The Broncos welcome the Packers to Mile High after this week's joint practice, with both teams coming into the contest unbeaten in this year's preseason. Sean Payton is now 3-1 in the preseason with the Broncos (31-33 overall), while Matt LaFleur is 6-8.
Let's preview the game and dive into my Packers vs. Broncos prediction, which is a straightforward pick to back the team that will feature far superior quarterback play.
My Packers-Broncos pick is on the spread, which is available at 7 at most sportsbooks according to our live NFL odds page.
Packers vs. Broncos Odds
| Packers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7 -115 | 39.5 -110o / -110u | +250 |
| Broncos Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7 -105 | 39.5 -110o / -110u | -310 |
This spread opened at 3.5, but news that Jordan Love was going to sit out moved it quickly in Denver's favor. The total rose two points from open to 39.5.
Packers vs. Broncos Betting Trends
- 70% of bets and 19% of the money are on the Packers to cover the spread.
- 67% of bets and 57% of the money are on the under.
All data via Action Network's public betting percentages and as of Tuesday evening.
Sam Farley's Packers vs. Broncos Preview
The quarterback position is the most important in football and when it comes to preseason, it often boils down to who we're going to see at QB and for how long.
We know already that we won't see Love this week as Matt LeFleur confirmed on Wednesday that the QB1 will not feature in this game. That might be a positive given how well the Broncos handled him in joint practice this week, although that could spell disaster for the men replacing him.
We'll see the Packers start with Sean Clifford, who played the bulk of the team's win over the Browns last week. In that game he completed 10-of-19 passes for 111 yards, but that said he's a capable backup. We might get to see a little more of Michael Pratt this week, who the Packers drafted in the seventh round from Tulane. He was AAC Offensive Player of the Year and completed 5/7 in limited time last week.
The QB battle in Denver didn't last too long with Bo Nix already looking like he has the job in his hands, having outperformed his rivals since being drafted 12th overall this April. The former Oregon star looked electric at times in the Broncos 34-30 win over the Colts, throwing a touchdown as he went 15-of-21 for 125 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry on the ground. He's now overtaken Jarrett Stidham on the depth chart and will start this week, knowing a strong performance would likely cement him as the starter for the regular season.
Behind Nix we're likely to see a fair amount of Stidham and former Jets man Zach Wilson. Stidham was poor last time out, going 4-of-7 for 37 yards and getting intercepted, but Wilson did have some flashes, going 10-of-13 for 117 yards.
Packers vs. Broncos Start Time, Channel, Location
Packers vs. Broncos will be broadcasted live on NFL Network and available to stream on NFL+. Packers-Broncos is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday night at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
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My Packers vs. Broncos Prediction
Ultimately, this comes down the QB corps on display.
We're only going to see the Packers' backups with Clifford proving somewhat capable but unspectacular with Pratt, who's still very much an unknown quantity, in relief.
For the Broncos we know we're going to see Nix, who showed a little stardust last week. If he can replicate that then it's going to be a long night for the Packers, especially with Stidham and Wilson also capable of putting up points.
Pick: Broncos -7 (-105 @ FanDuel)
