Packers vs Broncos History: Green Bay Super Bowl XXXII Bust

Packers Vs Broncos History
Joe Fletcher
Joe Fletcher
Published: June 21, 2023  Updated: September 11, 2024

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Packers vs Broncos Overall Record:

7-8-1

The Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos have played 16 games since 1971, with the Packers winning 7 games and the Broncos winning 8. How many ties? 1.

Bar chart showing 7 wins for the Packers and 8 wins for the Broncos

All-Time Head-to-Head Game Results

The Packers and the Broncos’s first-ever NFL game was played way back on September 26, 1971.

The Packers last played the Broncos on October 22, 2023, where the Packers lost 19-17.

Here are the results of every game played between the Packers and the Broncos since 1971:

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Rival Date Summary Field Result Score ID Visitor Away Points Host Home Points Win Loss Tie Notes
516heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers1999-01-03Packers lost on the road 27-30AwayLoss27-3049ers36163Packers2749ers301Postseason
517heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2013-01-12Packers lost on the road 31-45AwayLoss31-4549ers41286Packers3149ers451Postseason
518heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2014-01-05Packers lost at home 23-20HomeLoss23-2049ers4164449ers23Packers201Postseason
519heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2020-01-19Packers lost on the road 20-37AwayLoss20-3749ers43849Packers2049ers371Postseason
520heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2022-01-22Packers lost at home 13-10HomeLoss13-1049ers4458349ers13Packers101Postseason
521heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2024-01-20Packers lost on the road 21-24AwayLoss21-2449ers45311Packers2149ers241Postseason
522heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMBears1941-12-14Packers lost on the road 14-33AwayLoss14-33Bears15324Packers14Bears331Postseason
523heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMBuccaneers2021-01-24Packers lost at home 31-26HomeLoss31-26Buccaneers44220Buccaneers31Packers261Postseason
524heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCommanders1972-12-24Packers lost on the road 3-16AwayLoss3-16Commanders26657Packers3Commanders161Postseason
525heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCowboys1983-01-16Packers lost on the road 26-37AwayLoss26-37Cowboys30332Packers26Cowboys371Postseason
526heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCowboys1994-01-16Packers lost on the road 17-27AwayLoss17-27Cowboys34350Packers17Cowboys271Postseason
527heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCowboys1995-01-08Packers lost on the road 9-35AwayLoss9-35Cowboys34707Packers9Cowboys351Postseason
528heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCowboys1996-01-14Packers lost on the road 27-38AwayLoss27-38Cowboys35078Packers27Cowboys381Postseason
529heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMEagles1960-12-26Packers lost on the road 13-17AwayLoss13-17Eagles22276Packers13Eagles171Postseason
530heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMGiants1938-12-11Packers lost on the road 17-23AwayLoss17-23Giants14225Packers17Giants231Postseason
531heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMGiants2012-01-15Packers lost at home 37-20HomeLoss37-20Giants40923Giants37Packers201Postseason
532heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMRams2002-01-20Packers lost on the road 17-45AwayLoss17-45Rams37276Packers17Rams451Postseason
533heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMVikings2005-01-09Packers lost at home 31-17HomeLoss31-17Vikings38361Vikings31Packers171Postseason
534heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMBroncos1998-01-25Packers lost on the road 24-31AwayLoss24-31Broncos35820Packers24Broncos311Postseason
535heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMFalcons2003-01-04Packers lost at home 27-7HomeLoss27-7Falcons37625Falcons27Packers71Postseason
RivalSummaryFieldResultIDVisitorAway PointsHostHome PointsWinLossTieNotes

I’ll never forget the shock and disappointment when Green Bay lost to the Broncos and the AFC in Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998. The defending Super Bowl Champion Packers were expected to blow Denver away.

Elway was aging, and the AFC was weak at the time, losing 13 straight Super Bowls. Winning back-to-back or multiple Super Bowls was the standard for dominant teams (Cowboys and 49ers most recently).

When Elway dove for a first down on 3rd & 6 to pick up 8 yards, and eventually win the game, it was a punch to the gut. I’ve never been so upset about a football game. Packers vs Broncos history to me is all about that moment.

Fans were treated to a heck of an upset with critical touchdown receptions, staggering interceptions, relentless sacks, and game-changing fumbles. Both teams refused to back down, setting the stage for an unforgettable fourth-quarter finale at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

The only Super Bowl in Packers vs Broncos History

Super Bowl XXXII saw the favored Green Bay Packers, led by rising-star & 3-time MVP quarterback Brett Favre, squaring off against the AFC Conference’s Denver Broncos, with John “The Duke” Elway at the helm. 

Denver was coming into the playoffs as a wildcard team despite a 12-4 regular season record, coached by Mike Shanahan. Denver beat the Jaguars, Chiefs, and Steelers on the road. 

The Packers came in as the defending Super Bowl XXXI champions with a record of 13-3, winning the NFC Central Division, coached my Mike Holmgren. 

Super Bowl XXXII Game Summary

Period1234Total
Packers (NFC)773724
Broncos (AFC)7107731
Super Bowl XXXII Box Score

In the fourth quarter, Packers quarterback Brett Favre managed to tie the game at 24-24 by completing a 13-yard pass to Antonio Freeman in the end zone early in the fourth quarter. 

The Broncos rallied when they got the ball back. Quarterback John Elway led the team down the field, and Terrell Davis scored the winning touchdown at 1:45 left in the game.

The Broncos won their first NFL Championship. The Broncos defeated the Packers – their first ever Super Bowl loss. The Packers were the first team favored to win the Super Bowl by double digits to lose since the Vikings loss in SB IV.

When the Broncos won the Super Bowl in 1998, it was the first Super Bowl win for an AFC team in 14 years. Davis received the Super Bowl MVP award, recording 30 carries for 157 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 receptions for 8 yards. This impactful production came despite Davis sitting out almost the entire second quarter with a migraine. 

Key Players

Terrell Davis – Super Bowl MVP

Running Back Terrell Davis was the true difference maker in the game. 157 rushing yards, 30 carries, 2 receptions, and 3 touchdowns.  Davis’s three rushing touchdowns set a Super Bowl record and represented 3 of their 4 touchdowns, including the game winning Broncos touchdown.

No other running back has won a Super Bowl MVP since Super Bowl 32.

John Elway – Helicopter Dive

This was Elway’s Fourth Super Bowl appearance and first Super Bowl victory after three previous losses in the big game. 

The Broncos had the ball on a critical 3rd down and 6 from the Packers’ 12-yard line. Elway dropped back to pass, but seeing no open receivers and knowing how important the play was, decided to run for the first down himself.

Elway, who was 37 at the time and near the end of his career, dove for the first down and was hit by two Packers defenders in mid-air. This caused Elway to spin around like a helicopter, but he held onto the ball and picked up 8 yards.

Two plays later, the Broncos scored a touchdown to take a 24-17 lead.

Elway completed 12 out of 22 passes for 123 yards, with 1 interception.

Brett Favre – Three Time MVP

Brett Favre At Lambeau 1998
Brett Favre in 1998

This was Favre’s second Super Bowl appearance, his last Super Bowl appearance, and his first Super Bowl loss. Favre’s Super Bowl record is 1-1.

In this game, Favre was 25 of 42 passing for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns, with 1 interception. Favre threw 2 TDs to Antonio Freeman and one to Tight End Mark Chmura. Favre was picked off by Steve Atwater. Atwater intercepted Favre’s pass intended for Chmura in the first quarter of the game.

Reggie White – The Minister of Defense

The Green Bay defense was led by veteran Pro Bowler Reggie White, who led the team with 11 sacks. White, LeRoy Butler, Gilbert Brown, Eugene Robinson, Darren Sharper, and others were unable to register a sack against the Broncos offensive line.

Key Scores

Green Bay Packers

Antonio Freeman had 2 touchdown receptions and Mark Chmura had one TD reception. Ryan Longwell kicked 3 extra points and a 27-yard field goal. 

Denver Broncos

Terrell Davis had 3 rushing touchdowns. Jason Elam kicked 4 extra points and a 51-yard field goal. 

For full stats, please visit Wikipedia

First Meeting

On September 26, 1971, the Green Bay Packers faced the Denver Broncos for the first time in their history. The Packers team was in a rebuilding phase due to age and injuries, and Bart Starr was out of this game due to injury.

Former Packer Don Horn was the starting QB for Denver. The Packers intercepted him 6 times. 

The Packers had a youthful backfield featuring Dave Hampton (#25) and John Brockington (#42), known for their speed and power.

Zeke Bratkowski (#12) came out of retirement at 39 years old to provide experience. Rookie quarterback Scott Hunter (#16) showcased his speed and scored a touchdown in the third period. The Broncos struggled, managing only one touchdown in the game. Ultimately, the Packers emerged victorious with a 34-13 score.

Elway’s First Game versus the Packers

John Elway Versus Packers 1984

On 10/15/1984, Elway played his first game against the Packers, winning 17-14 on a snow-filled night at Mile High Stadium.

The Packers found themselves in a surprising 14-0 deficit. Gerry Ellis and Jessie Clark’s fumbles on consecutive kickoff returns allowed the Broncos to score two quick touchdowns. The Broncos extended their lead to 17-0 with a field goal by Rich Karlis before halftime.

Despite a valiant second-half effort, including a touchdown run by Ellis and a scoring pass from Lynn Dickey to James Lofton, the Packers fell short. This loss marked the Packers’ sixth consecutive defeat after a promising season opener, resulting in an 8-8 record for the year.

2019 Matchup

In the Broncos vs Packers game on September 22, 2019, Aaron Rodgers showcased his skill by making several key passes. Deante Spencer had an impressive kickoff return for the Broncos. Joe Flacco, the Broncos’ quarterback, struggled to find open receivers. Phillip Lindsay ran well for the Broncos, scoring a touchdown.

The momentum of the game shifted back and forth. Noah Fant’s crucial fumble proved costly for the Broncos. Aaron Jones scored multiple touchdowns for the Packers, while Jaire Alexander made a key defensive play. The Broncos had difficulty pressuring Rodgers and keeping up with the Packers’ offense.

In the end, the Packers won 27-16, improving their record to 3-0.

Shared History

Packer’s Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett left the Packers in 2022 to join Denver as their Head Coach. Hackett was fired after only 1 season.

Most Recent Matchup

The Packers last played the Broncos on October 22, 2023, losing that matchup at Mile High Stadium (Empower Field at Mile High) with a score of 17-19.

I was at that game – and it was thoroughly miserable seeing the Pack losing to the Broncos who were in disarray at the time.

FAQs

What is the record between the Broncos and the Packers?

7–8–1 (Packers – Broncos)

The Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos have played 16 games since 1971, with the Packers winning 7 games & the Broncos winning 8.

Who has played for both the Broncos and the Packers?

Players who have notably played for both the Broncos and the Packers include:

  • Vonnie Holliday
  • Keith Traylor
  • Seth Joyner
  • Terrell Buckley
  • Robert Brooks
  • Don Horn
  • Tobin Rote
  • Kapri Bibbs
  • Al Carmichael
  • Raymont Harris
  • Jim Jensen
  • Javon Walker
  • Marques Anderson
  • Lester Archambeau
  • Bill Bain
  • Allen Barbre
  • Josh Bell
  • David Bowens
  • Greg Boyd
  • Diyral Briggs
  • Ken Brown
  • Alphonso Carreker
  • Tony Carter
  • Darrien Gordon
  • Dale Hackbart
  • Joey Hackett
  • Maurice Harvey
  • Tim Hauck
  • Darius Holland
  • Justin Hollins

Have the Broncos ever won at Lambeau Field?

No, the Broncos have never won at Lambeau Field. The Packers are undefeated at home against the Broncos with a record of 6-0-1.

What is the record between the Packers and the Broncos?

7-8-1 is the all-time record between the Packers and the Broncos.

Did the Broncos beat the Packers in the Super Bowl?

Yes, the Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

Did the Broncos try to get Aaron Rodgers?

The Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos never discussed a deal for QB Aaron Rodgers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Packers Trivia - Just for Fun

Now it’s time to test your knowledge of Packers / Broncos history. Here are one or two potentially related trivia questions for you. Be sure to look for the factoid beneath the answer.

Who has the longest touchdown run as a Packer?

Wrong!  The answer is Ahman Green.

Correct!  Ahman Green

Against the Denver Broncos in 2003, Ahman Green set team rushing records for the longest run (98 yards) and most yards in a game (218 yards). While at Nebraska, Green also set the Orange Bowl single game rushing record with 206 yards in the Husker’s 1997 National Championship win over Tennessee.

How many Super Bowls have the Packers lost?

Wrong!  The answer is 1.

Correct!  1

The Packers are 4 – 1 in Super Bowls, having only lost to the John Elway led Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII.