AFC Showdown in the Mile High: Two Teams with Big Questions Take the Field
The NFL is back in action, and Preseason Week 1 will feature an intriguing early afternoon matchup: 🏈 Tennessee Titans at Denver Bronco, set for Sunday, September 7, 2025, with kickoff scheduled at 2:05 PM ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. While preseason games don’t carry regular-season weight, they offer invaluable insights for coaches, fans, and players fighting for a roster spot.
The Titans and Broncos come into 2025 looking to answer major questions at quarterback, retool both sides of the ball, and develop young talent that could shape the franchise’s future. From player evaluations to position battles and system tests, 🏈 Tennessee Titans at Denver Bronco is more than just a tune-up—it’s a proving ground.
📅 Game Info
- Matchup: 🏈 Tennessee Titans at Denver Bronco
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 2:05 PM ET
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- TV Broadcast: NFL Network, CBS (regional coverage)
- Live Stream: NFL+, fuboTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV
- Radio: Titans Radio 104.5 FM | KOA 850 AM (Broncos)
- Tickets: as low as $165
🐎 Denver Broncos: Bo Nix Begins His Mile High Journey
The Denver Broncos made waves in the offseason by selecting former Oregon standout Bo Nix in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With Jarrett Stidham also in the mix, head coach Sean Payton will use the preseason to determine who commands the offense in Week 1 of the regular season.
Key Broncos Storylines
- Bo Nix’s Debut: Fans will get their first glimpse at the Broncos’ future under center.
- Javonte Williams’ Return: Denver’s star RB will be slowly worked back into action after injury.
- WR Room Competition: With Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Marvin Mims battling for targets, the WR3 role is wide open.
- Defensive Overhaul: Denver’s secondary got younger and more aggressive; rookie CB Chris James will see plenty of action.
⚔️ Tennessee Titans: Will Levis Era in Full Swing
The Tennessee Titans made it clear this offseason that Will Levis is their guy. After a rollercoaster 2024 campaign, head coach Brian Callahan takes over with a modern offensive mindset and hopes to spark life into a team that’s been inconsistent.
Key Titans Storylines
- Will Levis’ Growth: Levis enters 2025 as the unquestioned starter but will need a solid preseason showing to keep momentum.
- Youth Movement: Rookies like WR Terrence Black, LB Devin Carr, and CB Justin Fields (no relation) are expected to see significant reps.
- O-Line Watch: The revamped offensive line, including rookie LT Noah Reed, will be tested against Denver’s pass rush.
- Backup QB Race: Malik Willis and veteran Joe Flacco are battling it out for QB2.
🔥 Bold Predictions – 🏈 Tennessee Titans at Denver Bronco
1. Bo Nix Throws a TD on His Second Drive
Sean Payton won’t waste time letting his rookie cook. Expect scripted plays and a quick-tempo offense that helps Nix find rhythm early. A red-zone TD to WR Marvin Mims feels inevitable.
2. Will Levis Shows Deep Ball Accuracy
Levis struggled with consistency last year, but all signs point to offseason improvement. A 40-yard bomb to Terrence Black will ignite Titans fans hoping he can elevate their offense.
3. Chris James Picks Off Malik Willis
The Broncos’ rookie corner will make a splash with a late-game interception, solidifying his name in the CB3 conversation.
4. Titans Defensive Front Records 4 Sacks
Led by Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee’s defensive line will overwhelm Denver’s second-team offensive line, especially in the second half.
5. Game Decided by Special Teams
A blocked punt or big return could shift the balance late. Watch out for Titans’ Kyle Phillips, who has impressed as a punt returner all camp.
👀 Players to Watch – 🏈 Tennessee Titans at Denver Bronco
Tennessee Titans
- Will Levis (QB) – All eyes on the presumed franchise QB.
- Terrence Black (WR) – Rookie speedster with elite separation skills.
- Jeffery Simmons (DL) – Veteran presence likely to get 1-2 early snaps.
- Noah Reed (LT) – Rookie left tackle anchoring the blind side.
- Malik Willis (QB) – Strong preseason showing may secure his roster spot.
Denver Broncos
- Bo Nix (QB) – The debut every Broncos fan is waiting for.
- Marvin Mims (WR) – Could develop serious chemistry with Nix.
- Jonathon Cooper (EDGE) – Sleeper pass rusher with first-team reps.
- Chris James (CB) – Rookie corner with high football IQ.
- Jaleel McLaughlin (RB) – Shifty runner pushing for RB2 status.
📊 Depth Chart Battles
Broncos
- QB: Bo Nix vs. Jarrett Stidham (Week 1 starter TBD)
- CB3: Ja’Quan McMillian vs. Chris James
- WR3: Mims vs. Humphrey vs. Callaway
- TE2: Greg Dulcich vs. Adam Trautman
Titans
- QB2: Malik Willis vs. Joe Flacco
- WR4/5: Kyle Philips vs. Colton Dowell vs. Reggie Roberson Jr.
- ILB2: Devin Carr vs. Monty Rice
- Nickel DB: Elijah Molden vs. rookie Elijah Green
🧠 Coaching Corner: Sean Payton vs. Brian Callahan
Preseason or not, this is a fascinating chess match with long-term implications for both squads.
🏟️ Empower Field at Mile High: Game Day Guide
Located in Denver, Colorado, Empower Field is a challenging venue due to altitude and crowd energy. Fans should arrive early for team merch, player intros, and local cuisine vendors.
- Weather Forecast: 73°F, clear skies
- Stadium Gates Open: 12:00 PM MT
- Merchandise & Giveaways: 2025 team flags, rookie trading cards
- Parking: $25–$50, lots open at 9:30 AM
📺 How to Watch 🏈 Tennessee Titans at Denver Bronco
Television
- NFL Network (national broadcast)
- CBS (regional depending on market)
Streaming Options
- NFL+ (mobile/tablet)
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
Radio Broadcast
- Titans Radio Network – 104.5 The Zone (Nashville)
- Broncos KOA Radio – 850 AM | 94.1 FM (Denver)
📈 Betting Odds & Prediction
Spread: Broncos -2.5
Over/Under: 36.0
Moneyline: Titans +115, Broncos -135
Oddsmakers favor Denver at home, mostly due to altitude advantage and Sean Payton’s history of preseason success. But Tennessee’s young core could surprise.
Final Score Prediction:
Titans 23, Broncos 20
🔑 5 Keys to Watch
- Quarterback Poise – Bo Nix and Will Levis must show command in their opening series.
- Offensive Line Cohesion – How well can both rookie-heavy lines protect their QBs?
- Tempo and Execution – Who controls the game’s pace?
- Turnovers – Preseason games are often defined by turnovers.
- Special Teams Efficiency – Don’t overlook the third phase of the game.
🗓️ Why 🏈 Tennessee Titans at Denver Bronco Is Must-See Football
While the final score won’t impact postseason positioning, 🏈 Tennessee Titans at Denver Bronco offers one of the most intriguing Week 1 preseason matchups of 2025. It’s the dawn of a new chapter for both franchises—Levis vs. Nix, Payton vs. Callahan, and dozens of rookies eager to make their mark.
For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate football’s return and analyze what lies ahead in the regular season. For players, it’s about earning a spot on the 53-man roster and proving they belong.