What You'll See When Jets Battle Broncos PLUS How to Watch Key AFC Matchup

Gang Green's Week 5 road test packed with importance, loaded with storylines

Can there be such thing as a must-win game as early as Week 5?

With the two opponents holding identical 1-3 records, Sunday's meeting between the New York Jets and Denver Broncos is of the utmost importance for both sides.

Adding to the allure of the AFC battle in the Rockies, there is an abundance of secondary storylines surrounding the matchup. While Breece Hall and Alijah Vera-Tucker return to the site of their 2022 season-ending injuries, Jets' offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will go up against his former employer.

The October 8 clash will kick off at 4:25 pm ET in Denver. CBS will carry the game live with Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Tiki Barber (analyst) and Matt Ryan (analyst) on the call from Mile High Stadium. For Jets' fans in the New York media market, the game can be heard on WEPN 98.7 FM.

New Broncos' head coach Sean Payton added to the intensity of the Hackett Revenge Game element by making disparaging remarks about the job performance of his predecessor during training camp. 

"Here's the thing, we've got two teams focused on getting their second win. I think that's where our focus has been," said Payton on Friday.

One day earlier, Hackett tried to shift the focus to the Week 5 on-field matchup as opposed to the war of words launched by Payton in the summer.

"This game is about those guys out on that field. This game is not about me," said Hackett. "I just want the guys to go out there and play a great game. That’s what we’re looking for. What has happened is in the past, we all moved forward."

Hackett and Co. will take aim at a porous Denver defense that has surrendered more yards and points than any NFL team. With Broncos' opponents rushing for 5.6 yards per attempt, the matchup appears favorable for Jets' running back Breece Hall.

Hall, who suffered an ACL tear on October 23, 2022 in Denver, no longer faces any workload limitations according to head coach Robert Saleh. Having returned to full strength, the second-year pro, who is averaging nine touches per game, will likely see an increase in opportunities.

"I'm still not even a year removed from my injury yet, only nine or 10 months from surgery. I'm honestly just blessed to be back on the field and really being able to play good football again," said Hall on Wednesday.

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Jets at Broncos (Week 5)

Sunday, Oct. 8 • 4:25 pm ET

Location: Denver, CO (Mile High Stadium)

Watch: CBS / fuboTV (start your free trial)

Point Spread: Broncos -2.5

Money Line: Chiefs -137; Jets +115

Total (Over/Under): 43.5

Odds provided by SI Sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-522-4700.

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On the defense, the Jets will be without two members of the secondary. Starting cornerback D.J. Reed has been ruled out with a concussion and backup Brandin Echols is sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Jets' All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner will have the chance to showcase his ability on the same field as Broncos' star Patrick Surtain II. The two young defenders are widely-considered two of the NFL's best.

These two teams will clash for the fourth consecutive season. The Jets pulled out a 16-9 road win in 2022 while the Broncos were victorious the two meetings prior.

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