It’s a scintillating matchup on Sunday Night Football as the Los Angeles Rams, hoping to have Puka Nacua back, travel to take on the Denver Broncos. Some have tabbed the game as a potential Super Bowl preview.

The Rams have posted a Jekyll-and-Hyde start. The 49ers absolutely embarrassed them in the opener, perhaps thanks to Sean McVay’s wacky travel itinerary. Then they crushed the Giants on Monday Night Football.

Meanwhile, the Broncos also suffered a thorough embarrassment in the opener. They could not keep up with the Chiefs. But in Week 2, they escaped the Jaguars.

One of these teams will be 1-2 after this contest, with many questions to answer about playoff viability.

Rams vs. Broncos odds

  • Rams: -2.5
  • Broncos: +2.5
  • Over: 45.5
  • Under: 44.5

It’s interesting to see the Broncos getting almost a field goal on their home field. And what makes it noticeable is that they have one of the NFL’s best home-field advantages because of Mile High Stadium. So, the actual betting perception is that the Rams are almost a touchdown better. That seems like a stretch without star defensive end Myles Garrett.

However, the over-under hits true. The Broncos played a 33-point game against the Jaguars last week. They likely entered the game thinking they needed more than 14 points to win. But their defense held up, unlike Week 1 against the Chiefs.

The Rams didn’t stop the run against the 49ers, but looked better in every defensive phase against the Giants with DT Aaron Donald back in the lineup.

Still, if receiver Puka Nacua plays for the Rams, the over looks mighty tempting.

Rams vs. Broncos key injuries

It starts with Nacua. He missed practice Wednesday, and that’s not a good sign for getting him ready to go Sunday. The Rams and head coach Sean McVay don’t want to risk things this early in the season, according to a post on X by Nate Atkins.

“With these soft tissue things, I wish I had better information,” Sean McVay said. “It’d be helpful for me to have a little bit more clarity as well. I know he’s champing at the bit to get out there.

“I think it’s more along the lines of just seeing how that responds. When you’re a skill player, and you’re really trying to hit high-speed yards and really open up, then some of the things can be like pre-hernia is what he’s feeling. You err on the side of caution. Usually, time is the best thing that allows that thing to heal. And then when you get to a certain point, I think you feel pretty good moving forward.”

Also hitting the Rams’ DNP list Wednesday were tight end Colby Parkinson, safety Kam Kinchens, and receiver Jordan Whittington.

As for the Broncos, they have backfield concerns. JK Dobbins and RJ Harney were both limited Wednesday. And Jonah Coleman got listed as DNP. It’s bad timing for Coleman, who would have had a shot to take a large role in Sunday’s game. Broncos head coach Sean Payton said all three players are capable of being the main guy, according to The Athletic.

“I think all three of those players we’re discussing can be bell cows, handle a majority of the carries,” Payton said. “Yes, I think there’s a lot ahead of us this week relative to who our runners are going to be.”

Rams vs. Broncos betting trends

The Rams have been tough on the road in the McVay era. They are 26-19 against the spread as a road favorite. This season, the Rams are 1-1 against the spread.

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As for the Broncos, they are also 1-1 against the spread. The win came at home. Since 2024, the Broncos are 3-2 against the spread as home underdogs.

Both teams have gone under in each of their two games this year.

Keys to Rams vs. Broncos matchup

The biggest question heading into this game is how Broncos' QB Bo Nix will perform against the Rams’ defense. Nix struggled mightily in the opener against the Chiefs. But he bounced back for 288 yards passing against the Jaguars’ stout defense. He also didn’t fumble after offering up three against the Chiefs.

Things could be tough this week as the Rams’ defense ranks No. 7 in the NFL in Expected Points Added against the pass. It won’t be an easy chore. Nix said he understands the challenge, according to milehighreport.com.

“They have a veteran defense,” Nix said. “(And) they have a really good front. They really play through their front four, their front five, the guys that are the defensive line that are in there. They’ve done a good job of building on their back end this offseason with some corner depth. They’re going to be good. They’re going to provide a challenge for us.”

The return of Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be of particular interest in this matchup.

“He’s going to provide a challenge that we haven’t necessarily faced before,” Nix said. “He’s literally one of the best at his position of all time. You don’t play those many Sundays. He’s just getting back in the swing of things, but a dominant player for a long time. I honestly don’t expect anything different. We just have to limit the time he’s dominant.”

Another key to the matchup is whether the Broncos can get their ground game unleashed. With both Dobbins and Harvey struggling with injuries, the Broncos may have trouble moving the ball on the ground against the Rams. And if they struggle with that, it could be a tough day for Nix. The Broncos need to keep the Rams off balance to get things done and consistently move the football.

Rams vs. Broncos prediction and pick

The Broncos will have to hit a couple of plays down the field to have a shot at this one. They simply need some splash plays. But the Rams are rock solid in the secondary. And that’s why they should have an edge in this game.

Furthermore, Matthew Stafford might not be able to riddle the Broncos’ tough defense. But if he has Nacua, he should be able to get the Rams into the end zone at least three times. However, if Nacua is out, the Broncos should have more of a clue about how to cover Davante Adams than the Giants did.

Prediction: Rams 24, Broncos 17

Prediction (if Nacua is out): Broncos 20, Rams 14