The Denver Broncos have a bit of a quarterback problem, and they're hoping Brett Rypien is the solution.
Starting QB Drew Lock went down with a shoulder injury early during the Broncos' 26-21 Week 2 loss to the Steelers, and Denver has been without a steady hand at the crucial position since. Jeff Driskel took over for Lock in that Week 2 loss and put up unremarkable numbers before starting the following week and managing 176 passing yards with one touchdown and an interception in Denver's 28-10 loss to the Buccaneers.
Rypien also took some snaps in that Week 3 loss, completing eight of nine attempts for 53 yards and an interception. His play late in last week's game made enough of an impression on Vic Fangio that the Broncos' coach announced Tuesday that Rypien would start against the Jets on "Thursday Night Football."
Meanwhile, the New York Jets don't have a QB controversy despite barely putting up a fight in their three games so far. Sam Darnold was given a vote of confidence by Jets coach Adam Gase earlier this week despite throwing three interceptions — two that were returned for touchdowns — in New York's 36-7 Week 3 loss to the Colts.
Darnold has taken every snap for the Jets during the young season, throwing more INTs than touchdown passes. Despite this, the 23-year-old will remain Gase's preferred pivot due almost entirely to the Jets not having a realistic alternative. Former Ravens QB Joe Flacco is still recovering from offseason neck surgery and won't likely be available for another few weeks, while current No. 2 Mike White has no professional experience despite being two years Darnold's senior.
That means Thursday's QB battle will be between a promising Broncos rookie and a highly-touted Jets youngster who has struggled to find consistency despite being his team's starter for more than two seasons.
If there was ever a time for one of these young QBs to make a name for himself, it's during this primetime contest.
Here's more info about the matchup, plus everything to know about how to watch "Thursday Night Football."
Who plays on "Thursday Night Football" tonight?
- Matchup: Broncos at Jets
- Location: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
The Jets have lost three of the last four games between these teams, although they did claim a 34-16 victory in the most recent meeting (2018). Darnold threw three TD passes that day.
What time is the Broncos vs. Jets game tonight?
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 1
- Kickoff time: 8:20 p.m. ET
The 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff time is standard for Thursday night games.
How to watch "Thursday Night Football" in Canada: TV, live stream
- TV channel: CTV2, TSN
- Live stream: DAZN
Broncos vs. Jets — like every NFL game during the 2020 season — is available on DAZN Canada.
DAZN Canada is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass, with access to every regular-season NFL game (including Monday, Thursday, Sunday afternoon via NFL Sunday Ticket, and Sunday night games) and every playoff matchup. Each game is available live and on demand.
DAZN Canada is also where NFL fans can watch RedZone — every touchdown, every game, every Sunday.
The "Thursday Night Football" game between the Broncos and Jets is also available on CTV2 and TSN.
How to stream "Thursday Night Football" for free
In Canada, DAZN offers new customers a 30-day free-trial period. You can learn how to sign up for a free trial here.
The free-trial period would include the Broncos vs. Jets, plus access to all of DAZN's live and on-demand programming, which includes not only NFL games but Premier League, Serie A, Champions League and more.