The Green Bay Packers head to Denver for their second preseason game of 2026. Specifically, they are facing a Broncos team that opened with a dominant 27-7 road win over the Atlanta Falcons. While the Packers dropped a 9-28 NFL odds decision at Pittsburgh. Both clubs will again prioritize evaluation over results. They will sort through depth charts and manage early injury lists at altitude.
Matt LaFleur’s group is navigating several absences that limited the offense in the opener. Running back Josh Jacobs sat with a groin issue. Several other contributors are sidelined as well. Micah Parsons and tight end Tucker Kraft remain sidelined or limited while recovering from knee injuries.
Jordan Love saw limited action against the Steelers and is expected to receive another controlled look if healthy. While the backups and young skill players continue to compete for roster spots. The trip to Denver adds the usual challenge of performing at elevation after a short turnaround.
Sean Payton’s Broncos enter on a more positive note after their efficient opening performance. Bo Nix and the first-team units are likely to see measured snaps at home before the reserves take over. Thus, giving the coaching staff a chance to evaluate the second and third units against a Packers defense still sorting through its own injury situation.
Last week, Denver’s defensive front created pressure effectively in their first game. They will look to maintain that edge against a Green Bay offense that struggled to sustain drives last week.
Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos NFL Preseason Betting
| Date and Time: | Friday, August 21, 2026, 9 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. |
| TV Coverage: | NFL Network. |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | -6½ ( -105 ) | 41½ ( -115 ) | -236 |  |
| Packers | +6½ ( -115 ) | 41½ ( -105 ) | +193 | |
| ||||
The Green Bay Packers visit the Denver Broncos in a preseason matchup on Friday, August 21, 2026, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. The sportsbook odds matchup airs on NFL Network.
Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos Analysis
This will be the fourth consecutive preseason meeting between the clubs in Denver. Wise Guys are looking for a typical mid-August script with limited starter involvement. Instead, expect heavy substitution patterns and a focus on individual competition rather than the final score.
The Packers will look for cleaner execution and more consistent production from their depth pieces. At the same time, the Broncos aim to build on their early NFL Betting success.
Bo Nix enters his third NFL season with the Broncos coming off a strong 2025 campaign. In sum, he started 18 games, threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, and added dual-threat production. Nix helped Denver secure the No. 1 seed before an ankle injury in the Divisional Round win over Buffalo. That injury required surgery and a follow-up procedure in April to address bone spurs. In turn, limiting him during the early offseason program.
Nix returned to full participation by the start of training camp and has looked sharp in team drills. Both the quarterback and coach Sean Payton confirmed his mobility is fully restored and that he feels capable of playing without restriction.
He was held out of the preseason opener against Atlanta as a precaution. But he is scheduled to see action in the subsequent games. Including Friday’s matchup with the Packers, as the staff continues building chemistry with new receiver Jaylen Waddle. In addition to newly promoted offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
SBG Free Picks
The slight edge leans toward the Packers getting the points. Finally, for the total, the under remains the stronger play. Both staffs will prioritize clean evaluation and risk management over aggressive schemes.
SBG Best Bet: Green Bay Packers and Under the Total.