The Green Bay Packers came into the weekend just 1-7 all-time in Denver, and history repeated itself on Sunday.
Green Bay controlled much of the first half but failed to capitalize in the red zone, while the Broncos showed why they are 12-2 and the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a dominant second-half performance.
To compound matters for the Packers, star edge rusher Micah Parsons exited in the third quarter with a noncontact left knee injury and is believed to have torn his ACL.
What Went Wrong For the Packers Against the Broncos?
There is much to analyze from this game, from the injuries to the Packers’ struggles in the second half.
1. Injuries to Micah Parsons, Other Packers
The loss is a gut punch, but the long-term damage may be the injuries the Packers sustained against the Broncos.
Parsons left the game near the end of the third quarter. The Packers’ star was rushing quarterback Bo Nix and pulled up before meeting him in the backfield, dropped to the ground, and immediately grabbed his left knee.
BREAKING: Micah Parsons suffers a non-contact knee injury
The camera cuts to him saying “i’m out”
Prayers up #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/2Sop7qXh9a
— FirstDownMedia (@FirstDownMediaa) December 14, 2025
Parsons took his helmet off, and the pain and agony were visible on his face. After the medical staff checked him, he walked to the sideline and back to Green Bay’s locker room on his own power.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Micah Parsons is believed to have torn his ACL. If confirmed, it would be a significant loss for the Packers’ defense. Parsons was in the midst of another standout season, recording 12.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 26 quarterback hits.
Additional imaging will be conducted, but the initial outlook is not encouraging. The impact of Parsons’ absence was evident in the diminished pass rush against Bo Nix.
Parsons was not the only major injury for Green Bay. Receiver Christian Watson also exited and was ruled out quickly. His injury occurred on a deep pass from quarterback Jordan Love that was intercepted by Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II. Watson landed awkwardly on his shoulder, absorbing most of his weight. The initial diagnosis was a chest injury, with no further updates provided.
Safety Evan Williams, offensive tackle Zach Tom, and tight end Josh Whyle also left the game due to injuries.
2. Untimely Interceptions By Jordan Love
Love started the game the same way he’s played most of the season — really well. However, as the game progressed, his decision-making worsened. The Packers’ quarterback threw two interceptions, his first multi-interception game of the season.
Love came into the game with four interceptions on the year, the most among quarterbacks who had played in every game, according to PFSN’s QB Impact metric.
After the Packers went up by nine points in the third quarter and the defense forced a three-and-out, Green Bay had a chance to extend its lead. Instead, Love underthrew a deep ball to Watson, and Surtain intercepted it. This was the second straight week the Packers failed to capitalize on a scoring opportunity.
PAT SURTAIN II INTERCEPTS JORDAN LOVE 🔒 pic.twitter.com/gmGxEG6FxB
— PFF (@PFF) December 14, 2025
Last week against the Bears, they attempted a deep shot rather than playing it safe; this week, it was another interception on a deep attempt. The Broncos capitalized with a touchdown drive, cutting the Packers’ lead to two points. Green Bay managed just one first down before punting. The Broncos then scored again to take a 27-23 lead.
After the Packers cut the deficit to one point with a field goal, the Broncos scored another touchdown, making it an eight-point game. On Green Bay’s next drive, Love threw his second interception, giving the Broncos the ball with an eight-point lead and less than seven minutes remaining.
Love’s second pick likely should have been caught by receiver Dontayvion Wicks, but the pass went behind him, tipped off his fingertips, and into the hands of Broncos cornerback Riley Moss.
Love’s two interceptions swung the turnover battle and gave Denver the upper hand. The Packers’ quarterback had four interceptions coming in and threw half his season total on Sunday.
3. Penalties Never Gave the Packers a Chance
Green Bay went on the road to a venue where it has only one all-time win, facing a team that had won 10 straight games. Unforced errors in that situation are costly.
The Packers had 10 penalties for 72 yards. Whether a false start on a critical down, offside, or pass interference downfield, the Packers repeatedly sabotaged their own efforts.
On the second drive, an ineligible man downfield penalty in the red zone backed the Packers up, forcing a field goal.
Green Bay also gifted Denver a first down on third-and-3 with an offside penalty, which led to a touchdown. Whether on offense or defense, the Packers continually undermined themselves, giving the Broncos a clear advantage.
Combine that with injuries and an inability to score touchdowns, and the result was disastrous.
The Packers have dropped to the No. 8 seed in the NFC playoff picture and must travel to Chicago next week for another critical game.
