Roach's calf strain sidelines him for at least four games, forcing Denver to lean on Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike for early-season interior disruption. The Broncos promoted Sam Ehlinger to the 53-man roster as an emergency No. 3 quarterback, ensuring depth on game days without counting toward the active roster. Adam Prentice and Levelle Bailey were elevated from the practice squad to bolster fullback and linebacker depth ahead of Week 1 against Tennessee, while SF's injury to Dre Greenlaw looms as a defensive angle for fantasy managers.

Denver's early-season path leans on improved DL rotation, with Roach out and Jackson/Uwazurike stepping up. Ehlinger’s return adds a mobile quarterback option in emergency scenarios, and Prentice Bailey provides insurance at crucial HB/LB spots. Week 1 becomes a test of depth, roster construction, and adaptive game plans as the Broncos navigate Roach's absence and SF's defensive matchup.

Denver heads into the opener with key front-seven absences. Dre Greenlaw is ruled out with a quad issue, and Malcolm Roach is sidelined by a Grade 2 calf strain that could cost several weeks. Denver is leaning on Justin Strnad to anchor the middle, with Karene Reid and Levelle Bailey factoring into the rotation as the team contemplates elevating Bailey from the practice squad. Expect Eyioma Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson to shoulder more interior duties as the Broncos adjust on the fly.

With Roach potentially missing extended time, the run defense and interior pressures will hinge on Uwazurike’s burst and Jackson’s ability to hold the point. Nate Adkins is out, and Dondrea Tillman was limited, so the depth chart tightens and fantasy managers in IDP leagues will want to monitor snap shares closely as Week 1 unfolds.

Denver keeps seven defensive linemen on the 53-man roster, a trench-forward move led by Eyioma Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson. They join Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, and rookie Sai'vion Jones to form a deep interior DL unit. The stance signals a emphasis on run defense and interior pressure; Week 1 against Tennessee will be the first real test and could boost IDP value for multiple Bronco linemen.

The decision frames Paton’s trench-first philosophy, suggesting more consistent snaps for the interior group and potential fantasy upside if the rotation remains disruptive up the middle.

Denver’s 91-man offseason roster faces a tight sprint to a 53-man limit, with five players on the roster bubble as preseason opens. Tyler Badie is the marquee name among the bubble backs, needing a bigger role to dislodge Jaleel McLaughlin or Blake Watson if Denver sticks with four running backs; a healthy return from a back injury raises his upside. Caleb Lohner, a seventh-rounder at tight end, must beat out Lucas Krull and Caden Prieskorn for a spot, or land on the practice squad. Joaquin Davis has flashed in camp and gets his live-game chance tonight, while Jordan Jackson and Reese Taylor must show they belong in a crowded DL and CB room. The chatter extends to Damarri Mathis, where Denver could swap theCB depth via a trade or cut, potentially opening a path for Taylor. Audric Estime remains in the mix, but the math around roster spots is anything but settled. The sequence after this week’s 49ers game is Cardinals, then Saints, crafting a small but meaningful window for fantasy managers to gauge Week 1 upside based on depth-chart shifts and injury luck.

The Denver Broncos excelled in the 2024 NFL season, achieving a 10-7 record and securing a playoff berth, their first since 2015. The defense was a standout, ranking high in multiple statistical categories: eighth in takeaways (25), seventh in yards allowed per game (317.1), third in points allowed (18.3), and leading the league with 63 sacks.

Key defenders included safety Brandon Jones, who had an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 84.8, while cornerback Pat Surtain II closely followed at 83.8. Other notable performances came from outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (78.7) and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (78.3). Meanwhile, the team had its struggles, with defensive end Jordan Jackson and linebacker Justin Strnad receiving significantly lower grades at 41.3 and 49.9, respectively. Overall, the defense's robust performance played a crucial role in the Broncos' success this season.