Category: Broncos Buzz

Broncos vs. Rams: Expert picks for NFL Week 16

Will the Broncos beat the Rams in Los Angeles?

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Merry Christmas and happy holidays to Broncos Country!

The Denver Broncos are set to face off against the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day. Here’s a breakdown of how the experts think these two 4-10 teams will do.

NFL.com: Broncos 20-13 — Gregg Rosenthall picks Denver to win this game against the Baker Mayfield-led Rams.

ESPN: Broncos 17, Rams 13 (Moody); Broncos 16, Rams 10 (Walder) — The two NFL writers see Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson passing for two or more touchdowns, with a big stipulation. “Wilson… will have (his) third game of the season with two or more touchdown passes,” the analysis said. “But — and it’s a significant but — only if Wilson shows more patience against the Rams’ heavy dose of zone coverages with cornerbacks in off-coverage.”

USA Today: Split decision (3 picks-Broncos, 3 picks Rams) — Four writers see the Broncos scoring 20 points or more this Sunday, and all six writers have the final score as a one-possession game.

CBS Sports: Rams 21, Broncos 14 — Many fans and experts saw this matchup, which was announced before the NFL draft, as a potential Super Bowl matchup; at the very least a playoff-implication atmosphere. Both teams proceeded to fall flat. The Super Bowl champions from 2021 lost quarterback Matthew Stafford to a neck injury, and Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has not lived up to expectations. CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco sees Baker Mayfield’s Rams find a way to win.

Overall, what many saw as a must-see game in the early going, experts see as a one-possession game that at this point is for draft picks.

Tune into CBS Sports, or Nickelodeon (both can be found on the Paramount+ streaming service) at 2:30 pm MST on Sunday, December 25.

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Broncos pranked players with fake ‘ugly sweater’ jerseys

No, the Broncos are not going to wear ‘ugly sweater’ jerseys on Christmas 😅

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The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams are set to face off on Christmas Day, and the teams had a little fun beforehand.

In past years, the NBA has traditionally done Christmas-themed jerseys, but the NFL has not.

Broncos kicker Brandon McManus and Rams safety Nick Scott teamed up with CBS Sports to prank teammates with fake “ugly sweater” Christmas jerseys ahead of Sunday’s game.

The Denver jerseys notably had reindeer on the helmet in place of the regular logo, as well as orange and blue snowflakes and trees along the collarbone area of the uniforms.

On the other hand, the Rams had Christmas lights on their helmets where the horns usually are.

Not all players fell for it — Brett Rypien quickly found the hidden camera — but many did. Check out their reactions:

And some Rams footage for good measure:

Sunday’s game will be nationally televised on CBS and Nickelodeon. Thankfully for Broncos and Rams players, both teams will be wearing their normal uniforms.

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Broncos vs. Rams: 5 things Denver fans should know about L.A.

We asked Rams Wire five questions about their team ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Broncos.

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We asked Cam DaSilva of Rams Wire five questions about the Rams ahead of their Christmas Day showdown with the Denver Broncos. Check out our questions and Cam’s answers below!

WATCH: NFL.com previews Broncos-Rams game

What’s your score prediction for the Broncos’ game against the Rams?

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The Denver Broncos are set to go on the road to face the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day. Check out NFL.com’s preview of the game in the above video.

After facing the Rams in L.A., the Broncos will have a road game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 before wrapping up the season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18.

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Broncos injuries: OLB Randy Gregory questionable for Week 16

Broncos OLB Randy Gregory is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Randy Gregory (knee), wide receiver Courtland Sutton (hamstring), running back Latavius Murray (foot), guard Dalton Risner (shoulder/back/foot), cornerback K’Waun Williams (wrist/knee) and offensive tackle Calvin Anderson (ankle) are all questionable for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, coach Nathaniel Hackett announced Friday.

Broncos wide receiver Kendall Hinton (hamstring) has been ruled out. Denver also placed offensive lineman Tom Compton (back) on injured reserve on Thursday, ending his season.

Denver running back Chase Edmonds (ankle) is also expected to return from injured reserve in time for Sunday’s game in Los Angeles. Edmonds will be the team’s eighth and final player to return from IR this year.

The Broncos’ final injury report can be seen below.

Los Angeles leads the all-time series against Denver 9-5, but the Broncos are considered 3-point road favorites against the Rams this week.

After playing in Los Angeles on Sunday, Denver will have a road game against the Kansas City Chiefs the following week before wrapping up the season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18.

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Broncos Wire podcast: Merry Christmas, Broncos Country!

On this week’s podcast, Ryan O’Leary and Jon Heath discuss Denver’s RB outlook, Brandon McManus struggling, the Rams game and more!

Merry Christmas, Broncos Country!

This year has been a season to forget for the Denver Broncos, but we appreciate all the fans who have continued supporting the team and Broncos Wire.

On this week’s podcast, I joined host Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary on Twitter) to discuss Denver’s future running back outlook, Brandon McManus struggling this season, a Christmas Day showdown with the Los Angeles Rams and more.

You can listen to episode 69 below:

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
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Ryan and I will return with a new pod in 2023 to preview the team’s season finale and then look ahead to the upcoming offseason.

If you enjoy the podcast, you can check out previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your podcast service of choice. Please consider giving the podcast a positive rating and review!

You can listen to every past episode below or at this link.

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Broncos QB Russell Wilson feels great, not worried about injuries

“I didn’t sign up for tennis,” Broncos QB Russell Wilson said. “I signed up to play a physical game.”

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson was cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol last week, but the team decided to rest him in Week 15 to be cautious.

After sitting out against the Arizona Cardinals, Wilson says he feels great this week going into a Christmas Day showdown with the Los Angeles Rams.

“I feel great,” Wilson said Wednesday. “[I’m] super aware. The medical team here did a great job. To be able to heal quickly and just to be able to get back on the field and be able to practice Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I was ready to roll. To give me an extra week and let those guys get in there — Brett [Rypien] did a great job stepping up and stepping in. I’m ready to rock and roll.”

Before sitting out last week, Wilson missed one game earlier this season with a hamstring injury. He also played through a shoulder injury earlier this year. The quarterback was asked Wednesday if he’s worried about mounting injuries if he continues using his legs to make plays.

“I don’t ever worry about that,” Wilson said “I’ve played 200 or something games. I’m not sure exactly the number in the NFL is. I have played a lot of pro baseball games, a lot of college baseball, and a lot of college football. I’ve made it through a lot. I’ve been blessed. A lot of 24/7 treatment, pretty much and having great people around you. It’s a lifestyle. You know this game is a physical game. I didn’t sign up for — and I’ve said this before — but I didn’t sign up for tennis. I signed up to play a physical game.

“You know you’re going to get hit; you know you’re going to battle. I’m not afraid to get in there and mix it up a little bit if I have to. I’ve been very blessed. I think baseball has helped me a lot to be able to get away, slide, move and do all those things. Just that experience [has helped]. I’m excited. I’m excited about this game right here. This is the one that matters the most.”

Wilson has completed 60.4% of his passes for 2,805 yards with 11 touchdowns against six interceptions in 12 games this season. He has also rushed 41 times for 215 yards and one score on the ground. The 34-year-old quarterback has been banged up at various time this season, but he does not seem to be concerned about his long-term health.

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Broncos can only bring 1 more player back from injured reserve

NFL teams can bring back up to eight players from injured reserve each season. The Broncos have already brought back seven.

NFL teams are allowed to bring back up to eight players from injured reserve during a season.

This year, the Denver Broncos have already brought back seven players from IR: safety Justin Simmons, tight end Greg Dulcich, cornerback Michael Ojemudia, long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer, running back Mike Boone, outside linebacker Randy Gregory and right tackle Billy Turner.

That leaves room for just one more player to return from IR, and running back Chase Edmonds (ankle) appears to be on track to return this weekend. If that happens, Edmonds will be the team’s final player to return from IR in 2022.

That means the 18 other players on IR will have to sit out the final three games of the season. Many of them wouldn’t be healthy enough to return anyway, but some of them — like safety Caden Sterns and center Lloyd Cushenberry — had a chance to return this year.

Denver was hit extremely hard by injuries this year and the team can only hope the IR list will be much less crowded in 2023.

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Broncos remember soft-spoken Super Bowl champion Ronnie Hillman

“Soft-spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity, Ronnie was … a dynamic player and well-respected teammate,” the Broncos said.

Former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman died of kidney cancer at age 31 on Thursday. The Broncos released the following statement after the running back’s tragic passing.

We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman. A key contributor on the winningest four-year period in franchise history, Ronnie was part of two Super Bowl teams and led the Broncos in rushing during our Super Bowl 50 championship season.

Soft-spoken with a warm smile and quiet intensity, Ronnie was drafted by the Broncos in 2012 and grew into a dynamic player and well-respected teammate. He will be fondly remembered by our organization, which extends its heartfelt sympathies and condolence to the Hillman family during this difficult time.

Hillman rushed for 1,976 yards and 12 touchdowns during his five-year career in the NFL (four years in Denver). His 1,845 rushing yards with the Broncos ranks 16th on the team’s all-time list.

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Broncos ready for Christmas road trip

The NFL’s schedule has the Broncos going on a road trip for Christmas weekend. “Someone has to do it,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said.

Family members of the Denver Broncos will have to celebrate Christmas a little early (or a little late) this year.

The Broncos are set to travel to California this weekend for a Christmas Day showdown with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

“Someone has to do it, and it will be us,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said. “I’m very excited and honored for this team to be able to play on this day. It will be a great opportunity for them to get on TV again and go against a great team in the Los Angeles Rams.

“My kids aren’t happy about it because it’s on Christmas, but we’ll make sure that we get the morning on the day before so the guys can spend some time with their families.”

The Broncos have played on Christmas just three times in their history, posting a 2-1 record in those contests. Denver will hope to improve to 3-1 when they take on the Rams in L.A. this weekend.

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