Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › setting up Rams at Denver
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September 22, 2026 at 11:33 am #166259
znModeratorSunday, September 27, 2026
5:20 PM pt, 8:20 PM et
NBC
September 22, 2026 at 12:40 pm #166262
wvParticipantI tend to like to see 4 games before I can start spec-u-larizing about any of the teams. Rams, Seahawks, 49ers, Eagles, Broncos, etc.
I dunno what the Rams are yet. Playing against Jameis Winston inflated the Defense performance, and playing against bad CBs inflated the offensive performance, so lets see how they do in Denver.
Broncos lost to the Chiefs 31-10 in KC, and beat the Jaguars 20-13 at home.
Broncos, this week, look like they are not missing any key players due to injury.
McVay is 3-1 against Payton, including the infamous pass-interference-Non-call game.
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A.I.
2018 Regular Season (Nov 4, 2018): Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints handed McVay’s Los Angeles Rams their first loss of the season in a 45–35 shootout at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.2018 NFC Championship Game (Jan 20, 2019): McVay and the Rams got their revenge in New Orleans, defeating Payton’s Saints 26–23 in overtime to advance to Super Bowl LIII.
2019 Regular Season (Sept 15, 2019): McVay’s Rams defeated Payton’s Saints 27–9 in Los Angeles (a game where Drew Brees exited early with a thumb injury).
2020 Regular Season (Dec 20, 2020): McVay’s Rams secured another win against Payton’s Saints, prevailing 24–3
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vSeptember 23, 2026 at 9:58 am #166281wvParticipantAs of today, Rams are 2.5 point favorites at Denver.
They have played 15 times. Rams lead alltime series 10-5.
Rams have won last 5 times. Last game was in 2022. Rams won 51-14. Baker Mayfield was Ram QB. (the Rams were 5-10 and Denver was 4-11)
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vSeptember 23, 2026 at 10:50 am #166287znModerator3 lessons Rams can learn from Broncos’ Week 2 win vs. Jaguars
The Broncos took down the Jaguars in their last game. Here’s what the Rams learned about Denver ahead of Sunday’s matchup.Brock Vierra
The Los Angeles Rams picked up their first win of the 2026 season this and will look to advance to 2-1 during their trip to Denver to face the Broncos. The matchup, which will be on Sunday Night Football, will contain two emerging offenses and two defenses that are finding their rhythm.
The Broncos got a head start on their film study after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-13, on Sunday. Here are three lessons from that contest that the Rams will be considering as they design their game plan for this week.
Waddle is finding his footing
Jaylen Waddle came alive last week. The former Alabama speedster recording eight receptions for 138 yards in his home debut for Denver. Waddle was electric and opened up the rest of the field for his teammates to exploit. With another home contest against the Rams on the horizon, he’ll be looking to show off in prime time.
The Rams have to manage Waddle, along with a variety of other top pass catchers, including Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Evan Engram. This game should be a barometer for how strong the team’s secondary really is.
The Rams can win this game by winning in the red zone
First-year offensive coordinator Davis Webb is working through some of the growing pains that come with being a new playcaller. Denver has yet to put a consistent effort together; they’ve struggled to score, especially when the field shrinks. In Week 1, they only scored 10 points, and in Week 2, the Broncos went 2-for-5 in the red zone, walking away with two touchdowns, two field goals, and one interception.
Bo Nix can be baited into throwing a bad ball in the red zone. As long as the Rams score touchdowns and force difficult throws from Nix in that area of the field, Los Angeles should be in control of this one.
Denver will attack the outside with speed
The Broncos have speed at every offensive skill position, and they will hurt the Rams if Los Angeles plays 7 yards off the line of scrimmage. Waddle is already a problem, especially as he can hit the quick out with ease. If R.J. Harvey is healthy, he’ll play into that.
Expect everything from Denver. QB designed runs, outside runs, screens, reverses, trick plays, the works. The Broncos will test the Rams’ corners to see if they want to play close to the line of scrimmage and if they’re willing to make tackles.
If they’re successful, Denver will use various faints to the outside, regardless of level, to attack inside. To put it simply, Denver’s top offensive asset is speed, and the only way they can use it effectively is to get the ball away from Aaron Donald as quickly as possible.
September 23, 2026 at 4:38 pm #166294znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
The Rams have placed RB Ronnie Rivers on injured reserve.They’ve replaced his roster spot by signing S Maximus Pulley. He played 26% of the Eagles’ special teams snaps in the season opener. That’s Rivers’ main role.
But L.A. does have an opening for a third running back.
September 23, 2026 at 4:59 pm #166297znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
The Rams have placed RB Ronnie Rivers on injured reserve.They’ve replaced his roster spot by signing S Maximus Pulley. He played 26% of the Eagles’ special teams snaps in the season opener. That’s Rivers’ main role.
But L.A. does have an opening for a third running back.
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Rams poach rookie safety off Eagles’ practice squad, place RB on IR
The Rams put Ronnie Rivers on IR Wednesday and filled his spot on the 53-man roster by signing rookie S Maximus PulleyCameron DaSilva
The Los Angeles Rams made a pair of roster moves on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos. They placed running back Ronnie Rivers on injured reserve due to a calf injury that he suffered on Monday night and filled his roster spot by poaching rookie safety Maximus Pulley off the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad.
Rivers will miss a minimum of four games, leaving the Rams with only two running backs on their 53-man roster. They do have Dean Connors and Jordan Waters on the practice squad, so it’s likely at least one of them will be promoted to the game-day roster on Sunday.
Pulley is a rookie out of Wofford who made his NFL debut on Sunday in the Eagles’ win over the Titans. He played six special teams snaps but didn’t see the field on defense.
At his pro day, he ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash and jumped 38.5 inches in the vertical, showing good athleticism at 5-foot-11 and 197 pounds.
Rivers has been a key contributor on special teams, so Pulley will likely help fill that void on Bubba Ventrone’s unit.
September 23, 2026 at 8:03 pm #166312znModeratorBo Nix between the numbers on Sunday: 12/13 for 166 yards
On the pod, @benjaminsolak and I talked about what we saw from Denver’s offense in the second half and what Waddle does for Nix. pic.twitter.com/7XYR6HftND
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 23, 2026
September 23, 2026 at 11:31 pm #166315znModeratoractionjack
the one WR that Surtain struggles with is Adams. They played against each other lot when he was with the RaidersSeptember 24, 2026 at 7:40 pm #166331znModeratorSean Payton and Sean McVay used to have some animosity between them. Whit explains how their relationship has grown into something great 👇
"I've always been the in-between, I talk good about Payton to McVay, and McVay to Payton… I know how much their relationship has grown,… pic.twitter.com/YPwU0Ygb8G
— Fitz & Whit (@fitzandwhit) September 24, 2026
September 24, 2026 at 8:14 pm #166332wvParticipantSeptember 24, 2026 at 8:24 pm #166333wvParticipantSeptember 24, 2026 at 11:21 pm #166335
ZooeyModeratoractionjack
the one WR that Surtain struggles with is Adams. They played against each other lot when he was with the Raiders
September 24, 2026 at 11:49 pm #166336znModeratorZooey, you fact checked it. The poster’s claim I posted? You info shows that the record is more mixed than that poster seemed to indicate.
So I added more fact checking, and will try to match up the numbers from the 2 different lists (one list showing Adams’ receptions/yards, this new list naming the quarterbacks)
1. 2022 Week 4 (Oct 2, 2022) Adams for Las Vegas Raiders, Derek Carr at qb
2. 2022 Week 11 (Nov 20, 2022) Adams for Las Vegas Raiders, Derek Carr at qb
3. 2023 Week 1 (Sep 10, 2023) Adams for Las Vegas Raiders, Jimmy Garoppolo at qb
4. 2023 Week 18 (Jan 7, 2024) Adams for Las Vegas Raiders, Aidan O’Connell at qb1. Adams = 9 receptions on 13 targets for 101 yards
2. Adams = 7 receptions on 13 targets for 141 yards, 2 TDs
3. Adams = 6 receptions on 9 targets for 66 yards
4. Adams = 5 receptions on 8 targets for 46 yards, 1 TDDerek Carr in 2022 had a qb rating of 86.3
Jimmy Garoppolo in 2023 had a qb rating of 77.7
Aidan O’Connell in 2023 had a qb rating of 83.9For the record, I don’t consider games of 66 and 46 yards to be great. So there’s the poster I posted, who makes big claims. Then your details, which show that it’s more mixed than that. Then I take another step, adding more details, which indicate that Adams had mediocre quarterbacking in 2022 and 2023.
Next we’ll see if Stafford has a good game in Denver, and whether or not that translates into Adams playing well against Surtain this time.
In the meantime there’s this:
During his press conference on Wednesday, Adams spoke about his past matchups with Surtain, calling him the best cornerback in the NFL before becoming teammates with Trent McDuffie.
“Obviously, Pat is probably one of the best DBs in the league,” Adams said. “Before coming into this year and playing with Trent, I was saying (Surtain) was the best. That’s my guy (McDuffie) and I see him every day, and that’s no slight at Pat. I’ve had a chance to play against Pat quite a few times now and I love his game, respect it. He’s got some length, speed, and a lot of stuff you can’t teach at that position. We’ve had some battles in the past. Obviously, the game where we had the walk-off touchdown there, that was a good memory for me. Then, came back the next time and I can probably say honestly that he probably played a little bit better of a game in Denver versus me than what I played against him, that opener in ’23. I have a lot of respect for a lot of guys, but he’s definitely up there as far as one of the ones I have the most respect for.”
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September 25, 2026 at 8:06 am #166341wvParticipantJust curious, do we know when Nacua got himself injured? Was it on a particular play or was it an accumulation of stuff, or what?
I assume he’s looking at 3 weeks, minimum?
A.I.
“Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is currently dealing with a hip and groin strain. Rams head coach Sean McVay described the soft-tissue discomfort as a “pre-hernia” strain, though he clarified Nacua does not have an actual hernia”
===Groin strains in the NFL typically take anywhere from one week to three months to heal, depending heavily on the severity and grade of the tear.
Medical staffs generally categorize recovery timelines by the severity of the muscle damage:
Grade 1 Mild overstretching or small fiber damage. 1 to 3 weeks (often missing 1 to 2 games)
Grade 2 Partial muscle tear with moderate pain and weakness. 3 to 6 weeks (missing multiple games)
Grade 3 Severe or complete muscle rupture. 3 to 4 months (frequently season-ending or requiring surgery)
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vSeptember 25, 2026 at 9:24 am #166342wvParticipantChris Long on the game:
September 25, 2026 at 9:25 am #166343wvParticipantRodrigue
Rams vs. Broncos Week 3 Preview | NFL Daily
NFL and NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan RodrigueSeptember 25, 2026 at 1:47 pm #166345znModerator…
Test the Denver rush defense. Even dating back to the playoffs last year, the Broncos struggled to stop the run. The biggest issue against Kenneth Walker III and the Chiefs is that Denver couldn’t tackle. The tackling was much better for the Broncos against Jacksonville, but run Kyren Williams and Blake Corum on Sunday night. That allows McVay to use the heavy offensive sets that he typically likes to run, especially the plays with three tight ends. Then he can have Matthew Stafford use those tight ends in the passing game. That’s the other thing Denver struggles with – covering tight ends. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, in a word, are not very good. So force the two linebackers into coverage and the Rams will likely have success.
September 25, 2026 at 7:09 pm #166350znModeratorOn Friday, Sean McVay said the Rams will elevate Connors for their Sunday night contest. Connors impressed during the preseason after signing as an undrafted rookie out of the University of Houston.
During his presser, McVay spoke on the decision to elevate Connors, stating that his work will be on special teams and that the running back carries will be split between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. The only way Connors will see offensive snaps is if Williams or Corum gets hurt.
“He’s done a good job,” McVay said of Connors. “It’s a [special] teams thing is really what it put over the top. As far as a third runner, you feel really good about both of those guys if that’s what we were asked. They wouldn’t play unless Blake or Kyren, something happened. Those guys are going to get all the carries. But Dean or Jordan, I would have confidence in those guys, but we’ll go with Dean in a flex-up situation.”
September 25, 2026 at 7:11 pm #166351znModeratorMichael J. Duarte@michaeljduarte
Rams Injuries for Sunday in Denver against the Broncos:WR Puka Nacua – Doubtful (DNP on Fri.)
Byron Young and Aaron Donald got a veteran rest day on Fri.
TE Colby Parkinson – Questionable (DNP on Fri.)
S Kam Kinchens – Doubtful (DNP on Fri.)
WR Jordan Whittington (Full participant on Fri.)Greg Beacham@gregbeacham
Rams WR Jordan Whittington (quadriceps) is “good to go” after missing last week vs NYG, Sean McVay says.TE Colby Parkinson (knee) is “trending in the right direction” to play Sunday.
LB Nate Landman (shoulder) is almost certainly playing.
S Kam Kinchens is doubtful to play.
…
…the Rams are not considering injured reserve as an option for Nacua, who also missed last week’s game against the New York Giants.
“If he doesn’t go this week, the expectations are, unless there’s a setback, that he’ll be good for next week,” McVay said.
…
The challenge will be greater this week [than against the Giants] on the road against the Broncos and three-time All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Adams is likely to draw a traveling assignment from Surtain, and a mix of Whittington, Atwell and Konata Mumpfield will provide depth at the second wide receiver spot.
…
In addition to Nacua, free safety Kam Kinchens is doubtful to play Sunday after missing a second straight week of practice with a hamstring injury. In Kinchens’ absence on Monday, the Rams played a mixture of safety Jaylen McCollough and nickel cornerback Joshua Wallace.
September 26, 2026 at 9:50 am #166363wvParticipantWithout Puka, I can’t see the Rams scoring much against Denver at Denver. I think they will try and run the ball and play a conservative game. Davante will certainly not go wild against Surtain.
I expect at least one bonehead play on special teams, and one fumble, and one INT.
With Myles Garrett, I would pick the Rams, but without Myles…
Rams 17
Broncos 19w
vSeptember 26, 2026 at 9:59 am #166364wvParticipantSince the start of last season, Denver at HOME, has 46 sacks. That leads the NFL.
The Texans are second with 35. Steelers have 34.
(according to the internetz)Broncos have multiple sacks in 20 straight home games. Tied for the longest streak by any team since 1960.
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vSeptember 27, 2026 at 12:10 pm #166386znModeratorQB Matthew Stafford needs 111 passing yards to become the first player in NFL history to throw for 20k+ yards for two different teams, while WR Davante Adams is 146 receiving yards away from reaching 13k in his career.
September 27, 2026 at 12:20 pm #166387znModeratorBroncos have multiple sacks in 20 straight home games. Tied for the longest streak by any team since 1960.
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vThey’re also 30th in yards per carry allowed in run defense. But then last year they were 3rd in that stat. And the ranking is so low primarily because Denver was on the receiving end of Kenneth Walker III’s great debut as the Chiefs new high octane run game.
Last week the Jags played them in Denver and Jacksonville gave up 2 sacks.
Denver is a lot like the Rams in this respect–game 1 messes with the numbers. They too were badly outplayed by a divisional rival in game 1 (KC) but then played well enough to win against the Jagz.
So any numbers we have on either Denver or the Rams are deceptive. Both teams botched game 1, and both teams are better than their game 1 performance, but at the same time it’s not crystal clear how much better.
I expect the Rams to rely heavily on 3 TE personnel and it is not at all clear Denver can shut that down. Analysts have pointed out that (1) 3 TE sets force defenses to play base defense, and (2) one clearcut weakness in the Denver defense is its inside LBs, Singleton and Strand, who struggle in pass coverage.
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