Week 1 of the NFL season is upon all 32 teams and their fanbases, and on Sunday afternoon, the Denver Broncos will take on the Las Vegas Raiders. Here are five things for Broncos fans to keep an eye on in Week 1.
1
Russell Wilson
Coming off a career-worst year in 2022, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson looks to have an improved outcome by the end of 2023. The Raiders provide a big challenge on the defensive line, and it will be interesting to see if Wilson will have enough time to find his receivers down field. Wilson’s mobility is a strength, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see coach Sean Payton give the QB more freedom to run in 2023.
2
Javonte Williams
Broncos running back Javonte Williams will get his first regular season action since tearing ligaments in his knee against the Raiders in Week 3 last season. “He’s going to play a big role,” Payton earlier this week. Denver surely wants to get Williams back to full strength as soon as possible, so even with some limitations, Williams and Samaje Perine should be the featured backs.
3
Kicking game
The kicking game may be the most shaky aspect of the Broncos going forward. After releasing kicker Brandon McManus in the offseason, Denver held a kicking competition between Elliott Fry and Brett Maher. In the end, nobody won the competition, because on cut day, the Broncos traded for New Orleans Saints kicker Will Lutz. Lutz has had some struggles as of late, but coaches believe that he could fill the void left by McManus.
4
Offensive line
The Broncos spent $139.5 million to improve the offensive line, $87.5 million for Mike McGlinchey and $52 million for Ben Powers. If the Broncos are going to protect Russell Wilson and kickstart the running game behind Williams, Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin, the offensive line will be a key focal point against a formidable Raiders defensive line.
5
Pat Surtain vs. Davante Adams
One of the NFL’s best cornerback-receiver matchups in Week 1 is happening at Empower Field at Mile High when Raiders receiver Davante Adams lines up against Pat Surtain of the Broncos. Surtain has had his ups and downs against one of the best receivers in the NFL, including giving up a game-winning touchdown last year on a missed assignment.
Surtain is undoubtably one of the best corners in the game, and if he can shut down Adams, the Broncos can control the rest of the field.
