Broncos vs. Titans | NFL Season Week 1 | Sep 7, 2025
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The Denver Broncos (0-0) and Tennessee Titans (0-0) kick off their 2025 campaigns at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2:05 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS, featuring commentators like Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, and Jason McCourty on the sidelines. Streaming options include Paramount+ for local markets, NFL+ for mobile and in-market viewers, and Fubo, which offers a free trial for fans looking to catch this game alongside other Week 1 action. Local radio coverage is available on KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM in Denver, with Dave Logan and Rick Lewis calling the action, and on 104.5 The Zone (WGFX) in Nashville, with Mike Keith and Dave McGinnis on the call. National listeners can access the game on SiriusXM (channels 227 for Broncos, 381 for Titans) or Westwood One.
This Week 1 clash marks the first regular-season meeting between the Broncos and Titans since 2022, when Tennessee won 17-10 in Nashville. Tickets, available through Ticketmaster and secondary platforms like StubHub, are in high demand as fans anticipate a competitive game in the high-altitude atmosphere of Denver, where the Broncos have a 7-3 home record against the Titans since 1990.
The Rivalry: Broncos vs. Titans
The Broncos and Titans have a competitive history dating back to their AFL days as the Denver Broncos and Houston Oilers, with Denver leading the all-time series 19-17-1. Recent matchups have been tight, with the Titans winning three of the last five meetings, including a 17-10 victory in 2022 that showcased their defensive grit. The Broncos, however, dominated earlier encounters, winning seven straight from 1990 to 2004. The 2024 season saw no matchup between the two, making this Week 1 game a fresh opportunity to reignite their rivalry.
The Broncos, coming off an 8-9 season in 2024 that saw them miss the playoffs, are led by quarterback Bo Nix and head coach Sean Payton, whose offensive expertise has revitalized the team. The Titans, who finished 6-11 in 2024 under new head coach Brian Callahan, are banking on quarterback Will Levis and a revamped roster to return to contention. This game pits Denver’s high-octane offense against Tennessee’s physical, run-heavy approach, setting the stage for a classic AFC battle.
Denver Broncos: Aiming for a Playoff Push
The Broncos enter 2025 with optimism after a promising 2024 season that saw rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the No. 12 overall pick, show potential. Nix threw for 3,174 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 65.2% completion rate, while adding 412 rushing yards. Running back Javonte Williams led the ground game with 1,013 yards and seven touchdowns, while wide receiver Courtland Sutton recorded 82 catches for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns. The offense ranked 16th in total yards (330.4 per game) under Payton’s creative play-calling, which maximized Nix’s mobility.
Defensively, the Broncos were stout, ranking ninth in total defense (317.6 yards allowed per game) and seventh against the run (99.8 yards allowed). Edge rusher Nik Bonitto (8.5 sacks) and cornerback Pat Surtain II led a unit that forced 21 turnovers (ninth in the NFL). The offseason saw Denver draft defensive tackle Braden Fiske and offensive lineman Troy Fautanu to bolster both lines, aiming to counter Tennessee’s physical style. With a 2025 schedule featuring early games against Kansas City and the Chargers, a Week 1 home win is crucial for building momentum in the AFC West.
Tennessee Titans: Rebuilding with Grit
The Titans’ 2024 season was a struggle, finishing 6-11 and last in the AFC South, but young talent offers hope under Brian Callahan. Quarterback Will Levis, in his second year, threw for 2,947 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 15 starts, showing flashes of potential but needing consistency. Running back Tony Pollard led the team with 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns, while wide receiver Calvin Ridley added 770 yards and five touchdowns on 62 catches. The offense ranked 22nd in total yards (312.8 per game) but improved late under Callahan’s pass-heavy scheme.
Defensively, the Titans were a strength, ranking 12th in total defense (324.9 yards allowed per game) and fifth against the run (97.3 yards allowed). Linebacker Harold Landry III (9.0 sacks) and safety Amani Hooker led a unit that excelled at stopping the run but struggled with pass defense (20th, 227.6 yards allowed). The offseason saw Tennessee draft edge rusher Jared Verse and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell to strengthen the defense, targeting Denver’s passing attack. With a 2025 schedule featuring road games against Jacksonville and Indianapolis early, a win in Denver could signal a turnaround.
Key Matchups to Watch
This game will hinge on several critical matchups that highlight the strengths and challenges of both teams:
- Bo Nix vs. Will Levis: Nix’s mobility and quick reads will test Tennessee’s 20th-ranked pass defense, while Levis’ arm strength and scrambling ability will challenge Denver’s secondary.
- Courtland Sutton vs. Titans’ Secondary: Sutton’s size and deep-threat ability will target Tennessee’s vulnerable pass defense. Cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and rookie Quinyon Mitchell must limit Sutton’s big plays.
- Javonte Williams vs. Titans’ Run Defense: Williams’ physical running will test Tennessee’s fifth-ranked run defense. If the Broncos establish the ground game, it could open up play-action for Nix.
- Harold Landry III vs. Broncos’ Offensive Line: Landry’s pass-rushing prowess will challenge Denver’s line, which allowed 42 sacks in 2024 (16th-most). Protecting Nix will be key to sustaining drives.
Historical Context and Stakes
The Broncos-Titans rivalry has been competitive, with Denver’s 19-17-1 series lead reflecting their edge in recent decades. Tennessee’s 17-10 win in 2022 highlighted their ability to control the trenches, while Denver’s 28-20 victory in 2019 showcased their high-altitude advantage. This 2025 opener is their fourth Week 1 meeting, with the Broncos winning the last one 16-14 in 2020. The game carries significant weight in the AFC, where both teams face tough divisional races—the Broncos in the AFC West and the Titans in the AFC South.
For Denver, a home victory would signal their readiness to challenge for a playoff spot and provide momentum for a challenging early schedule. For Tennessee, a road win would validate Callahan’s vision and set the tone for a rebound season. With both teams facing 2024 playoff teams like the Chiefs and Texans in the coming weeks, this game is a pivotal early test.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
Empower Field at Mile High will be electric as Broncos fans pack the stands to cheer on Nix and Payton in their home opener. The “Mile High Thunder” will create a hostile environment, amplified by Denver’s high altitude and pregame festivities like “Broncos Gameday” at 12:00 PM ET on KUSA-TV. Titans fans, though fewer, will bring their passion, adding a splash of navy to the orange-and-blue sea. The Broncos will wear their throwback orange jerseys, a nod to their classic “Orange Crush” era.
Tickets, available through Ticketmaster and StubHub, are selling quickly due to the excitement surrounding Nix and the home opener. Fans unable to attend can follow along on social media, with the NFL, Broncos, and Titans accounts on platforms like X providing real-time updates and highlights. NFL Network’s Schedule Release ’25 on May 14, 2025, offers additional analysis of this game and the full season slate.
Predictions and Expectations
Early projections from ESPN Bet favor the Broncos by 4 points, reflecting their home-field advantage and offensive potential. The over/under is set at 41.5 points, suggesting a competitive game with moderate scoring potential. Denver’s ability to leverage Nix’s mobility and pressure Levis could give them an edge, but Tennessee’s physical defense and Pollard’s versatility make them a tough opponent.
Analysts expect a tight contest, with the Broncos’ home crowd and defensive prowess potentially tipping the scales. The prediction: a 24-20 Broncos victory, with Nix throwing a late touchdown to Sutton to seal the win, though the Titans keep it close with a strong effort from Pollard and Levis.
How to Watch and Follow Along
- Date and Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2:05 PM ET
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+ (mobile/local), Fubo (free trial)
- Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM (Denver); 104.5 The Zone (Nashville); SiriusXM (227 for Broncos, 381 for Titans), Westwood One
- Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster and StubHub
Fans can stay engaged through the Broncos and Titans mobile apps, offering live stats, scores, and breaking news. The official team websites (denverbroncos.com and tennesseetitans.com) provide game blogs and postgame breakdowns for in-depth coverage.
The Broncos vs. Titans Week 1 clash on September 7, 2025, is a thrilling AFC battle that showcases two teams with playoff ambitions and emerging talent. With Denver’s high-octane offense facing Tennessee’s physical defense, this game promises to be a captivating start to the 2025 NFL season. From the star power of Nix, Sutton, Levis, and Pollard to the electric atmosphere at Empower Field at Mile High, this matchup has all the makings of a memorable opener.
Whether you’re watching on CBS, streaming on Paramount+, or cheering in the stands, get ready for an intense showdown as these teams battle for an early edge in the AFC.battle for an early edge.
