Championship-Caliber Defenses Collide in Denver
The Green Bay Packers visit the Denver Broncos Sunday at 4:25 PM ET for what could be a Super Bowl preview between two teams built on elite defensive play. Both franchises have legitimate championship aspirations, and both rely heavily on defensive units that rank among the NFL's best.
This isn't an offensive shootout. This is a chess match between two coordinators who've built dominant defenses capable of shutting down opposing attacks. Green Bay features newly acquired star Micah Parsons, obtained in a blockbuster trade with Dallas that shook the league. Denver counters with Patrick Surtain II anchoring an elite secondary that's suffocated passing games all season.
Where and How to Watch
TV Channel: CBS
Live Stream: Paramount+, Fubo (free trial available)
Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET
Date: Sunday, December 14
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
The game airs nationally on CBS, making it accessible to most viewers without cable subscriptions. Streaming options include Paramount+ for CBS subscribers and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users wanting to watch without long-term commitment.
The Micah Parsons Trade That Changed Everything
Green Bay's acquisition of Micah Parsons from Dallas represents one of the season's biggest trades. The All-Pro edge rusher immediately upgrades a Packers defense that was already playing at a high level, adding elite pass rush capability and versatility that defensive coordinators dream about.
Parsons can rush from multiple positions, drop into coverage, and disrupt offenses in ways few defenders can match. Pairing him with Green Bay's existing defensive talent creates a unit capable of dominating games through pressure, turnovers, and suffocating coverage.
For Dallas, trading Parsons signaled a philosophical shift. For Green Bay, acquiring him announced championship intentions—you don't make blockbuster trades for superstars unless you believe your window is now.
Denver's Elite Secondary Led by Surtain
While Green Bay added a star through trade, Denver built their defense through the draft and development. Patrick Surtain II has emerged as arguably the NFL's best cornerback, shutting down opposing number one receivers week after week with elite coverage skills and ball-hawking instincts.
Surtain anchors a secondary that ranks among the league's best at limiting explosive plays and forcing quarterbacks into difficult throws. Denver's defensive backs play tight coverage, communicate effectively, and rarely break down in critical moments—the hallmarks of championship-caliber defensive units.
The Broncos' defensive philosophy is simple: take away the deep ball, force offenses into methodical drives, and create turnovers when quarterbacks get impatient. It's worked brilliantly through 13 games.
Key Offensive Absences
Both teams enter Sunday's game without important offensive contributors. Green Bay will be without tight end Tucker Kraft, a reliable target in the passing game and crucial blocker in the run game. Denver is missing running back J.K. Dobbins, whose explosiveness and pass-catching ability added a dimension their offense desperately needs.
These absences matter more in a defensive battle where every offensive possession becomes precious. Kraft's absence limits Jordan Love's red zone options and forces Green Bay to adjust their tight end packages. Dobbins' injury removes Denver's most dynamic running threat, putting additional pressure on Bo Nix to create offense through the passing game.
The Offensive Question Nobody Can Answer
Neither team has a bad offense—both are capable of scoring points and sustaining drives. But both have also produced rough performances where execution breaks down and points become scarce. The question Sunday is simple: which offense executes better against an elite opposing defense?
Green Bay's offense runs through Jordan Love, who's playing with increasing confidence and making throws that few quarterbacks attempt. But Love has also shown inconsistency, mixing brilliant performances with games where turnovers and poor decisions derail drives. Against Denver's secondary, he can't afford mistakes—Surtain and company will capitalize immediately.
Denver's offense is finding its identity behind rookie Bo Nix, who's exceeded expectations and shown remarkable poise in pressure situations. But Nix is still a rookie facing a defense that just added Micah Parsons to an already formidable pass rush. Protection breakdowns could destroy Denver's offensive rhythm and force Nix into uncomfortable situations.
Mile High Advantage
Playing at Empower Field at Mile High provides Denver a genuine home-field advantage beyond crowd noise. The altitude affects visiting teams' conditioning, makes balls travel differently, and creates an environment where Denver's acclimated roster has a physical edge late in games.
Green Bay's preparation will account for altitude, but accounting for it and overcoming it are different challenges. If this game stays close into the fourth quarter—and it probably will given both defenses—Denver's conditioning advantage could prove decisive.
Which Defense Stands Strong?
Sunday's game will likely be decided by which defense executes better in critical moments. Red zone stops, third-down conversions, and turnover creation become paramount when offenses struggle to move the ball consistently.
Green Bay's defense, now featuring Parsons' elite pass rush, can disrupt Denver's offensive timing and force Nix into rushed throws. If the Packers generate consistent pressure and create turnovers, they'll control the game regardless of their offensive struggles.
Denver's secondary, led by Surtain, can shut down Green Bay's receiving threats and force Love into difficult decisions. If the Broncos eliminate big plays and make the Packers earn every yard, their offense only needs to be competent to win.
Playoff Implications and Championship Statements
Both teams are playoff-bound, but Sunday determines how they're perceived heading into January. Green Bay wants to prove they're legitimate Super Bowl contenders capable of beating elite AFC competition. Denver needs to validate their impressive record and show they belong in championship conversations.
A win for Green Bay establishes them as one of the NFC's most dangerous teams—a defense featuring Micah Parsons paired with Jordan Love's arm talent creates matchup nightmares for any opponent. A win for Denver silences doubters who question whether their 11-2 record is sustainable against playoff-caliber competition.
Sunday at Mile High
Tune into CBS at 4:25 PM ET or stream on Paramount+ or Fubo to watch two championship-caliber defenses collide in Denver. Micah Parsons debuts for Green Bay against Patrick Surtain II and Denver's elite secondary. Jordan Love versus Bo Nix in a game where defensive execution likely determines the winner.
Broncos versus Packers. Elite defenses, struggling offenses, and championship aspirations. Sunday at Mile High on CBS decides which playoff-bound team enters January with momentum and belief they can compete for a Super Bowl.