Updated: August 9, 2025 — Your all-in, step-by-step preview for Broncos vs Cardinals, with verified game time, venue, broadcast details, player availability notes and official links so you can cross-check before kickoff. Read this before you decide whether to stream, tailgate, or buy last-minute tickets.
Quick answer (if you just want the essentials)
- Game: Denver Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals — Preseason, Week 2
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Local (Denver) kickoff: 7:30 PM MDT (Doors/gates open earlier). That’s 9:30 PM ET.
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High (Denver, CO) — gates typically open ~2+ hours before kickoff. (empowerfieldatmilehigh.com, Denver Broncos)
Why this matchup matters (now)
This preseason meeting is an early, high-value tune-up: both clubs use these games to evaluate roster depth, finish final roster decisions, and give young starters a first look against a legitimate opponent. For Broncos fans, Year-2 progress from rookie QB Bo Nix is a calendar item. For Cardinals supporters, Kyler Murray and his pass catchers will be monitored closely as Arizona tries to build explosive offense chemistry. The matchup also carries local buzz—Empower Field is a big stage and the pre-season spotlight brings national streaming options. (Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals)
1) Official schedule, venue and timing (confirmed)
- Date & Kickoff: Saturday, August 16, 2025 — 7:30 PM MDT (Denver local time). That converts to 9:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM PT. The Broncos’ official schedule and team pages list the Cardinals as the Week 2 opponent at Empower Field. (Denver Broncos, FBSchedules.com)
- Venue (game day info): Empower Field at Mile High — event page lists gates opening and parking times (gates often open ~5:30 PM local for a 7:30 PM start; check the stadium event page for exact gate times and bag policies). If you’re attending, arrive early to beat traffic and follow the stadium’s fan guide for parking, clear-bag rules and ADA access. (empowerfieldatmilehigh.com)
2) Where to watch Broncos vs Cardinals (TV / streaming / radio)
- National / cable: The preseason game is scheduled to air on NFL Network (national windows vary for preseason). For the exact TV listing in your market check the Broncos’ and Cardinals’ official schedule pages and your local listings. (Fox Sports, CBSSports.com)
- Streaming:
- NFL+ (official app/service) streams many preseason games on mobile and connected devices — good for out-of-market fans.
- DAZN / NFL Game Pass often carries preseason in international markets (DAZN offerings vary by country). If you’re outside the U.S., DAZN or Game Pass may be your easiest streaming option. (NFL.com, Tom’s Guide)
- In-stadium: Tickets and parking are sold via the Broncos’ official ticketing page and stadium box office (Ticketmaster and Empower Field pages list available tickets and parking permits). If you plan to go, buy from an official seller to avoid scams. (Ticketmaster US, empowerfieldatmilehigh.com)
- Radio / local: Local flagship stations and team radio networks carry play-by-play (Broncos local stations listed on the team site). Check team pages for the radio affiliate list. (Denver Broncos)
3) Key players to watch — what they’ve done and why they matter
Denver Broncos — who to watch
- Bo Nix (QB) — The young signal-caller showed promise as a rookie and is the biggest storyline in Denver. Year-two progression, decision making under pressure and deep-ball accuracy will be measured in this preseason slate. Expect the Broncos to evaluate how Nix manages the offense and uses new/returning targets. (Denver Broncos)
- Zach Allen (DL) — Veteran interior presence who can change games with pressure up the middle. His ability to control the line of scrimmage will be important against Arizona’s run/pass balance. (Denver Broncos)
- Troy Franklin & Marvin Mims Jr. (WRs) — Young receivers who could emerge as reliable targets; preseason snaps are their audition for consistent roles. (Denver Broncos)
- Evan Engram (TE) / Jaleel McLaughlin (RB) — Engram (if active) is a mismatch piece; McLaughlin is a versatile back who can make a difference in short-yardage and in space. (Denver Broncos)
Arizona Cardinals — who to watch
- Kyler Murray (QB) — Franchise QB; even in preseason he’s the focal point — watch his timing with his top weapons and how the Cardinals blend the run and deep passing game. His health and processing speed off the snap are the top storylines. (Arizona Cardinals, SI)
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR) — One of the league’s most exciting young receivers; a primary Murray target and big-play threat. Game scripts that include him are worth watching for highlight plays. (Arizona Cardinals)
- Trey McBride (TE) and Michael Wilson (WR) — McBride gives Murray a dependable chain mover in the middle; Wilson’s status has fluctuated in camp (monitor for concussion-protocol updates or other practice designations). (PFSN, Bolavip)
4) Are they fit — injury & availability check (how to verify on game day)
Preseason rosters change day-to-day. Short version: starters sometimes play limited snaps and teams often rest key veterans or use “one-quarter” rules to limit exposure. For the most current injury and participation info, check:
- Broncos official news / injury report (team site) for practice notes and final inactive lists. (Denver Broncos)
- Cardinals official news / injury report for Kyler Murray and weapons (team releases and local reporters). If a player is in concussion protocol, that is always reported by team/media and should be monitored closely. (Bolavip)
- NFL injury reports and local beat reporters (Twitter/X) on game day — they often post final participation designations within 90 minutes of kickoff. For national coverage check NFL.com and ESPN preseason pages. (NFL.com, ESPN.com)
Pro tip: If you’re after live confirmations, open the team’s official mobile app or @Broncos / @AZCardinals on X (Twitter) about 90–30 minutes before kickoff — teams post active/PUP/non-participants there.
5) Tactical things to watch during the game (what the film will reveal)
- Quarterback clock management & footwork: For Bo Nix and Kyler Murray, watch release speed and pocket awareness. Preseason is about rhythm, not final form. (Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals)
- Red zone packages: Preseason is where teams test short-yardage specialists and play-designs that might carry into the regular season.
- Depth chart battles: Rookie WRs/CBs and special teams players play heavy roles—look for standout special teams tackles and return playmakers who can make 53-man rosters. (Mile High Report)
6) Step-by-step fan action plan (before, during, after)
- Before the game:
- Bookmark the Broncos’ schedule page and the Empower Field event page to confirm gate times and stadium policies. Buy official tickets via the team or Ticketmaster. (Denver Broncos, Ticketmaster US)
- If streaming, confirm your NFL+ subscription or local channel availability. If traveling internationally, check DAZN/Game Pass options. (NFL.com, Tom’s Guide)
- Game day (if attending):
- Arrive early — parking garages open hours before kickoff and security lines get long. Empower Field lists gate and parking opening times on the event page. (empowerfieldatmilehigh.com)
- Follow clear-bag policies and mobile ticket instructions on the stadium site to speed entry.
- Game day (if watching remotely):
- Tune to NFL Network or fire up NFL+ 15–20 minutes before kickoff to catch pregame warmups and last-minute roster notes. (Fox Sports, NFL.com)
- After the game:
- Read the official postgame notes on team sites — coaches post quick reactions and injury updates there first. Check local beat writers for analytical takeaways and roster movement rumors. (Denver Broncos, SI)
7) Official and trusted links (click to verify)
- Denver Broncos — official schedule & team news. (Denver Broncos)
https://www.denverbroncos.com/schedule/ - Empower Field at Mile High — event & fan guide. (ticketing, gates, parking) (empowerfieldatmilehigh.com)
https://www.empowerfieldatmilehigh.com/events/detail/broncos-vs-cardinals-2025 - Arizona Cardinals — official schedule & roster. (Arizona Cardinals)
https://www.azcardinals.com/schedule/ - NFL — preseason viewing guide & NFL+ info. (NFL.com)
https://www.nfl.com/ - Ticketmaster — verified tickets for the game. (Ticketmaster US)
https://www.ticketmaster.com/
These are the primary official sources I used so you can confirm times, check player availability and buy tickets from safe vendors.
8) Common fan FAQs (quick answers)
Q: Will starters play full games?
A: Rarely. Starters in preseason usually play limited snaps — sometimes one quarter — depending on coaching plans and injury risks. Coaches will announce plans close to game day. (NFL.com)
Q: Can TV blackout or local restrictions affect my stream?
A: Preseason streaming rights vary by country and platform. NFL+ and local affiliates carry many games, and DAZN/Game Pass often cover preseason internationally. Check your local listings. (Tom’s Guide, NFL.com)
Q: Is it safe to buy last-minute tickets?
A: Buy via the team, stadium, or Ticketmaster to avoid scams. Resale marketplaces exist but verify seller ratings and the event’s official ticketing partners. (Ticketmaster US, empowerfieldatmilehigh.com)
9) Final take — what to expect from Broncos vs Cardinals
Expect a competitive, fast-moving preseason affair where the headlines will be young QB play, receivers making or missing connections, and special teams/bench players trying to earn roster spots. If you want a snapshot of how each team will look for the regular season, this is a good early indicator — but remember, preseason is primarily an evaluation tool for coaches, not a final verdict on season outcomes. (Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals)
Disclaimer: This article is up-to-date as of August 9, 2025, contains only verified external links to official and reputable sources, and is original, non-plagiarized content. Game times, broadcast partners and player availability can change quickly — always re-check the team’s official schedule pages and the event page at Empower Field before leaving for the game or tuning in. (Denver Broncos, empowerfieldatmilehigh.com). All images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.