Susanna Weir

DENVERThe Broncos are set to return to Empower Field at Mile High.

Denver will take the field in front of a home crowd for the first timethis seasonon Friday as the team hosts the Green Bay Packers for a preseason matchup. The Broncos will look to extend their preseason win streak to nine games after topping the Falcons a week ago.

Here are three things to watch in the Broncos' second preseason game of 2026.

WHAT WILL QB BO NIX SHOW IN HIS FIRST GAME ACTION?

After quarterback Bo Nix observed the Broncos' preseason win over the Falcons from the sideline in Atlanta, Denver's signal-caller is set to take the field for the team's first home preseason game. Head Coach Sean Payton shared Wednesday that Nix will play around 14 snaps, and the third-year quarterback said he is "super excited" to return to action at Empower Field at Mile High.

"It's always a blast to play at home," Nix said Tuesday. "It's great to get in front of our fans. It'll be fun to get out there for the first time this year, put the pads on and go out there and play a game. For me, all the games feel the same, and so it'll be good to get some work in."

Friday will also mark the first time that Nix will receive play calls from first-year Offensive Coordinator Davis Webb during game action. Nix who spoke highly of Webb's efficiency and the offense's execution last week shared that it was valuable to watch the offensive operation "from a different point of view."

As he now prepares to lead the unit for a portion of Friday's game, Nix plans to maximize his reps.

"You try to treat [the game] as a real one and treat it like you're going to go play the whole entire game," Nix said. "And then play with maximum intensity until they pull you."

As Broncos fans have their first opportunity to see Nix on the field on Friday, Webb said prioritizing a "clean operation" will be of the utmost importance.

"Just kind of get all the feels back, whether that be pregame warmups, to running out with the team, getting your first completion, getting hit for the first time, getting the first down and hopefully a touchdown," Webb said. "Just feel those emotions, deep breathe it out and then go watch the rest of the guys play."

HOW WILL ROSTER COMPETITION CONTINUE TO UNFOLD?

Throughout the week, Payton has continued to emphasize the importance of preseason opportunities as the 53-man roster deadlineapproaches.

"Again, the No. 1 goal is still evaluating the right 53," Payton said. "I can't emphasize that enough. So, that's the importance of these additional reps and games."

Competition is still unfolding across the roster, and several players will once again be aiming to make their mark on Friday. With Packers head coach Matt LaFleur sharing that Green Bay's starters will see action on Friday, the Broncos will have a prime opportunity to showcase how they match up.

The members of Denver's 2026 draft class will be among those looking to flash their potential, and players like running back Jonah Coleman and inside linebacker Red Murdock will likely aim to build on promising debuts.

"I thought Red did a great job of controlling the huddle, making the calls, making the checks that's his strength, he's super smart," Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said. "I want him to turn it loose more often than not. I think [preseason] Week 2 here, you'll see more playmaking from Red."

CAN THE BRONCOS SHOWCASE IMPROVEMENT IN ALL THREE PHASES?

Payton said the film from the Broncos' 27-7 win over the Falcons was "good in a lot of areas," and he specifically pointed to the team's "intent [and] focus" as one of the strengths. Even with several positives, though, Payton acknowledged that there is still room to grow, and the Broncos will aim to take additional steps forward on Friday.

"We had some things operationally that you want to make sure you correct," Payton said on Monday. "There's enough on there to coach off of where there are some techniques we can clean up, but I thought overall for the first time out, it was good."

Immediately following Denver's preseason win, Payton spoke about being encouraged by the Broncos' two takeaways while simultaneously recognizing that there were opportunities left on the table. Joseph said the turnovers were "good to see,"and he hopes to see the Broncos continue to take advantage of those opportunities while prioritizing "playing good football."

"Obviously when you're playing good football, when those [opportunities] present themselves, let's take them," Joseph said. "Our big focus now is catching the football. We caught two and probably dropped two. So, we're constantly talking about just playing the right way, and that comes with it."

Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Darren Rizzi spoke this week about a need to clean up details, and Webb echoed the sentiment, sharing that the Broncos could have capitalized on some additional scoring opportunities against the Falcons. Webb, however, was pleased with the way the offense started the game and will be looking for a repeat performance on Friday.

"So, we're trying to clean up some of those details, but I love the way we came out," Webb said. "Six plays, go get a touchdown. You felt the energy on the sideline kind of go throughout the team. That's what we want to do, and that was a good start. Now we have to go back-to-back."