Broncos Prevail 13-12 Over Titans in Lightning-Delayed Season Opener

Lead The Denver Broncos held off the Tennessee Titans 13-12 at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, punctuated by a late Wil Lutz field goal after a halftime lightning delay.

Nut Graf Denver’s stingy defense and timely kicking secured the Week 1 victory, underscoring the Broncos’ resilience under Sean Payton, while rookie Titans QB Cam Ward flashed promise despite the narrow loss.

Early Low-Scoring Duel

Both teams exchanged field goals on their opening drives. Joey Slye opened the scoring with a 50-yard kick for Tennessee, answered by Wil Lutz’s 39-yard strike for Denver.

Sutton’s Touchdown and Halftime Tension

With 16 seconds left before intermission, Bo Nix connected with Courtland Sutton on a 22-yard touchdown pass, giving Denver a 10-6 edge. Slye trimmed the lead to 10-9 with a 42-yard field goal as the half expired.

Weather Delay

A severe lightning storm in the Denver area halted play at halftime. Fans were forced into concourses as officials paused the game for safety; action resumed after the delay with Denver still clinging to their one-point lead.

Third-Quarter Shifts

Tennessee reclaimed a 12-10 advantage early in the third quarter with a Slye field goal set up by a Cam Ward interception. Denver responded when Lutz drilled a 32-yard attempt to move ahead 13-12.

Defensive Stand and Game-Sealing Kick

Neither offense managed to score in the fourth quarter as Denver’s defense stifled Tennessee drives. Wil Lutz’s field goal proved decisive, and Denver closed out the 13-12 win.

Key Performers

• QB Bo Nix: Efficient 13-of-22 passing, 106 yards, one TD.
• WR Courtland Sutton: Game-winning 22-yard TD catch.
• K Wil Lutz: Three field goals, including the 32-yard go-ahead kick.
• Titans rookie QB Cam Ward: Solid debut, 7-of-12 for 64 yards, no turnovers.

The Broncos improve to 1-0, while the Titans fall to 0-1 as the NFL season officially kicks off.