The 2025 NFL season kicks off in Denver as the Broncos host the Tennessee Titans in a Week 1 matchup between two teams on opposite ends of the AFC spectrum. Denver enters the season with rising expectations after a 10–7 finish in 2024 and the league’s best ATS record at 12–5, while Tennessee stumbles in with the scars of a 3–14 season and a brutal 2–12 ATS mark that ranked among the league’s worst. The Titans will begin the Cam Ward era at quarterback after selecting the former Washington State standout first overall in the draft, and though Ward brings tantalizing athletic upside and a big arm, he will make his NFL debut in the thin air of Mile High against a veteran defense that thrives on disrupting young signal-callers. On the other side, the Broncos are confident in their defensive identity under Sean Payton, led by All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, who headlines a unit that suffocates passing games and thrives in late-down situations. Bo Nix, entering his second season under center for Denver, is expected to take a leap forward with a stronger grasp of Payton’s system, improved decision-making, and a more stable offensive line protecting him. Denver’s offense may not be explosive, but it is methodical and designed to win the field position game and capitalize on opponent mistakes—something that bodes well against a rebuilding Titans squad prone to mental errors. The Broncos’ running game, spearheaded by Javonte Williams and rookie bruiser Braelon Allen, should find opportunities to wear down a Tennessee front that has seen roster turnover and lacks depth beyond Jeffery Simmons.

On the Titans’ end, the defense has major question marks in the secondary, where young corners and inconsistent safety play could open up big-play chances for Denver’s receivers, including Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims. Tennessee’s offensive game plan will likely revolve around protecting Ward with quick reads, designed rollouts, and a steady dose of play action, though their offensive line remains one of the more suspect units in the league. If Denver can get home with four pass rushers and maintain gap discipline to contain Ward’s legs, the Broncos could dominate time of possession and force the Titans into unfavorable down-and-distance situations all afternoon. The betting line opened with Denver as a 3-point favorite and a modest total around 41, indicating expectations for a low-scoring, defensive-leaning game—one that should favor the more experienced, cohesive, and home-field-backed Broncos. For Tennessee to cover or pull off an upset, they must keep the game close early, get a turnover or special teams spark, and hope Ward avoids rookie mistakes. But the environment, matchup, and continuity all heavily favor Denver, making this not just a chance for a Week 1 win, but a possible springboard toward another postseason run. If the Broncos play to their identity, limit mistakes, and put Ward under constant pressure, they should open 2025 with a convincing win that reinforces their status as one of the AFC’s emerging playoff contenders.