The Green Bay Packers will go on the road coming out the bye week to play the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday afternoon.
The Week 7 battle is an NFC-AFC showdown of two struggling teams and a rematch of Super Bowl XXXII.
First things first: Let’s get to know the Broncos, another uncommon opponent who has played the Packers only five times since 2000. Green Bay has won four of the last five matchups, including a 27-16 win at Lambeau Field in 2019.
Here’s a closer look at the Broncos entering Week 7, with help from Broncos Wire managing editor Jon Heath:
Season recap
The Broncos are 1-5, with a three-game losing streak to start the season and a current two-game losing streak entering Week 7. The lone win for Sean Payton’s team came in Chicago in Week 4 when the Broncos overcame a 28-7 deficit to beat the Bears. Overall, the Broncos rank 29th in the NFL in point differential at -71, although most of the deficit is the result of a 70-20 defeat to the Dolphins. Denver’s defense has given up the most yards, points, passing touchdowns and rushing yards in the NFL this season. Russell Wilson has thrown 12 touchdown passes — the fourth-most in the NFL — but his QBR ranks 27th out of 33 quarterbacks, suggesting a lot of inefficiency and empty production. While the Broncos have a veteran quarterback and an experienced, well-regarded coaching staff, this looks like a team in transition.
Week 6 recap (lost 19-8 to Chiefs)
The Broncos got an interception of Patrick Mahomes and held the Chiefs to just 19 points, but three turnovers and only 197 total yards of offense doomed Sean Payton’s team on the road last Thursday night. The Chiefs opened up a 16-0 lead in the third quarter, and the Broncos didn’t score until 6:07 left in the fourth quarter. Denver was out-gained by almost 200 yards, and Russell Wilson threw for only 95 yards and took four sacks.
Week 6 standouts to know
Running back Javonte Williams carried 10 times for 52 yards, including an 18-yard run. He looks like he’s returning to form after last year’s injury. Receiver Courtland Sutton caught a touchdown pass, his fourth in six games. Edge rusher Jonathan Cooper delivered a team-high six pressures of Patrick Mahomes, while defensive end Zach Allen produced five and edge rusher Nik Bonnito had four.
Broncos biggest strength
Heath: The secondary duo of Pat Surtain and Justin Simmons. Two of the NFL’s best at their respective positions, Simmons and PS2 are the most important players on defense.
Broncos biggest weakness
Heath: Through six games it’s been their run defense, although they were better against KC last week. Early in the season the defensive line was getting driven back and linebackers were missing tackles. We’ll soon find out if the Chiefs game was a one-off or a sign of better days ahead against the run.
Best player
Heath: Pat Surtain. He’s one of best cornerbacks in the game and easily Denver’s best and most talented player. If the Broncos have a fire sale before the NFL trade deadline, he’d be the one player not made available.
Quarterback breakdown
Wilson is completing a higher percentage of passes, throwing more touchdown passes and taking fewer sacks compared to 2022, but his improvements in 2023 probably say more about his struggles last season than his quality of play this season. Wilson wants to extend plays and throw the ball downfield, which can create big-play opportunities but also negative-play chances for the defense. At 35 years old, Wilson is no longer as explosive getting out of the pocket. Sean Payton’s offense does appear to be making things a little easier on the veteran quarterback, but Wilson is coming off a forgettable performance last week in Kansas City (12 completions, 95 passing yards, four sacks).
