The Denver Broncos play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season, but that game could end up being one of the easier for the team across their first six outings, which also feature tilts against Jacksonville, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seattle.
Denver should aim to get through this stretch with a 4-2 record, as Denver did tie for the most wins in the regular season last year and is arguably a top-2 team in the league right now. Well, while Week 3 hasn't yet hit, the Broncos did just get a major break ahead of the Sunday Night Football matchup on September 27th against the Rams.
Stud defensive end Myles Garrett, who the Rams acquired in a trade earlier this offseason, is now headed to injured reserve and will have knee surgery.
Denver Broncos won't have to see Myles Garrett in Week 3 on SNF
Injuries are a part of the game, period, and all 32 teams will go through these injuries from time to time. After getting blown out by the 49ers in Week 1 in shocking fashion, the Rams will now be down Garrett for at least a month, which puts him out for games against the New York Giants, Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills:
No Myles Garrett when the Rams play the Broncos: https://t.co/EtwDkms6Cx
— Predominantly Orange (@PredomOrange) September 13, 2026
And with Aaron Donald likely being eased back into game reps, the Rams may not even have their newly unretired defensive tackle at 'full go' for Week 3, which does greatly weaken the Rams defensive line overall.
Now yes, even without Garrett and perhaps Donald at whatever his full strength looks like, the Rams still feature one of the sturdier defensive lines in the sport, but Garrett now being out for Week 3 does make life a lot easier for the Broncos.
Bo Nix should have more time to throw, and with all the attention that's been brought to the team's passing attack this offseason, we could see the Broncos' passing game turn into a strength. But what is more important, and something that Denver failed to do after Week 10 in 2025, is establishing the run.
The Broncos will need to establish the run in every game, but in contests against top-tier opponents, it becomes even more important, as Rams' quarterback Matthew Stafford is the reigning MVP and is going to always be a threat. The Rams' offensed ranked 1st in points scored per game last year as well, so keeping the ball out of their hands and extending drives will be key here, even with Denver getting this game at home.
Injuries suck, but Garrett being out does greatly benefit the Broncos in a couple of weeks.
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