play and Bo Nix incompletion brings out FG team.. Thought we were going to see tush push with Riley Dixon, but was used only to try and draw Seattle offsides. Didn’t work. Lutz with short FG. #Broncos lead 3-0 w 12:36 remaining in half. Really needed to steal 7 there. But a lead is a lead. — Renck

Broncos go three-and-out after a 9-yard run on first down.

Nix *maybe* could have tried to pick up third-and-2 with his legs, but instead Denver settles for a FG.

Red zone always critical and the first trip there this fall is an unsatisfying one. — Gabriel

And picked (2:08 p.m.): More pressure from the Broncos’ front line and he throws a dart straight into Alex Singleton’s hands. Broncos ball. — Nguyen

START US OFF, @alexsingleton49!

: CBS pic.twitter.com/8pdkaMf01S

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 8, 2024

Jonathon Cooper with sack on first play. On second play, Alex Singleton with interception as DJ Jones wrapped up Smith. Huge start for Denver. — Renck

Sacked (2:07 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper records the first sack of the season for Denver. A 7-yard loss for Seattle. — Nguyen

Coin toss (2:03 p.m.): Broncos have all six captains at midfield for the coin toss.

Pat Surtain calls tails and it is. Denver defers to the second half. — Gabriel

It’s about that time. Anthem singer had false start. Started before PA was done talking. And pretty sure there will be an illegal formation called as well.

Broncos win toss and will kick. Will see new-look defense first. The Broncos beefed up their DLine to improve their run defense. But there are questions in secondary. This will be debut of foursome Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, Riley Moss and Pat Surtain II. — Renck

Pre-game updates

Weather (1:52 p.m.): 73 degrees, mostly cloudy, 7 mph wind and 72% humidity as we approach kickoff. Peak PNW. — Gabriel

Countdown (1:19 p.m.): Broncos are on the field for warmups with 47 minutes on the clock before kickoff. Sean Payton’s on the sideline chatting with owners Carrie Walton Penner and Greg Penner. — Gabriel

Broncos inactives (12:36 p.m.): TE Lucas Krull, WR Troy Franklin, DL Eyioma Uwazurike, RB Blake Watson, CB Kris Abrams-Draine and OL Frank Crum. Zach Wilson is listed as the emergency third quarterback. — McFadden

Only surprise on the inactives from my point of view is maybe Kris Abrams-Draine. He was a special teams regular in camp. But Levi Wallace is healthy after missing a big chunk of camp and slots in as the next CB up behind Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss. — Gabriel

Good morning from the Pacific Northwest (12:18 p.m.): It’s hazy but dry here in Seattle. Bo Nix was out on the field with Jarrett Stidham a little more than two hours before kickoff. Intriguing opener here both considering Nix is making his regular-season debut and that the Seahawks feature a new head coach and new coordinators on both sides of the ball. — Gabriel

Scouting report (11 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Seahawks in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Seahawks 17, Broncos 16

The Broncos have lost their last two season openers by this score, including one at Lumen Field. So why not another? OK, that’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but this has the feel of a feel-out game. Denver is trying to learn what it has in Bo Nix, and Seattle is going out under head coach Mike Macdonald for the first time. The Broncos cover, but start 0-1 for a fifth time in six years.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Seahawks 21, Broncos 20

History will not be on Bo Nix’s side on Sunday. Rookie quarterbacks are 0-7-1 in Week 1 in the last five seasons. Nix will put up modest numbers in his debut but it won’t be enough to beat the Seahawks in a hostile environment. Mike Macdonald earns his first win as a head coach but Denver will leave Seattle optimistic about Nix’s ability as a starter.

Troy Renck, columnist: Seahawks 23, Broncos 20

The Broncos have been energized by young players and rookie quarterback Bo Nix. There is every reason to believe they will use their underdog status to overachieve this season. It just won’t be in the opener at Seattle. Too many numbers suggest that even if Nix plays well, the Broncos will lose.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Seahawks 23, Broncos 20

Welcome to the Big Show, Bo Nix! For all the chatter about Seattle tailback Kenneth Walker III vs. the Broncos’ run defense, that’s not what nags you. What nags you is what happens when Geno Smith realizes he’s got DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett or Smith-Njigba isolated 1-on-1 against Riley Moss. Or just starts looking for wherever Moss happens to be and decides he’ll take his chances. If the Broncos hold up their end at CB2, they can hang. But that’s a massive, Godzilla-sized “if.” Especially when you can’t hear yourself think.

Broncos-Seahawks NFL Week 1: Must-reads

Broncos’ primary early-season task: Find way to start faster than last year’s 1-5 disaster

Sean Payton went deep into his bag of tricks last year to try to jumpstart his first Broncos team in Week 1.

Denver attempted a surprise onside kick to open the 2023 season against Las Vegas and came within about a foot of success, but Tremon Smith touched the ball a shade before it traveled 10 yards. The surprise onside, of course, is no longer available to NFL teams with the new dynamic kickoff rule in place. Last year’s gambit cost the Broncos valuable field position in a game they ultimately lost by one point.

Some way, somehow, though, Payton’s team has to find a way to start faster Sunday against Seattle and early in the season, Parker Gabriel reports.

Broncos Journal: After facing uncertainty on cutdown day, undrafted rookies Blake Watson, Frank Crum hope for prosperous future in Denver

Broncos running back Blake Watson tried his best to treat Aug. 27 as a regular day.

Denver was in the process of trimming its roster down to 53 players, and Watson spent half the day at the training facility before returning to his hotel room, where his mind began to wander. As an undrafted rookie out of Memphis, the odds were already stacked against Watson when he arrived in Denver in the spring.

Now that the moment of truth had arrived, he asked himself if there was more he could have done to strengthen his case for a roster spot. Even though head coach Sean Payton made it seem like Watson had a future in Denver, nothing was certain until the clock struck 2 p.m., Ryan McFadden reports.

Renck: Can Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix find instant success in Seattle? The numbers say no.

Stats vs. Trust. One of these variables will determine whether Bo Nix wins his debut on Sunday. And the numbers don’t add up.

I love the Broncos as a surprise team this season, but don’t like them in Week 1. When coach Sean Payton named Nix the starter, it made sense. He earned it. He is ready. Teammates believe in him.

Lost in the optimism is a sobering reality: There are few places worse for him to launch his career than Seattle, Troy Renck writes.

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Goin’ deep: Every time the Buffs suit up, they bring the two best players onto the field with them in QB Shedeur Sanders and ironman Travis Hunter. The problem? There are still 20 other guys out there. And when CU faces a team like Nebraska, the pecking order for Nos. 3-22 skews too heavily in favor of the other guys. Sanders and Hunter (10 catches, 110 yards) are legit “Gonna play on Sunday” stars. But at the upper reaches of college football, it takes more than that to win big. One game does not make a season, but Saturday gave us more evidence this team isn’t much better than the last.

Getting defensive: The only thing less encouraging than CU’s leaky defense in the first half? The fact that Coach Prime walked away from it feeling like they were playing “pretty darn good.” The numbers: 126 yards from QB Dylan Raiola on 14-of-17 passing, 88 yards rushing, an average of 6.1 yards per play and one hurt Shilo Sanders. The good news? The second half was much better. Nebraska didn’t score a point in the second half, marking the second straight week CU shut out an opponent in the third quarter. If we’re looking for positives, defensive coordinator Robert Livingston’s ability to adjust at halftime is one of them.

Hunter’s other side: Why do scouts insist Travis Hunter is an NFL cornerback and not a receiver? Consider one three-play sequence in the first quarter. First down, Huskers QB Dylan Raiola attempts a screen to his right, Hunter reads it perfectly and drills Jahmal Banks for a 2-yard loss. Second down, Raiola throws complete short to the middle, Hunter rallies to the ball and limits the gain to 4 yards. Third down, another short throw that produces a gain 1 yard short of the sticks … except that Isaiah Neyor was holding onto Hunter for dear life. Flag, 10 yards back. One player — a DB no less — blows up an entire possession.

Problems up front: Much was made of the offensive line overhaul in Boulder this offseason. Two weeks in, it sure looks a heck of a lot like last year’s Buffs offensive front. It took all of three plays for the Husker pass rush to sack Shedeur Sanders for the first time. Sack No. 2 came on the first snap of the next possession. Three plays later, the Buffs didn’t get the push they needed to convert fourth-and-1 on the Huskers’ side of the field. All told, CU gained 42 yards on 11 non-QB runs. And the Huskers logged six sacks. Same. Old. Story. If this is the kind of protection Shedeur is going to receive, the Buffs are in trouble.

Extra Point

Scarlet vs. Gold: One more reminder that this game needs to be played every year, preferably on Thanksgiving weekend, with both teams in the same conference? Seeing those White-and-Gold CU uniforms clash with those Scarlet-and-Cream duds for the home side. It just looks right. CU and Nebraska don’t have another game on the schedule for the foreseeable future. And, obviously, it’s unlikely they will be in the same conference anytime soon. While the latter may never change, the former has to.

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1. Cherry Creek (1-1) won at Millard North (Neb.), 42-10. After the Bruins opened their season with a defeat to Skyridge in Utah, they had another out-of-state test in Nebraska and passed with flying colors. The Bruins raced to a 21-0 halftime lead and then junior QB Brady Vodicka tossed another TD midway through the third quarter to spark the rout. Next week: vs. No. 10 Regis Jesuit, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

2. Mountain Vista (3-0) won at Erie, 55-12. In their pursuit of a first state title, the Golden Eagles have been unstoppable in the early part of the season. QB Austyn Modrzewski repeatedly toasted the Tigers’ secondary as MVHS jumped out to a 28-0 lead after one quarter. Gavin Lusk’s rushing TD finally got Erie on the board in the second quarter, but Mountain Vista’s offense could not be stopped. It was 48-6 at halftime. Next week: at Cherokee Trail, 7 p.m. Sept. 13.

3. Legend (2-1) lost vs. No. 4 Columbine, 16-14. A rematch of last year’s Class 5A quarterfinal, won by the Rebels, the Titans played Columbine close the whole way and proved they are on the same level of physicality. Next week: vs. Prairie View, 1 p.m. Sept. 14.

4. Columbine (2-0) won at No. 3 Legend, 16-14. The defending state champion Rebels faced a tough test, but edged the Titans at EchoPark Stadium thanks to the game-winning, 35-yard field goal by Brennan Goodwin with eight seconds left. Columbine hasn’t lost since the final game of the 2022 season, racking up 16 wins in a row. Next week: vs. Fossil Ridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

5. Valor Christian (2-0) Bye: The Eagles got a break after beating Pine Creek and Regis Jesuit in back-to-back weeks. Next week: at Salt Lake City East, 7 p.m. Sept. 13.

6. Ralston Valley (2-0) won at No. 9 Grandview, 10-9: Zeke Andrews connected with Levi Rillos for a TD pass early in the fourth quarter and Cole Pfeifer drilled the game-winning field goal from 40 yards out late as the Mustangs escaped with a dramatic win that also saw the defense notch seven sacks and four takeaways. Next week: vs. Mullen, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13.

7. Chatfield (2-0) won at Horizon, 34-12: Senior Brock Narva piled up 182 yards of offense (112 rushing, 70 receiving) and three TDs on 20 touches to lead the Chargers in a blowout. Sophomore QB Cash Williams finished with 180 yards and two TDs on 12-of-27 passing. Next week: vs. Eaglecrest, 4 p.m. Sept. 13.

8. Arvada West (2-1) lost vs. Fairview, 35-30. In a back-and-forth game at the NAAC, Fairview struck first late in the opening quarter via Brock Kolstad’s rushing TD. Toray Davis also had a rushing TD and a receiving TD in the first half, while the Wildcats kept it close with a pair of Logan Duhachek passing scores. It was 21-21 at half. Jordan Rechel’s fourth-quarter rushing TD was the deciding score. Next week: at Smoky Hill, 7 p.m. Sept. 13.

9. Grandview (0-2) lost vs. No. 6 Ralston Valley, 10-9: Senior receiver Xay Neto caught eight passes for 142 yards and a touchdown, and Quinn Reynolds hit a go-ahead 19-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, but four turnovers ultimately doomed the Wolves’ upset bid. Next week: at Legacy, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

10. Regis Jesuit (0-2) lost at Brophy College Prep (Ariz.), 44-0. The Raiders traveled to play the Phoenix powerhouse, a week after falling to Valor Christian in the season opener. It didn’t go well as the RJHS offense was shutout, and the defense got gassed after the Raiders were only down 7-0 at half. Next week: at No. 1 Cherry Creek, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

Class 4A

1. Palmer Ridge (2-0) won vs. Doherty, 42-0: Senior QB Carson Campbell completed 11 of 17 passes for 179 yards and two TDs, sophomore Zak Crisler hauled in five passes for 98 yards and a score, and Jackson Mabe ran in two TDs as the Bears rolled. Next week: at Lewis-Palmer, 7 p.m. Sept. 13.

2. Broomfield (2-0) won vs. Monarch, 46-0. Broomfield jumped out to a 19-0 halftime lead and didn’t look back against the overmatched Coyotes. Next week: at Rocky Mountain, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

3. Mesa Ridge (2-0) won vs. Northfield, 50-47: The Grizzlies survived a shootout against 4A newbie Northfield to start 2-0 for the first time in 13 years. Next week: at No. 8 Dakota Ridge, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13.

4. Heritage (1-1) lost vs. Arapahoe, 42-28: The Warriors outscored Heritage 28-7 over the first two quarters en route to winning the battle for the Brookridge Trophy, a.k.a. the Milk Jug game, for the fifth straight time. Next week: vs. Northfield, 6 p.m. Sept. 12.

5. Montrose (3-0) won vs. Palisade, 35-14. The Red Hawks continue to look the part of a Western Slope power. They were up 21-0 by the end of the first quarter, and then a pair of Elijah Womack rushing TDs pushed the score to 35-0 at half. The Bulldogs never really had a chance in this one. Next week: Bye.

6. Pueblo West (3-0) won vs. 3A No. 9 Pomona, 21-17. After a scoreless first quarter, Pomona finally took a lead late in the second quarter with a field goal. Then a pair of passing TDs by QB Gavin Lockett put the Cyclones up 14-3 at half. Pomona responded with two TDs in the third quarter before a rushing TD swung the lead back to PWHS early in the fourth. Next week: vs. 3A No. 1 Lutheran, 7 p.m. Sept. 13.

7. Vista Ridge (2-0) won at Evanston (Wyo.), 28-7. The Wolves traveled north of the border and took care of business. It was 28-7 at half, and that’s where the score stayed as Vista Ridge’s defense flexed. Next week: vs. Denver South, 7 p.m. Sept. 13.

8. Dakota Ridge (1-1) won 37-20 at 3A No. 3 Green Mountain. The Eagles won the first game of head coach Jeremiah Behrendsen’s tenure. The DRHS defense had four takeaways, while running back Landon Kalsbeck ran for three TDs. Next week: vs. No. 3 Mesa Ridge, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13.

9. Rampart (2-1) lost 24-14 vs. No. 10 Ponderosa. The Rams began the year by blasting Falcon and then edging Lewis-Palmer by a point last week, but their offense was unable to get much of anything going against senior middle linebacker De’Alcapon Veazy and the Ponderosa defense. Next week: at Discovery Canyon, noon Sept. 14.

10. Ponderosa (1-1) won 24-14 at No. 9 Rampart. After getting blasted by Palmer Ridge to open the season, the Mustangs responded. It was 17-7 at half and then Bryson Tidwell’s punt return for a touchdown cemented the win with seven minutes to go. Next week: vs. 3A No. 4 Roosevelt, 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

Class 3A

1. Lutheran (2-0) won vs. Fort Morgan, 56-20. Next week: at 4A No. 6 Pueblo West.

2. Holy Family (1-1) lost at No. 4 Roosevelt, 38-21. Next week: Bye.

3. Green Mountain (1-1) lost vs 4A No. 8 Dakota Ridge, 37-20. Next week: at No. 9 Pomona.

4. Roosevelt (2-0) won vs. No. 2 Holy Family, 38-21. Next week: at 4A No. 10 Ponderosa.

5. Windsor (1-1) won at Longmont, 34-9. Next week: vs. Montbello.

6. Mead (2-0) won vs. Frederick, 16-14. Next week: Bye.

7. Thompson Valley (2-0) won vs. Greeley Central, 43-0. Next week: at Timnath.

8. Pueblo Central (2-0) won at Eaton, 32-7. Next week: vs. Alamosa.

9. Pomona (1-1) lost at 4A No. 6 Pueblo West, 21-17. Next week: vs. Green Mountain.

10. Pueblo East (1-1) lost at Discovery Canyon, 32-14. Next week: at Pueblo South.

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When/where: Saturday, 5:30 p.m./Memorial Stadium

TV/Radio: KUSA-9/850 AM

BetMGM Line: Nebraska -7.5, 56.5 over/under

Weather: Sunny, 76 degrees at kickoff

Three storylines

Run game: One of the big questions coming into the season was whether or not CU’s reconstructed offensive line could power a reliable run game. Early returns were mixed. The Buffs only attempted 17 non-QB runs against NDSU, producing a total of 42 yards and 2.47 yards/carry average. Was that just a lack of opportunity? Or did that four-down sequence against NDSU — when CU failed to get a first down on four straight runs — expose a weakness that hamstrung last year’s team? Going up against a Nebraska defense that allowed just 56 yards on 24 carries last week vs. UTEP, we’re about to find out.

Shedeur shines: Of course, when you have a quarterback as talented as Shedeur Sanders, that might not matter. The presumptive first-round pick threw for an FBS-high 445 yards in Week 1 and was sacked just once in the 31-26 win over NDSU. Given time to throw, Sanders had little trouble picking apart a Bison secondary with no hope of covering Jimmy Horn Jr. (7 catches, 198 yards) or Travis Hunter (7-132). The Husker secondary held up fine in its season opener against UTEP thanks to a pair of picks, but the Miners have nobody approaching the talents of Horn or Hunter. If a so-so Husker pass rush (2 sacks last week) can’t get home, CU might not need a run game in Lincoln.

More trench talk: As bad as NDSU’s rushing yardage total may have looked last week, the Bison needed 43 carries to gain those 157 yards — a 3.7 yards/carry average that CU defensive coordinator Robert Livingston will no doubt take. The degree of difficulty goes up a notch against the Huskers, who piled up 223 yards on 47 carries against UTEP last week. Only one NU back carried the ball more than eight times, and five-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola was pulled after one possession in the third quarter, so the Huskers will be fresh. Did Matt Rhule save enough to be able to throw some surprises at CU in Week 2?

Predictions

Kyle Newman, sportswriter: Nebraska 31, CU 28

Is it a new era in Lincoln? This is Dylan Raiola’s chance to make that happen. This will be a back-and-forth game that comes down to the final possession, when Raiola combined with the Huskers’ run game engineer an impressive drive for the game-winning field goal. Shedeur Sanders plays well once again, but is sacked four times, a couple in critical situations. And when it comes down to it, the Buffs’ defensive front just doesn’t have the muscle to get critical stops on short-yardage downs, including a few third-and-short runs on Nebraska’s decisive fourth-quarter drive.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Nebraska 33, CU 30 (OT)

If Shedeur Sanders has CU within a score and gets the ball last, the Huskers are in trouble. Matt Rhule knows this as well as anybody, and won’t want to give No. 2 the chance. While the Buffs’ defense offered flashes in the trenches against NDSU, they still struggled to contain designed QB runs. If there’s a weakness in the CU D, it’s still up the gut — the Buffs gave up 3.8 yards per first-down rush attempt and, more problematic, almost five yards per opponent run on second down. Three of NDSU’s 12 second-down rushes went for 10 yards or more. The Huskers need Dylan Raiola to be mature beyond his years, which means handing off and moving the chains. Then the Big Red are probably going to need to hang on for dear life.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: CU 34, Nebraska 28

How long have we been waiting for Nebraska to be relevant again? One or two decades? Dylan Raiola may be the savior Husker fans have been waiting for since Eric Crouch hung ’em up in 2001, but until I actually see Nebraska not fumble away a big game, color me skeptical. Shedeur Sanders and Co. will rip apart a Blackshirts defense unable to consistently apply pressure, and the freshman QB doesn’t have enough bullets in his holster to keep up.

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No. 6 Ralston Valley (1-0) vs. No. 9 Grandview (0-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Thursday at Legacy Stadium

Last meeting: Ralston Valley 30, vs. Grandview 15, Sept. 8, 2023

The Wolves meet a ranked opponent for the second straight week, with Grandview heading east six days after losing to Legend, 21-14, in a down-to-the-wire slugfest. This much is clear about Ralston Valley after last week’s 48-38 win over Erie: The Mustangs can put up points in a hurry with new quarterback Zeke Andrews (320 yards, 3 TDs) taking snaps. Can Grandview keep up?

No. 4 Columbine (1-0) vs. No. 3 Legend (2-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at EchoPark Stadium

Last meeting: Columbine 21, vs. Legend 3, Nov. 17, 2023

Legend is looking to score its second top-10 win in as many weeks, while also avenging last November’s season-ending loss to Columbine in the 5A quarterfinals. The Titans wore down Grandview en route to a 21-14 win last week that saw them pile up 163 yards on 33 rushing attempts. That’s exactly the sort of game Andy Lowry’s ground-and-pound Rebels thrive in. After rolling past ThunderRidge, 40-15, in Week 1, the defending 5A champions face their first big test.

No. 2 Mountain Vista (2-0) vs. Erie (1-1)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium

Last meeting: N/A

Two of the state’s most explosive offenses meet with the Golden Eagles heading north to face an Erie team that just traded haymakers with Ralston Valley in a 48-38 loss. Mountain Vista has scored 118 points through two games, with senior QB Austyn Modrzewski throwing for 627 yards and 10 TDs. More impressive? The MV defense has allowed just six points total. Erie enters the weekend averaging 41.5 points/game. More of that will be required to keep pace with the Golden Eagles.

Fairview (1-0) vs. No. 8 Arvada West (2-0)

When/where: 7:30 p.m. Friday at NAAC Stadium

Last meeting: Fairview 55, at Arvada West 21, Nov. 10, 2017

How dangerous is A-West? The first big clue comes this week when the Wildcats host perennial 5A power Fairview, which is fresh off a 34-7 rout of Legacy. A-West outscored its first two opponents 99-17, piling up 1,120 yards of offense with junior RBs Adrian Symalla and Jaiden Green averaging 14.7 yards/carry. Fairview has long made its bones through the air under head coach Tom McCartney, but this year’s version just rolled for 406 rushing yards against Legacy.

Arapahoe (0-1) vs. 4A No. 4 Heritage (1-0)

When/where: 11 a.m. Saturday at LPS Stadium

Last meeting: Arapahoe 28, vs. Heritage 7, Sept. 1, 2023

The Milk Jug game will be played on a Saturday this year with Heritage looking to beat Arapahoe for the first time since 2018. The Warriors have dominated this rivalry of late, winning eight of 10 and four straight. But Heritage looked awfully good rolling out to a 28-point lead over Severance in last week’s 40-21 win, while Arapahoe was shut out by Mountain Vista. Could this be the year the Eagles finally retake the Jug?

CLASS 4A

No. 8 Dakota Ridge (0-1) vs. 3A No. 3 Green Mountain (1-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium

Last meeting: Dakota Ridge 47, at Green Mountain 7, Oct. 16, 2015

Former league rivals meet in a cross-classification clash featuring two new head coaches. While Anthony Rankin got his first win with the Rams in a gritty 19-13 takedown of Windsor last week, Jeremiah Behrendsen is still looking for victory No. 1 after D-Ridge fell to 5A Chatfield, 38-23. The Eagles trailed by one score entering the fourth quarter of that game — a strong showing that indicates the Eagles will be a tough out in 4A. If Rankin’s Rams score another upset here, the rest of 3A is on notice.

3A No. 9 Pomona (1-0) vs. No. 6 Pueblo West (2-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Pueblo West

Last meeting: N/A

A Pomona program that went 3-17 in its last two seasons in 5A appears to have regained its footing with a drop to 3A. Just how steady these Panthers are will be put to the test on Friday with a trip down south. Pueblo West has yet to allow a single point through two games, beating Loveland and Pueblo County by a combined score of 83-0. Dual-threat QB Gavin Lockett (383 total yards) has been his normal productive self, but the Cyclones are far from a one-man show.

CLASS 3A

No. 2 Holy Family (1-0) vs. No. 4 Roosevelt (1-0)

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Roosevelt

Last meeting: Roosevelt 34, vs. Holy Family 26, Sept. 22, 2023

The last two 3A champions meet in what’s fast become one of the top annual showdowns in the classification. Holy Family and Roosevelt have faced each other 10 times since 2014 and four times since 2021, with the Rough Riders winning each of the last four meetings and 7 of 10. That included last year’s back-and-forth affair — a 34-26 Roosevelt triumph that ended up being Holy Family’s only loss of the season en route to the 3A title. Needless to say, this game has been circled for a while in Broomfield.

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Week 1

Baltimore at Kansas City

Thursday, Sept. 5, 6:20 p.m., NBC

As is often the case, the NFL scheduled a dandy of a season opener with Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson facing off in a rematch of January’s AFC Championship. Note to the Ravens: Hold on tight to that ball around the goal line.

Green Bay vs. Philadelphia in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Friday, Sept. 6, 6:15 p.m., Peacock

Friday night football in the NFL? We’re really doing this? In the NFL’s quest to shake every last nickel out of its bottom line, the answer, sadly, is yes. And in this case, Roger Goodell’s pals even put it on subscription TV. Time to take another dip in the money bin!

Week 2

Pittsburgh at Denver

Sunday, Sept. 15, 2:25 p.m., CBS

Are Buffalo-Miami or Cincinnati-Kansas City better games? No doubt. Will the Broncos or Steelers be any good? Our Magic 8 Ball says, “Outlook not so good.” Still, there’s no way we pass on the Mile High return of Russell Wilson, who will almost assuredly be booed by the orange-and-blue faithful … again.

Week 3

San Francisco at L.A. Rams

Sunday, Sept. 22, 2:25 p.m., FOX

The Rams won seven of their last eight to sneak into the playoffs last season and are a chic pick to make even more noise this fall. A significant early test for Kyle Shanahan’s club as the 49ers aim for a third straight NFC West title and return trip to the Super Bowl.

Week 4

Philadelphia at Tampa Bay

Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m., FOX

The Eagles’ once-promising 2023 spiraled into disaster after a 10-1 start last fall. The upstart Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield mercifully put it to an end with a 32-9 playoff rout. With Philly returning to the scene of its demise with free-agent addition Saquon Barkley in tow, redemption starts here.

Week 5

Carolina at Chicago

Sunday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m., FOX

The Bears swindled Carolina when the Panthers traded up to select Alabama QB Bryce Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL draft. Part of that return? Carolina’s first-rounder a year later — which the Bears used to pick USC QB Caleb Williams, also at No. 1 overall. Tough times in Charlotte.

Week 6

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets

Monday, Oct. 14, 6:15 p.m., ESPN

Aaron Rodgers’ 2023 lasted four snaps before he tore an Achilles tendon in the Jets’ Week 1 Monday Night Football matchup with the Bills. Round 2 against Josh Allen and Co. arrives in Week 6, also on MNF. One need not ingest ayahuasca to envision fireworks.

Week 7

Kansas City at San Francisco

Sunday, Oct. 20, 2:25 p.m., FOX

With all due respect to Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans, the game of the week resides in Levi’s Stadium. The last time these two met, we needed four quarters and an entire overtime to determine the winner. And it ended with Patrick Mahomes hoisting another Lombardi Trophy.

Week 8

Chicago at Washington

Sunday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m., CBS

The Bears on this list twice? What can we say, we’re suckers for young quarterbacks. This one features the last two Heisman Trophy winners, not to mention the first (Caleb Williams) and second (Jayden Daniels) overall picks in the 2024 NFL draft.

Week 9

Detroit at Green Bay

Sunday, Nov. 3, 2:25 p.m., FOX

Packers quarterback Jordan Love just got his big contract. Now it’s time to prove he’s not just a one-year wonder. Of course, a few people are wondering the same thing about Dan Campbell’s kneecap-biting Lions.

Week 10

Miami at L.A. Rams

Monday, Nov. 11, 6:15 p.m., ESPN

Two of football’s most innovative offensive minds — and former colleagues under Mike Shanahan in Washington — meet with Smoky Hill High School grad Mike McDaniel taking his Dolphins to the Southland to face Sean McVay’s Rams. Prediction: There will be touchdowns.

Week 11

Houston at Dallas

Monday, Nov. 18, 6:15 p.m., ESPN

This is the first time Texas’ two NFL teams didn’t have to wait four years between meetings. Texans QB C.J. Stroud swept Rookie of the Year honors last year en route to a playoff appearance. Could he surpass Dak Prescott as the Lone Star State’s top QB in Year 2?

Week 12

Baltimore at L.A. Chargers

Monday, Nov. 25, 6:15 p.m., ESPN

The third installment of the Harbaugh Bowl — the last was Super Bowl XLVII when John’s Ravens beat Jim’s 49ers — comes in prime time just days before Thanksgiving. At this point, we’ll know whether or not Jim’s in for an instant turnaround or long rebuild in L.A.

Week 13

N.Y. Giants at Dallas

Thursday, Nov. 28, 2:30 p.m., FOX

It isn’t Thanksgiving without turkey, stuffing and falling asleep to Cowboys football. Don’t worry if the tryptophan kicks in during the latter stages of this one. The end of the Daniel Jones era in the Big Apple is nigh.

Week 14

Atlanta at Minnesota

Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m., FOX

If Kirk Cousins is still taking snaps for Atlanta at this point in the season, we get the return of a former Pro Bowl QB to his old stomping grounds. If, perchance, it’s Michael Penix instead, then it’s a revenge game against last January’s College Football Playoff title game winner J.J. McCarthy … who will be watching from the sidelines after suffering a season-ending injury.

Week 15

Green Bay at Seattle

Sunday, Dec. 15, 6:20 p.m., NBC

In honor of Russell Wilson’s Fail Mary, it has been codified into law that any prime-time meeting between the Packers and Seahawks must be classified as must-see TV.

Week 16

Cleveland at Cincinnati

Thursday, Dec. 19, 6:15 p.m., PRIME VIDEO

The Browns managed to reach the playoffs with Joe Flacco turning back the clock last season. Is Deshaun Watson still capable of playing at a Pro Bowl level? If so, the Battle of Ohio should be a doozy for years to come.

Week 17

Kansas City at Pittsburgh

Wednesday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m., Netflix

As if Friday night football in Week 1 wasn’t enough of an abomination, the cash-strapped suits inside the NFL offices decided it was a good idea to force two of their storied franchises to meet on a Wednesday near the end of the regular season. On Netflix. Happy holidays, everyone.

Detroit at San Francisco

Monday, Dec. 30, 6:15 p.m., ESPN

A rematch of last year’s NFC Championship, where the Lions were a few fourth-down conversions away from giving their eternally abused fanbase their first trip to the Super Bowl. Will this decide home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs?

Week 18

Jacksonville at Indianapolis

Sunday, Jan. 5, TBD, TBD

If we’re guessing which division will still be up for grabs in the last week of the regular season, the reliably mediocre AFC South is as good a dart throw as any. (Unless, of course, we’re talking about the horrifyingly awful NFC South. But who wants to watch that?)

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Class 5A

Class 3A

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1. Cherry Creek (0-1) lost at Skyridge (Lehi, Utah), 24-14: Jayden Fox rushed for a TD and Jeremiah Hoffman hauled in a long scoring pass to pull the Bruins within 17-14 in the third quarter, but Skyridge salted the game away with a late TD. Next week: at Millard North (Neb.), 6 p.m. Sept. 6.

2. Mountain Vista (2-0) won vs. No. 8 Arapahoe, 35-0: Senior QB Austyn Modrzewski threw four touchdown passes, Jack Blais added a rushing TD and the Golden Eagles defense shut out the Warriors in a dominant performance. Next week: at Erie, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

3. Legend (2-0) won at No. 7 Grandview, 21-14: Nicholas Farley capped a long scoring drive in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard QB sneak to push the Titans past the Wolves in a white-knuckle affair. Next week: vs. No. 4 Columbine, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

4. Columbine (1-0) won at ThunderRidge, 40-15: The defending 5A champions took a 26-0 lead deep into the third quarter and held the Grizzlies at arm’s length from there to notch the program’s 15th straight win. Next week: at No. 3 Legend, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

5. Regis Jesuit (0-1) lost at No. 6 Valor Christian, 17-0: Mistakes doomed the Raiders in the first half, with two turnovers, a dropped TD pass and a pair of missed field goals putting them in a 14-0 hole that was too much to overcome. Next week: at Brophy College Prep (Ariz.), 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

6. Valor Christian (2-0) won vs. No. 5 Regis Jesuit, 17-0: The Eagles seized control with back-to-back TDs in the final five minutes of the first half. Moises Freeman ran in a 4-yard TD and Valor cashed in on a mishandled kick after that as Dawson Olk found Ben Herbek for another score. The Eagles defense made it hold up the rest of the way. Next week: bye.

7. Grandview (0-1) lost vs. No. 3 Legend, 21-14: Blitz McCarty’s 63-yard TD pass to Kyler Vaughn brought the Wolves all the way back from a 14-0 deficit, but the Grandview defense could not come up with the stop it needed after that. Next week: vs. No. 10 Ralston Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

8. Arapahoe (0-1) lost at No. 2 Mountain Vista, 35-0: The Warriors were shut out for the first time in five years in a loss at Halftime Help Stadium. Next week: at 4A No. 4 Heritage, 11 a.m. Sept. 7.

9. Arvada West (2-0) won at Mountain Range, 48-3: The Wildcats came within a field goal of topping 50 points for the second week in a row, as A-West made another big statement to start the season. Next week: vs. Fairview, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6.

10. Ralston Valley (1-0) vs. Erie, 48-38: In a wild back-and-forth affair, Cole Pfeifer booted a pair of field goals in the fourth quarter to help the Mustangs escape. In a sequence that summed up the tenor of the evening, Erie’s Gavin Lusk put the Tigers ahead 35-32 with an 88-yard TD run late in the third quarter only for Colton Stratman to answer with a 71-yard burst. After an RV fourth-down stop on Erie’s side of the field, Stratman found the end zone again to put RV up 10. Ronin Ward’s third TD pass drew the Tigers within four, but Pfeifer drilled a 44-yarder and the Mustangs defense produced a turnover to put the game on ice. Next week: at No. 7 Grandview, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

Class 4A

1. Broomfield (1-0) won at Frederick, 44-20: CT Worley ran for two touchdowns and caught a scoring pass to help the Eagles race out to a 34-6 halftime lead that proved too much for Frederick to overcome. Next week: vs. Monarch, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

2. Palmer Ridge (1-0) won at No. 5 Ponderosa, 42-7: Five different Bears ran for touchdowns as Palmer Ridge piled up 301 yards on the ground in its fourth straight win over Ponderosa. Next week: vs. Doherty, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

3. Mesa Ridge (1-0) won at Air Academy, 48-0: The Grizzlies opened the season with a shutout victory for the second year in a row, scoring 34 unanswered through three quarters and cruising from there. Next week: vs. Northfield, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

4. Heritage (1-0) won at Severance, 40-21: The Eagles opened the game with four consecutive touchdowns to start the first half and kept Severance at a distance after that. Next week: vs. 5A No. 8 Arapahoe, 11 a.m. Sept. 7.

5. Ponderosa (0-1) lost vs. No. 2 Palmer Ridge, 42-7: The Mustangs were kept off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter in a season-opening loss to last year’s 4A runners-up. Next week: at Rampart, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

6. Montrose (2-0) won at Greeley West, 47-6: The Red Hawks topped 40 points for the second week in a row to start the season with a pair of blowout wins. Next week: vs. Palisade, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

7. Pueblo West (2-0) won at Pueblo County, 41-0: The Cyclones ran in five touchdowns and the defense posted a second straight shutout to begin the season. Next week: vs. Pomona, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

8. Vista Ridge (1-0) won at Montbello, 43-7: The Wolves took a 29-7 lead into halftime only for the game to be postponed due to a power outage in the area. The teams reconvened Saturday for the second half and Vista Ridge rolled. Next week: at Evanston (Wyo.), 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

9. Dakota Ridge (0-1) lost at Chatfield, 38-23: Brock Narva ran in three TDs for the Chargers, who denied Jeremiah Behrendsen a win in his debut as Dakota Ridge head coach. Cohen Michelesen and Landon Kalsbeck each had rushing TDs for the Eagles, while Kellen Behrendsen hooked up with Nathan Rodriguez on 98-yard scoring strike. But it wasn’t enough to keep pace with 5A Chatfield. Next week: at 3A No. 8 Green Mountain, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

10. Golden (0-1) Bye: The Demons got a bye after being dealt a loss in Florida in Week 0. Next week: vs. Brighton, 4 p.m. Sept. 6.

Class 3A

1. Windsor (0-1) lost vs. No. 8 Green Mountain, 19-13. Next week: at Longmont, 1 p.m. Sept. 7.

2. Lutheran (1-0) won at Cooper (The Woodlands, Texas), 43-26. Next week: vs. Fort Morgan, 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

3. Holy Family (1-0) won vs. Northridge, 41-6. Next week: at No. 5 Roosevelt, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

4. Thompson Valley (1-0) won at Berthoud, 14-7. Next week: vs. Greeley Central, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5

5. Roosevelt (1-0) won at Northfield, 28-20. Next week: vs. No. 3 Holy Family, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

6. Mead (1-0) won vs. Pueblo South, 33-14. Next week: vs. Frederick, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

7. Pueblo Central (1-0) won at Discovery Canyon, 41-34. Next week: at Eaton, 2 p.m. Sept. 7

8. Green Mountain (1-0) won at No. 1 Windsor, 19-13. Next week: vs. 4A No. 9 Dakota Ridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

9. Pomona (1-0) won at Kennedy, 42-0. Next week: at 4A 7 Pueblo West, 7 p.m. Sept. 6.

10. Pueblo East (1-0) Bye. Next week: at Discovery Canyon, 2 p.m. Sept. 7.

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