Image Source: The Denver Post
Sean Payton and Sean McVay meet again Sunday night, but this matchup carries an unusual layer of family pride. The Denver Broncos host the Los Angeles Rams in a game that connects two successful coaches, two ambitious ownership groups and a lingering holiday defeat.
The contest has been informally labeled “Walmart Bowl II,” a reference to the Walton-Penner ownership group that controls the Broncos and Stan Kroenke, the Rams owner and Greg Penner’s brother-in-law. Kroenke’s Rams delivered Denver a painful Christmas Day loss in 2022, winning decisively while turning the game into an embarrassing memory for the Broncos.
According to Denver Post sports columnist Troy Renck, Sunday’s game could mean even more to Greg Penner than either side is willing to admit publicly. Penner is known for his competitive nature, and his hobbies include climbing some of the world’s highest mountains. That makes the idea of settling the score against a family member especially compelling.
A high-stakes Sean Payton and Sean McVay coaching duel
At the center of the matchup is the coaching battle. Payton and McVay are close friends who have spent years challenging defensive coordinators with creative offensive schemes. Payton’s résumé is widely regarded as Hall of Fame-worthy, while McVay has become one of the NFL’s most influential offensive minds.
McVay enters the game with a 3-1 career record against Payton. That record includes the 2018 NFC Championship Game, a contest remembered in part for a controversial missed pass-interference call that remains one of the league’s most debated officiating decisions.
Payton, however, has his own impressive trend. He has guided the Broncos to nine consecutive victories against NFC opponents. That run has helped define his reputation in Denver, where signature wins over Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Buffalo have provided some of the strongest evidence of his impact.
Critical advantages and concerns for Denver
The Rams appear to have the more talented overall roster, but the matchup is not entirely tilted toward Los Angeles. The Rams are dealing with a short week and must play at altitude, while Denver has built a formidable home-field advantage.
The Broncos have lost only one regular-season home game over the past two seasons. That record, combined with the energy expected at Empower Field at Mile High, gives Denver a meaningful edge under the lights.
Los Angeles could also be without important contributors. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett is out, while star receiver Puka Nacua was considered uncertain ahead of the game. Their availability could significantly affect the Rams’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and create explosive plays.
For Denver, the biggest challenge may be offensive consistency. Renck wrote that Payton needs to find a way to “caffeinate” the offense in the first half, whether by improving his opening script or introducing a new wrinkle that surprises McVay’s defense.
Payton has handed quarterback and offensive strategist Davis Webb greater responsibility, creating what Renck described as an opportunity for the Broncos to combine Payton’s experience with younger ideas. McVay, meanwhile, has shown throughout his career that he is rarely rattled by an unfamiliar game plan.
Why the Broncos-Rams game matters
This is not technically a rivalry, but it has many of the ingredients that make one memorable. There is a previous blowout, a family connection between ownership groups, two elite offensive coaches and the possibility of a future postseason rematch.
A Broncos victory would strengthen Payton’s standing in Denver and provide another signature win for his tenure. It would also give the Walton-Penners bragging rights during future family gatherings, a small but entertaining subplot in a nationally significant game.
The matchup could eventually serve as a preview of a much bigger stage. If both teams remain among the NFL’s best, the story could continue with a Super Bowl meeting at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 14. For now, the immediate question is whether the younger McVay can outmaneuver the veteran Payton once again.
Payton also showed a more measured side during the week by accepting an apology from Seattle coach Mike Macdonald. The apology followed comments about Seattle’s use of social media footage from Broncos training camp before the 2023 season opener. The dispute once created tension between Payton and the Seahawks, but the Denver coach chose to move forward.
That patience may be useful away from the field, but the Broncos will not be looking for compromise Sunday. With family pride, conference momentum and coaching credibility involved, Sean Payton is expected to bring an aggressive plan against his friend and longtime rival in football, Sean McVay.
Frequently asked questions about Sean Payton
Who are the Broncos playing?
The Denver Broncos are hosting the Los Angeles Rams in a Sunday night NFL matchup.
What is Sean Payton’s record against NFC opponents as Denver’s coach?
Payton has led the Broncos to nine consecutive victories against NFC opponents.
What is Sean McVay’s record against Sean Payton?
McVay holds a 3-1 career record against Payton.
Why is the game called Walmart Bowl II?
The nickname refers to the Walton-Penner ownership group that controls the Broncos and its family connection to Rams owner Stan Kroenke.
Why is this game important for Denver?
A victory would give the Broncos a major home win, strengthen Payton’s reputation and provide Walton-Penner family bragging rights.
