Denver Broncos intercept Matthew Stafford twice in 19-14 Week 3 win over Los Angeles Rams

Denver, CO - The Denver Broncos developed a narrow advantage and protected it against a Los Angeles Rams offense that moved the ball but struggled to extend possessions. Denver intercepted Matthew Stafford twice and emerged with a 19-14 victory in Week 3.

The Broncos finished with fewer offensive yards than the Rams, but they held a five-point edge on the scoreboard after a game in which neither offense consistently converted on third down. Los Angeles gained 358 offensive yards to Denver's 326, while the Broncos recorded 17 first downs compared with 12 for the Rams.

Denver's advantage remained modest as the teams exchanged pressure without producing sustained separation. The Rams stayed within range and narrowed the margin, but the Broncos remained in front at the finish rather than needing a last-second score to decide the outcome.

Bo Nix completed 21 of 39 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown, finishing with a 79.1 passer rating. He did not throw an interception against a Los Angeles defense that registered four sacks. Evan Engram caught Nix's touchdown pass and finished with three receptions for 33 yards, while Courtland Sutton provided the largest share of Denver's receiving production with six catches for 70 yards.

"It wasn't clean all the way through, especially on third down, but we stayed with it," Nix said. "We knew points were going to be valuable in a game like this. There are throws I'd like back, but finishing with the win is what we needed."

The Broncos converted 3 of 16 third downs and went 1-for-1 on fourth down. Their two red-zone trips produced one touchdown and one field goal. Los Angeles was even less successful on third down, converting 2 of 12 attempts, although the Rams also converted their only fourth-down try.

Denver leaned heavily on J.K. Dobbins in the running game. Dobbins carried 21 times for 88 yards, including a 23-yard run, and the Broncos finished with 105 rushing yards. That gave Denver a seven-yard rushing advantage despite Los Angeles getting 83 yards on only 11 carries from Kyren Williams.

"Twenty-one carries tells you there was a lot of work available," Dobbins said. "Some runs were going to be short, and some had a chance to open up. My job was to keep taking what was there and give the offense another option."

Stafford supplied the Rams' two touchdowns through the air, completing 22 of 37 passes for 260 yards. His 76.4 passer rating reflected a mixed afternoon: Los Angeles generated more passing yards than Denver, but Stafford also threw the game's only two interceptions.

Davante Adams was the Rams' leading receiver with five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. His 70-yard reception was the longest completion of the game and accounted for a significant portion of Los Angeles' passing output. Colby Parkinson caught Stafford's other touchdown on his only reception, a one-yard gain.

Los Angeles reached the red zone once and scored a touchdown on that trip. Even with 260 passing yards and a productive performance from Adams, the Rams were unable to overtake the steady advantage Denver carried through the broader flow of the game.

"We had yardage, but the interceptions are part of my line and part of the result," Stafford said. "Two-for-12 on third down isn't the standard we want, either. There were productive stretches, but not enough consistency across the whole game."

The turnover column provided the clearest statistical contrast. Denver's defense recorded two interceptions, while the Rams did not intercept Nix. Los Angeles did generate more pressure in the sack category, finishing with four sacks to Denver's two. Myles Garrett accounted for two sacks.

That combination made for an unusual statistical profile. The Rams held advantages in passing yards, offensive yards and sacks, and Williams averaged more than seven yards per carry. Denver, however, finished with five more first downs, a slight rushing edge and the only interceptions of the game.

The result gave the Broncos a Week 3 victory at home, while the Rams left Denver with a loss despite outgaining their opponent by 32 offensive yards. Denver's 19 points were enough against a Los Angeles offense that produced two touchdown passes but no other scoring.

Up Next

The Denver Broncos will take the win on the road for a Week 4 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, while the Los Angeles Rams will also travel as they look to rebound against the Philadelphia Eagles.