The Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos matchup is one of the most intriguing games on the NFL Week 3 schedule. The two teams meet on Sunday Night Football on September 27, 2026, with the Rams traveling to Empower Field at Mile High to face the Broncos.
Both teams enter the matchup at 1-1 after responding to disappointing Week 1 performances with victories in Week 2. The Rams dominated the New York Giants 28-6, while Denver defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-13.
This game also brings together two experienced quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Bo Nix, along with several major offensive weapons, including Davante Adams, Kyren Williams and Jaylen Waddle.
Rams vs Broncos Game Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Los Angeles Rams vs Denver Broncos |
| Date | Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8:20 PM ET |
| 7:20 PM CT | |
| 5:20 PM PT | |
| Venue | Empower Field at Mile High |
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| TV | NBC |
| Streaming | Peacock / NFL+ |
| NFL Week | Week 3 |
| Rams Record | 1-1 |
| Broncos Record | 1-1 |
The game is scheduled for 8:20 PM ET and is the nationally televised Sunday Night Football matchup. NBC and Peacock are the primary U.S. viewing options.
Rams vs Broncos Records
Los Angeles Rams: 1-1
The Rams opened the season with a difficult road loss to the San Francisco 49ers, falling 27-7.
Los Angeles responded strongly in Week 2, defeating the Giants 28-6.
Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes in that victory, while the Rams’ offense produced 481 total yards.
The Rams also received a strong performance from their running game, helping create opportunities for Stafford through play action.
Denver Broncos: 1-1
Denver also enters Week 3 with a 1-1 record.
The Broncos lost their opening game but bounced back against Jacksonville, winning 20-13.
Bo Nix has thrown for 419 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions through the opening two games.
Denver’s offense has not produced consistently on third down, making sustained drives an important issue heading into Sunday night.
Matthew Stafford vs Bo Nix
One of the biggest storylines is the quarterback matchup.
Matthew Stafford
Stafford entered Week 3 with:
- 482 passing yards
- 4 touchdown passes
- 2 interceptions
- 1-1 team record
Stafford showed his big-play ability against the Giants, throwing four touchdown passes.
His experience is particularly valuable in a prime-time matchup against a Denver defense that has shown an ability to limit opposing quarterback efficiency.
Bo Nix
Nix entered Week 3 with:
- 419 passing yards
- 2 touchdown passes
- 2 interceptions
- 1-1 team record
Denver will need Nix to maintain possession and avoid putting the Broncos defense in difficult situations.
Third-down efficiency could be especially important because Denver has struggled to consistently extend drives during the opening two games.
Davante Adams Is a Major Rams Weapon
Davante Adams has already been one of the biggest offensive weapons for Los Angeles.
Through two games, Adams has recorded:
- 11 receptions
- 221 receiving yards
- 2 touchdowns
He exploded against the Giants with eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
That performance makes the Adams matchup one of the most important individual battles of Sunday Night Football.
If Denver’s secondary can limit explosive plays from Adams, the Broncos can make Stafford work through longer drives.
If Adams consistently creates separation, Los Angeles could put significant pressure on Denver’s defense.
Kyren Williams and the Rams Running Game
Kyren Williams gives the Rams another important offensive option.
Through two games, Williams has produced:
- 126 rushing yards
- 36 receiving yards
- 2 total touchdowns
Los Angeles has also been running the football effectively, averaging approximately 5.0 yards per carry early in the season.
That balance matters against Denver because it prevents the Broncos defense from focusing entirely on Stafford and the Rams passing game.
Jaylen Waddle and the Broncos Offense
Jaylen Waddle has quickly become an important part of Denver’s receiving group.
Through two games, Waddle has:
- 9 receptions
- 140 receiving yards
His speed gives Denver an explosive-play threat.
The Broncos will likely need Waddle and their other receivers to create separation because sustained drives have been a problem early in the season.
Rams vs Broncos Key Matchups
Davante Adams vs Denver Secondary
Adams is coming off a massive Week 2 performance.
Denver’s secondary has allowed opposing quarterbacks to produce relatively modest efficiency, so limiting Adams without giving up explosive plays will be a major challenge.
Matthew Stafford vs Broncos Pass Rush
Denver needs pressure without constantly blitzing.
If Stafford receives enough time in the pocket, he has the experience and arm talent to attack every level of the field.
Bo Nix vs Rams Defense
Nix needs to avoid turnovers and consistently convert third downs.
The Rams defense has allowed only three offensive touchdowns through the first two games, according to current Week 3 analysis.
Rams Running Game vs Denver Front
Kyren Williams and the Los Angeles rushing attack could be important because Denver’s defense will need to account for both the run and Stafford’s play-action passing.
Rams vs Broncos Injury Report
Injuries could have a significant impact on this matchup.
Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua has been dealing with a groin injury and missed the Rams’ Week 2 game.
He remained a major question heading into Week 3, with Rams coach Sean McVay indicating that Nacua had not made significant progress early in the week.
The Rams were still highly productive without him against the Giants, making his status one of the biggest pregame storylines.
Marvin Mims Jr.
Denver received encouraging news when Marvin Mims Jr. returned to practice after missing the previous game with a foot injury.
He was listed as a limited participant when he returned to practice.
Denver Running Backs
J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey were also listed as limited participants during the opening practice of the week.
Jonah Coleman was the Denver player who did not practice that Wednesday.
Final injury designations should be checked before kickoff because practice participation can change throughout the week.
Rams vs Broncos Betting Odds
Current market listings have the Rams as modest road favorites.
A representative current market line is:
| Market | Rams | Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Around -142 | Around +120 |
| Spread | Rams -2.5 | Broncos +2.5 |
| Total | 45.5 | 45.5 |
Lines can change before kickoff, so readers should verify the latest sportsbook numbers before making any betting decision.
The relatively small spread indicates that the market views this as a competitive matchup despite the Rams being favored on the road.
Rams vs Broncos Over/Under
The current total is around 45.5 points.
That number reflects a matchup between two offenses that have shown explosive potential but have also experienced stretches of inconsistency.
Los Angeles scored 28 points in Week 2, while Denver scored 20.
A major factor for the total could be Denver’s ability to sustain drives.
If the Broncos can consistently convert third downs, the game has a better chance of becoming a higher-scoring contest.
If Denver struggles to move the football, Los Angeles could control possession and keep the final score below the market total.
Rams vs Broncos Prediction
This is a difficult matchup because both teams have enough talent to win.
The Rams have the more explosive passing attack, particularly with Stafford and Davante Adams.
Denver has home-field advantage and the altitude at Mile High, which can create a unique challenge for visiting teams.
The Broncos also have a defense capable of keeping the game close.
However, Los Angeles has shown more offensive explosiveness through the first two weeks.
Rams vs Broncos Score Prediction
Rams 27, Broncos 20
The prediction is based on the Rams’ passing-game production, Stafford’s experience and Los Angeles’ ability to create explosive plays.
Denver should remain competitive at home, but the Rams could have enough offensive firepower to pull away in the second half.
Players to Watch
Rams
Matthew Stafford — The veteran quarterback remains the centerpiece of the Rams offense.
Davante Adams — Coming off a 195-yard, two-touchdown performance.
Kyren Williams — Important for keeping the offense balanced.
Puka Nacua — His injury status could significantly affect the Rams passing game.
Broncos
Bo Nix — Denver needs efficient quarterback play.
Jaylen Waddle — His speed gives Denver a major big-play option.
J.K. Dobbins — His health and workload could influence Denver’s rushing attack.
Marvin Mims Jr. — His return from injury could add another dimension to the Broncos offense.
Rams vs Broncos Head-to-Head History
The teams last met during the 2022 season, when the Rams defeated Denver 51-14 on Christmas Day.
That game included a strong performance from the Rams offense and four interceptions by the Los Angeles defense.
However, the 2026 matchup features different rosters and coaching circumstances, so the previous result should primarily be viewed as historical context rather than a direct indicator of the current game.
Why Rams vs Broncos Could Be Close
There are several reasons this could remain a competitive Sunday Night Football matchup.
First, Denver is playing at home.
Second, the Broncos defense has shown the ability to limit quarterback efficiency.
Third, Denver has explosive receiving talent.
The biggest concern for the Broncos is offensive consistency.
If Denver cannot sustain drives, the Rams could dominate time of possession and eventually create separation.
How to Watch Rams vs Broncos in the USA
U.S. viewers can watch the game on:
- NBC
- Peacock
- NFL+ on supported mobile devices
Kickoff is scheduled for:
8:20 PM ET
7:20 PM CT
6:20 PM MT
5:20 PM PT
Rams vs Broncos Fantasy Football Players
Davante Adams
Adams is one of the most important fantasy players in this matchup after his huge Week 2 performance.
Matthew Stafford
Stafford’s fantasy ceiling increases significantly when Los Angeles is throwing frequently in the red zone.
Kyren Williams
Williams offers value through both rushing and receiving opportunities.
Jaylen Waddle
Waddle’s speed gives him big-play upside, particularly if Denver falls behind.
Bo Nix
Nix’s fantasy value depends heavily on whether Denver can sustain drives and generate touchdowns rather than field goals.
Rams vs Broncos Prediction: Final Thoughts
The Rams vs Broncos game has several elements that make it one of the most interesting games of NFL Week 3.
Both teams are 1-1, both have legitimate playoff ambitions, and both bounced back with victories in Week 2.
Los Angeles enters the game with significant offensive firepower through Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams.
Denver counters with Bo Nix, Jaylen Waddle and a defense that has kept opposing offenses from consistently producing.
Home-field advantage could help Denver, but the Rams’ passing attack gives Los Angeles a path to control the game.
Final prediction: Los Angeles Rams 27, Denver Broncos 20.
Rams vs Broncos FAQs
When is Rams vs Broncos?
Rams vs Broncos is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026.
What time does Rams vs Broncos start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 PM ET.
Where is Rams vs Broncos being played?
The game will be played at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
What channel is Rams vs Broncos on?
The game will be nationally televised on NBC.
Can I stream Rams vs Broncos?
U.S. viewers can use Peacock, while NFL+ provides supported mobile viewing.
What is the Rams vs Broncos spread?
Current market listings have the Rams around 2.5-point favorites.
What is the Rams vs Broncos over/under?
The current total is around 45.5 points.
What is the Rams vs Broncos prediction?
The prediction for this preview is Rams 27, Broncos 20.
Will Puka Nacua play against the Broncos?
Nacua’s status remained uncertain entering the week after he missed Week 2 with a groin injury. His final game status should be checked before kickoff.
Who are the key players in Rams vs Broncos?
Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams are key Rams players, while Bo Nix, Jaylen Waddle and J.K. Dobbins are important for Denver.