The Broncos rolled with Jarrett Stidham in the exhibition win over Arizona, cruising to a 27-7 victory. Stidham finished 16 of 23 for 240 yards and two touchdowns, directing Denver through a sharp opening drive that featured Evan Engram and rookie Pat Bryant on the highlights. RJ Harvey punched in Denver’s first TD, while Troy Franklin added a late score to seal the margin. Will Lutz provided three field goals, with the defense bending but mostly bending-less in the second half. Broncos injuries to Nick Gargiulo and Garrett Wilson were noted as they head toward the finale against New Orleans.

Arizona answered early but stagnated after the opening sequence, with Jacoby Brissett tossing a 16-yard TD to Simi Fehoko before Tune took over and Denver extended the lead behind continued big plays from Franklin and Fehoko. The night showcased Denver’s depth at skill positions and a QB competition under Payton’s watch, while the Cardinals evaluated Tune and the young pass catchers. A strong preseason push leaves fantasy managers eyeing expanding roles for the Broncos’ playmakers as the regular season approaches.

Arizona’s second preseason clash with Denver centers on the Cardinals evaluating a bulk of depth pieces while starters sit. Clayton Tune is the focal point after halftime, auditioning for NFL teams as a potential practice-squad candidate or late waiver claim behind Jacoby Brissett. Simi Fehoko brings a guaranteed-money edge and length, while Xavier Weaver has flashed during the opener and remains in a tight roster duel for the fifth or sixth WR spots. Up front, undrafted Josh Fryar and edge players Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas could seize snaps with Jones’ injury creating opportunities. At corner, Elijah Jones, Kei’Tre Clark, and Denzel Burke are battling for remaining roles, while BJ Ojulari’s PUP status could tilt the competition. The game doubles as a roster-barometer for the Cardinals’ depth chart and a glance at Broncos’ readiness for Week 1 depth.

Arizona Cardinals 53-man roster projection follows a clean preseason opener, with Kyler Murray spearheading an offense that showed the pace head coach Jonathan Gannon wants. Jacoby Brissett shined in relief, making a strong case for a two-QB floor while Clayton Tune’s day underscored the risk of keeping three. In the backfield, James Conner remains the workhorse, while Emari Demercado impressed as a dynamic playmaker, especially as a receiver. Depth behind Conner is real: Benson and Carter supply burst and versatility, with returner value a tiebreaker to watch as cuts approach.

Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch form the top two receivers, with Xavier Weaver and Simi Fehoko providing intriguing later-round upside. The tight end spot is still in flux, but McBride is the starter, and Vokolek’s preseason shows him pushing for snaps. Up front, Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams anchor the tackles, with Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams shaping interior line depth. Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson anchor a deep interior DL, while Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson pace the secondary. Special teams look set with Chad Ryland, Blake Gillikin, and Aaron Brewer, barring injury.

Arizona opened preseason by letting Kyler Murray operate with a mix of starters and reserve units, while two healthy defensive staples sat out, signaling a measured approach to the exhibition slate. Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat were scratches, Campbell aging into a long career and Sweat not sidelined by injury but by rotation decisions. Kelvin Beachum also sat, with a handful of players nursing or managing minor bumps (Gaines, Jones, Fehoko). The setup feeds fantasy interest in how the Cardinals will balance rest and reps ahead of Week 1, especially on the edge and in protection schemes. The Chiefs presented the opponent, offering a real test for depth players and the emergent playmaking around Murray, with coach Jonathan Gannon signaling a purposeful early-season ramp. Cards Wire coverage from Jess Root and team voices keeps the pulse on the evolving roster and fantasy-sharp prospects.