Mike Klis Broncos PREVIEW: Is Sunday's game against Jacksonville more of a must win or a can't lose?
On The Drive, Zach Bye and Phillip Lindsay break down why Sunday’s home opener against Jacksonville feels like a season‑defining moment for the Broncos. NFL history says starting 0–2 drops playoff chances to just 10–14%, and with the Rams, 49ers, Chargers, and Seahawks looming, the pressure is immense.
Can Sean Payton’s team show the resilience he’s known for, or will Denver stumble into a hole too deep to climb out of? With playoff hopes already hanging by a thread, this game could determine whether the Broncos fight back or fade fast.
This is the full breakdown of urgency, concern, and the adjustments Denver must make before Sunday.
Terrifying 0–2 playoff odds
Sean Payton’s history of bouncing back from adversity
Brutal upcoming schedule (Rams, 49ers, Chargers, Seahawks)
Why Sunday feels like a turning point
Broncos Country — weigh in:
• How worried are you about a 0–2 start
• What must Denver fix first against Jacksonville
• And can Sean Payton’s resilience history carry this team through adversity
