Denver survived Week 1’s turnover storm as Bo Nix battled through a rough debut, finishing with three giveaways but guiding the Broncos to a 20-12 win over Tennessee. Talanoa Hufanga’s 10-tackle, forced-fumble performance anchored a defense that erased early missteps and kept rookie Cam Ward uncomfortable. The win came with Payton’s veteran tutelage shaping a team still finding its footing.

Context matters: Week 1 parity demands patience. The Broncos face a Week 2 road test at Indianapolis, where the combination of Nix’s potential, Hufanga’s leadership, and Payton’s scheme could determine whether Denver pivots from a rocky opener to a steadier, midseason push.