Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1–1) at Denver Broncos (0–2), Sunday, 2:25 p.m. MT, Empower Field at Mile High, FOX, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
3 Things to
1. Depleted Denver roster. Minus up to five starters — quarterback Drew Lock (shoulder), running back Phillip Lindsay (toe), linebacker Von Miller (ankle), cornerback A.J. Bouye (shoulder) and wideout Courtland Sutton (knee) — the Broncos’ depth will be tested. Can backup quarterback Jeff Driskel build off his strong second half in Pittsburgh? Will Denver’s rookie cornerbacks (Michael Ojemudia and Essang Bassey) hold up against Tom Brady? There’s questions across the roster.
2. The G.O.A.T. Speaking of Brady, how will the 43-year-old fare in his return to Denver, this time in different colors? Brady hasn’t played in Denver since 2017, when the Patriots dominated 41–16, but the quarterback is 8–9 overall against the Broncos (including 1–3 in the postseason). With the Bucs favored by six points, Brady’s 7–6 regular-season record against Denver is the second-lowest winning percentage (.538) among teams he’s played more than three times.
3. Broncos O‑line. After the Broncos’ front was embarrassed in Pittsburgh — the Steelers racked up seven sacks and 19 quarterback hits, not to mention the hit that resulted in Lock’s injury — the offensive line must redeem itself. Driskel will need better pass protection against a front that’s arguably as talented as Pittsburgh’s, with linebackers Shaquil Barrett, linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul and lineman Ndamukong Suh the primary threats.
Who has the edge?
When the Buccaneers run
Tampa Bay’s averaged 104 yards rushing per game, 24th in the NFL. The Buccaneers’ tailback tandem features Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones II, while the Broncos defensive line depth will be tested after injuries to Dre’Mont Jones and DeMarcus Walker. Denver’s run D ranks 14th in the NFL at 119.5 yards per game.
Edge: Even
When the Buccaneers pass
Brady’s been hit-and-miss so far in two games with Tampa Bay, but he has no shortage of weapons. Tight end Rob Gronkowski hasn’t been much of a factor yet, with just two receptions on four targets, as wideouts Mike Evans, Scotty Miller and Chris Godwin are catching the majority of passes. Brady will no doubt pick on Ojemudia throughout the day.
Edge: Buccaneers
When the Broncos run
With Lindsay possibly out once again, it’s up to Melvin Gordon to carry the load. Gordon had 70 yards rushing on 19 carries in Week 2. He and backup Royce Freeman will again see a stout run defense as Tampa Bay is ranked fourth int the league at 84.5 yards per game. Containing the tackling production of inside linebacker Devin White is key for Denver.
Edge: Buccaneers
When the Broncos pass
Driskel gets his second start for Denver, and he’ll look to connect with Noah Fant, rookies Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, and third-year pro Tim Patrick. He’ll have to contend with a stout Tampa Bay pass rush that’s produced six sacks through two games, and a secondary that already has two interceptions.
Edge: Buccaneers
Special teams
Kicker Ryan Succop was cut by the Titans last year amid a disastrous performance, but found a new home in Tampa Bay. He and Brandon McManus are both 2‑for‑3 on field goals. In the return game, Denver could use a big play or two from Diontae Spencer or Hamler. And punter Sam Martin must rebound from a dropped snap that led to a safety last week.
Edge: Broncos
Post predictions
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer: Buccaneers 27, Broncos 24
It’s another September to forget for the Broncos — 0–4 last year and 0–3 this year as Brady leads a drive that is capped by a field goal as time expires.
Kyle Newman, beat writer: Buccaneers 24, Broncos 14
Brady connects with Evans for an early touchdown to get Tampa Bay going, and the Broncos offense commits several turnovers as the home team is never really in the game.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Buccaneers 19, Broncos 16
Denver is desperate with capital “D.” and Brady isn’t nearly as Terrific as he used to be. But Old Tom is still better than Driskel is ever likely to be.