The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams will go head-to-head on Sunday Night Football in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season. It is a key matchup for both teams, as they have started identically with 1-1 records, but a crucial element is that their starting and backup quarterback depth charts are officially set.
The Broncos enter Week 3 at 1-1 after a 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but they answered with a 20-13 comeback win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. They scored 17 unanswered points in the second half and showed much better balance on both sides of the ball.
The Rams also sit at 1-1. They beat San Francisco in Week 1 before falling 28-6 to the New York Giants in Week 2. However, the Rams are likely to be without Puka Nacua for a second straight week, and Myles Garrett also remains on injured reserve. Even so, both teams maintain their starting quarterbacks without concern, featuring Matthew Stafford for the Rams and Bo Nix leading the Broncos.
| Depth Chart | Denver Broncos | Los Angeles Rams |
| QB1 | Bo Nix | Matthew Stafford |
| QB2 | Jarrett Stidham | Stetson Bennett IV |
| QB3 | Sam Ehlinger | Ty Simpson |
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks away.
The concern for the Broncos
Bo Nix’s two sides have been noted. He struggled badly against Kansas City, but bounced back with 288 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception against Jacksonville. Nix has 419 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions this NFL season, which means they need consistency against the Rams.
However, they have managed to identify the lethal weapons to inflict damage alongside Nix. Jaylen Waddle has quickly become one of Nix’s biggest weapons. He leads Denver with nine catches for 140 yards, including a 49-yard reception against Jacksonville, a resource that will surely be featured heavily.
Stafford seeking his best level
Matthew Stafford bounced back last week against the Giants, throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns. Whichever team is able to get pressure on the opposing quarterback will have the advantage. Stafford’s numbers dip under pressure, but Nix under pressure turns into the worst quarterback in the NFL, something the Rams will surely seek to achieve.
However, the Rams still face uncertainty regarding whether Puka Nacua will be present, as he continues to deal with an injury sustained in Week 1. One of the best weapons Stafford had at his disposal remains a question mark, but confidence exists in Davante Adams, Xavier Smith, Jordan Whittington, or Konata Mumpfield.
Key takeaways
- Bo Nix is QB1 for Denver, with Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger backing up.
- Matthew Stafford starts as QB1 for the Rams depth chart against Denver.
- Stetson Bennett IV is listed as QB2 for Los Angeles over Ty Simpson.
