The Denver Broncos (0-1) are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season this weekend. Here’s a quick list of five things we’ll be watching for on Sunday afternoon.
1. Russell Wilson’s status: Wilson (calf) sat out Pittsburgh’s season opener and Justin Fields helped the Steelers defeat the Atlanta Falcons 18-10. Wilson has been limited at practice this week and Fields appears to be the favorite to start again in Week 2, but Wilson would undoubtedly like an opportunity to prove a point against his former team. It remains to be seen if Wilson will be cleared to play.
2. Denver’s wide receiver rotation: Devaughn Vele was the team’s No. 3 receiver last week behind Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds, but the rookie now has a rib injury. That could lead to more work for Marvin Mims — who played just 12 snaps on offense last week — and Troy Franklin, who was a healthy scratch in Week 1.
3. Kristian Welch’s snaps on defense: Welch ate into Cody Barton’s snaps in the team’s season opener. While Alex Singleton played all 67 snaps on defense, Barton got 24 snaps on defense and Welch got 19 snaps despite joining the team just a few days earlier. It will be interesting to see if Welch gets even more work this week now that he has had more practice in Vance Joseph’s defense.
4. Broncos’ rushing attack: Javonte Williams averaged 2.9 yards per carry last week and Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 2.7 yards per tote. That’s not going to cut it, which coach Sean Payton made clear this week. After placing Audric Estime on injured reserve this week, Denver seems likely to utilize Blake Watson as RB3 on Sunday after the rookie was inactive in Week 1.
5. Bo Nix bouncing back: There’s no denying that Nix struggled in his NFL debut, as rookie quarterbacks often do. Now it’s time to see how Nix responds. Can he bounce back in his second NFL start, and will he push the ball down the field more than he did in his debut? We’ll find out Sunday.
Denver’s game against the Steelers will be regionally televised on CBS. The Broncos are considered a betting underdog despite playing at home.
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