2023 Denver Broncos season | |
---|---|
Owner | Rob Walton [lower-alpha 1] |
General manager | George Paton |
Head coach | Sean Payton |
Home field | Empower Field at Mile High |
Results | |
Record | 8–9 |
Division place | 3rd AFC West |
Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Pro Bowlers | CB Patrick Surtain II FS Justin Simmons KR Marvin Mims |
AP All-Pros | S Justin Simmons (2nd team) RS Marvin Mims (2nd Team) |
Uniform | |
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The 2023 season was the Denver Broncos' 54th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 64th overall. It was also their third under the leadership of general manager George Paton, their second under the ownership of the Walton-Penner family group and their first under head coach Sean Payton. During the off-season, the Broncos released longtime kicker Brandon McManus after spending nine seasons with the team. [1] He was the last player from the 2015 Super Bowl 50-winning team still on the roster. His release made safety Justin Simmons, who has been with the team since 2016, the team's new longest-tenured player. [2]
After a dismal 1–5 start, the team's first since 1994, the Broncos started to surge, winning five straight for the first time since 2015 to improve upon their 5–12 record from the previous season. However, the Broncos won just two of their final six games, suffering their seventh consecutive losing season and missed the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season. After his worst statistical season in 2022, quarterback Russell Wilson improved his performance, but was benched for the team's final two games for financial reasons and was subsequently released the following offseason where he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.
One of the Broncos' highlights of the season was their Week 8 win of 24–9 over division rival, defending Super Bowl champion and eventual-repeat champion Kansas City Chiefs. This win snapped a 16-game losing streak by the Broncos against the Chiefs, and their first win against quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Meanwhile, one of the team’s lowlights was a 20–70 loss in Week 3 to the Miami Dolphins.
On February 3, Sean Payton was named as the 20th head coach in franchise history. Payton previously coached the New Orleans Saints from 2006–2021, with the exception of 2012, and the Broncos agreed to draft compensation with the Saints—see Draft section. Payton was the Broncos' seventh different head coach since 2008, and their third since 2018. [3] He replaced Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired on December 26, 2022, and replaced by Jerry Rosburg on an interim basis for the last two games of the 2022 season. [4]
In the weeks that followed Payton's hiring, the Broncos underwent the following coaching changes:
Position | Previous coach(es) | 2023 replacement(s) |
---|---|---|
Assistant head coach | None | Mike Westhoff |
Assistant to the head coach | None | Paul Kelly |
Offensive coordinator | Justin Outten, 2022 | Joe Lombardi |
Quarterbacks coach | Klint Kubiak, 2022 | Davis Webb |
Pass game coordinator | Klint Kubiak, 2022 | John Morton |
Running backs coach | Tyrone Wheatley, 2022 | Lou Ayeni |
Wide receivers coach | Zach Azzanni, 2018–2022 | Keary Colbert |
Tight ends coach | Jake Moreland, 2022 | Declan Doyle |
Offensive line coach | Butch Barry (Weeks 1–16, 2022) Ben Steele (interim—Weeks 17 and 18, 2022) | Zach Strief |
Assistant offensive line coach | Ben Steele, 2022 | Austin King |
Offensive quality control | Ramon Chinyoung, 2022 | Logan Kilgore Favian Upshaw |
Defensive coordinator | Ejiro Evero, 2022 | Vance Joseph |
Linebackers coach | Peter Hansen, 2022 | None |
Outside linebackers coach | Bert Watts, 2022 | Michael Wilhoite |
Inside linebackers coach | None | Greg Manusky |
Pass rush specialist | None | Jamar Cain |
Assistant defensive backs | Ola Adams, 2022 | None |
Defensive quality control coach | Andrew Carter, 2022 | Addison Lynch Isaac Shewmaker |
Senior defensive assistant | Dom Capers, 2022 | Joe Vitt |
Special teams coach | Dwayne Stukes (Weeks 1–16, 2022) Mike Mallory (interim—Weeks 17 and 18, 2022) | Ben Kotwica |
Assistant special teams coach | Mike Mallory, 2022 | Chris Banjo |
All players listed below were signed to reserve/future contracts on January 9, unless otherwise noted. Each player was officially added to the active roster on March 15—the first day of the 2023 league year. [7]
Position | Player | Notes |
---|---|---|
WR | Victor Bolden Jr. | waived March 14 [8] |
G | Parker Ferguson | waived May 12 [9] |
CB | Faion Hicks | waived August 29 [10] |
CB | Delonte Hood | waived August 27 [11] |
DE | Jordan Jackson | signed January 11, [12] waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
S | Devon Key | waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
RB | Tyreik McAllister | waived May 12, re-signed May 15, [14] waived May 31 [15] |
T | Isaiah Prince | signed February 3, [16] released August 27 [11] |
LB | Wyatt Ray | released March 20 [17] |
T | Hunter Thedford | waived May 25 [18] |
LB | Ray Wilborn | waived August 14 [19] |
Position | Player | 2023 team | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
LB | Dakota Allen | None | |
T | Calvin Anderson | New England Patriots | signed with the Patriots on March 14 [20] |
CB | Essang Bassey | Los Angeles Chargers | originally an RFA, re-signed March 22, [21] waived October 3, [22] claimed off waivers by the Chargers on October 4 [23] |
FB | Andrew Beck | Houston Texans | signed with the Texans on March 14 [24] |
LS | Jacob Bobenmoyer | Las Vegas Raiders | originally an RFA, signed with the Raiders on March 17 [25] |
RB | Mike Boone | Houston Texans | signed with the Texans on March 14 [26] |
G | Tom Compton | None | |
T | Cameron Fleming | Denver Broncos | re-signed May 23 [27] |
LB | Jonathan Kongbo | None | originally an ERFA |
S | Kareem Jackson | Denver Broncos | re-signed May 15 [28] |
DE | Dre'Mont Jones | Seattle Seahawks | signed with the Seahawks on March 13 [29] |
S | P. J. Locke | Denver Broncos | originally an RFA, re-signed March 16, [30] placed on injured reserve August 31, [31] returned to the active roster on October 7 [32] |
RB | Marlon Mack | Arizona Cardinals | signed with the Cardinals on August 4 [33] |
RB | Latavius Murray | Buffalo Bills | signed with the Bills on May 1 [34] |
CB | Darius Phillips | Houston Texans | Signed with the Texans on May 4 [35] |
G | Dalton Risner | Minnesota Vikings | signed with the Vikings on September 18 [36] |
QB | Brett Rypien | Los Angeles Rams | originally an RFA, signed with the Rams on May 4 [37] |
TE | Eric Saubert | Miami Dolphins | signed with the Dolphins on March 15 [38] |
LB | Alex Singleton | Denver Broncos | re-signed March 16 [39] |
TE | Eric Tomlinson | Houston Texans | signed with the Texans on May 3 [40] |
T | Billy Turner | New York Jets | Signed with the Jets on May 1 [41] |
P | Corliss Waitman | New England Patriots | originally an ERFA, assigned tender on March 13, [42] tender rescinded on March 21, [43] signed with the Patriots on March 23 [44] |
DE | DeShawn Williams | Carolina Panthers | signed with the Panthers on March 15 [45] |
Note: Unrestricted free agents who were originally Restricted free agents (RFA) had three accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season, and did not receive a qualifying offer before the start of the 2023 league year on March 15.
Position | Player | Tag | 2022 team | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
T | Quinn Bailey | ERFA | Denver Broncos | assigned tender on March 13, [42] released August 29, [10] re-signed August 31 [31] |
LB | Jonas Griffith | ERFA | None | assigned tender on March 13, [42] placed on injured reserve on August 3 [46] |
Exclusive-Rights Free Agent (ERFA): Players with two or fewer accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season |
Position | Player | 2022 team(s) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
DE | Zach Allen | Arizona Cardinals | signed March 15 [47] |
WR | Michael Bandy | Los Angeles Chargers | signed July 28, [48] waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
FB | Michael Burton | Kansas City Chiefs | signed March 17 [49] |
WR | Marquez Callaway | New Orleans Saints | signed March 24, [50] waived August 29 [10] |
LB | Frank Clark | Kansas City Chiefs | signed June 13, [51] released October 14 [52] |
NT | Keondre Coburn | None | claimed off waivers from the Chiefs on October 20, [53] waived November 14 [54] |
QB | Ben DiNucci | None | signed May 16, [55] waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
P | Riley Dixon | Los Angeles Rams | signed March 21 [43] |
G | Yasir Durant | New Orleans Saints | signed July 31, [56] designated as waived/injured on August 5 [57] |
PK | Elliott Fry | None | signed May 31, [15] designated as waived/injured on August 15 [58] |
C | Kyle Fuller | Seattle Seahawks | signed April 3, [59] released August 29 [10] |
WR | Josh Hammond | None | signed August 22, [60] waived August 29 [10] |
TE | Tommy Hudson | None | signed June 1, [61] waived August 29 [10] |
WR | Lil'Jordan Humphrey | New England Patriots | signed March 7, [62] released August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30, [13] promoted to the active roster on September 13, [63] released October 11, [64] promoted to the active roster on October 18, [65] released October 20, [53] promoted to the active roster on October 25 [66] |
RB | Tony Jones Jr. | Seattle Seahawks | signed March 23, [67] waived August 29 [10] |
WR | J. J. Koski | None | signed August 14, [19] waived August 27 [11] |
TE | Lucas Krull | New Orleans Saints | promoted to the active roster on December 16 [68] |
NT | Tyler Lancaster | None | signed May 23, [69] released August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
DT | Tomasi Laulile | None | signed August 23, [70] waived August 29 [10] |
OT | Mike McGlinchey | San Francisco 49ers | signed March 15 [71] |
PK | Brett Maher | Dallas Cowboys | signed July 25, [72] released August 29 [10] |
DE | Forrest Merrill | None | signed August 5, [57] designated as waived/injured on August 16 [73] |
CB | Fabian Moreau | New York Giants | signed August 2, [74] released August 29, [10] re-signed August 31 [31] |
TE | Chris Manhertz | Jacksonville Jaguars | signed March 15 [75] |
LB | Durell Nchami | None | signed to practice squad on December 6 [76] |
NT | Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi | None | signed as part of the International Player Pathway Program on May 12, [77] waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
LB | Ben Niemann | Arizona Cardinals | promoted to the active roster on October 30 [78] |
RB | Jacques Patrick | None | signed May 16, [55] waived June 1 [61] |
RB | Samaje Perine | Cincinnati Bengals | signed March 16 [79] |
LB | Ronnie Perkins | None | signed from the New England Patriots' practice squad on September 18, [80] waived December 14, [81] assigned to the practice squad on December 16 [68] |
G | Ben Powers | Baltimore Ravens | signed March 16 [82] |
CB | Tremon Smith | Houston Texans | signed March 17 [83] |
QB | Jarrett Stidham | Las Vegas Raiders | signed March 15 [84] |
RB | Dwayne Washington | New Orleans Saints | signed August 16, [73] released August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30, [13] promoted to the active roster on October 4 [85] |
Position | Player | Notes |
---|---|---|
LB | Christopher Allen | waived August 29 [10] |
RB | Tyler Badie | waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
RB | Damarea Crockett | waived June 5 [86] |
CB | Ronald Darby | released March 14 [8] |
T | Christian DiLauro | waived July 31 [56] |
RB | Chase Edmonds | released March 13 [87] |
C | Graham Glasgow | released March 13 [87] |
QB | Jarrett Guarantano | waived July 25 [72] |
WR | Kendall Hinton | waived August 27 [11] |
CB | Lamar Jackson | waived March 20 [17] |
PK | Brandon McManus | released May 23 [1] |
LB | Jacob Martin | released May 10 [88] |
LB | Aaron Patrick | waived August 29 [10] |
NT | Mike Purcell | released August 29, [10] re-signed August 31 [31] |
G | William Sherman | waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
WR | Freddie Swain | waived March 14 [8] |
WR | Montrell Washington | waived August 29 [10] |
Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 5 | Traded to the Seattle Seahawks [upper-alpha 1] | |||
29 | Traded to the New Orleans Saints | From Miami Dolphins [upper-alpha 2] | |||
2 | 37 | Traded to the Seattle Seahawks [upper-alpha 1] | |||
63 | Marvin Mims | WR | Oklahoma | From Detroit Lions [upper-alpha 3] | |
3 | 67 | Drew Sanders | LB | Arkansas | From Indianapolis Colts [upper-alpha 4] |
68 | Traded to the Detroit Lions [upper-alpha 3] | ||||
83 | Riley Moss | CB | Iowa | From Seattle Seahawks [upper-alpha 5] | |
4 | 108 | Traded to the Seattle Seahawks [upper-alpha 5] | |||
5 | 139 | Traded to the Detroit Lions [upper-alpha 3] | |||
6 | 183 | JL Skinner | S | Boise State | From Broncos via Detroit Lions [upper-alpha 3] |
195 | Traded to the New Orleans Saints | From Pittsburgh Steelers [upper-alpha 6] | |||
7 | 222 | Traded to the San Francisco 49ers [upper-alpha 7] | |||
241 | Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers | From Minnesota Vikings [upper-alpha 6] | |||
257 | Alex Forsyth | C | Oregon | From New Orleans Saints [upper-alpha 6] |
Draft trades
All undrafted free agents were signed prior to the team's rookie minicamp on May 12, [77] unless noted otherwise.
Player | Position | College | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Nate Adkins | TE | South Carolina | made the Week 1 roster [100] |
Austin Ajiake | LB | UNLV | signed August 3, [46] waived August 29 [10] |
Seth Benson | LB | Iowa | waived August 29 [10] |
Henry Byrd | G | Princeton | waived August 29 [10] |
Dallas Daniels | WR | Jackson State | waived May 15 [14] |
Darrious Gaines | CB | Western Colorado | waived May 15 [14] |
Art Green | CB | Houston | waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30, [13] promoted to the active roster on January 7 [101] |
Taylor Grimes | WR | Incarnate Word | waived August 29 [10] |
Marcus Haynes | LB | Old Dominion | waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
Thomas Incoom | LB | Central Michigan | made the Week 1 roster [100] |
Demontrey Jacobs | T | South Florida | waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
Jack Landherr | LS | UCLA | signed August 15, [58] waived August 23 [70] |
Kris Leach | TE | Kent State | waived May 15 [14] |
Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | Youngstown State | made the Week 1 roster [100] |
P. J. Mustipher | NT | Penn State | waived August 29, [10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30 [13] |
Alex Palczewski | T | Illinois | made the Week 1 roster, [100] placed on injured reserve August 31, [31] activated for the team's season finale on January 6 [101] |
Nick Williams | WR | UNLV | signed June 5, [86] waived June 13, [51] signed July 25, [72] waived July 28, [48] signed August 1, [102] waived August 27 [11] |
Emanuel Wilson | RB | Fort Valley State | waived May 15 [14] |
Eyioma Uwazurike
On July 24, defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league’s gambling policy. Uwazurike, the team's 2022 fourth-round draft selection, bet on NFL games during his rookie season. [103]
Kareem Jackson
Safety Kareem Jackson was suspended twice by the NFL for repeated violations of the league's policy on unnecessary roughness.
On October 23, Jackson was initially suspended four games following the Broncos' Week 7 win over the Green Bay Packers after being ejected for a forceful blow to the head & neck area of Packers' tight end Luke Musgrave, when Musgrave was determined to be a defenseless receiver. Jackson was also ejected during the Broncos' Week 2 loss to the Washington Commanders for a similar hit on Commanders' tight end Logan Thomas, which resulted in Thomas suffering a concussion. Jackson was fined for a total of $89,670 for a series of illegal hits, including violations in three other games—Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins and Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs. [104] One day later (October 24), Jackson's suspension was reduced to two games following an appeal hearing. [105] [54]
On November 20, in his first game back from suspension, Jackson was hit with another four-game suspension for lowering his helmet on Minnesota Vikings' quarterback Joshua Dobbs during the Broncos' Week 11 win over the Vikings. Jackson was not flagged for the hit, and he unsuccessfully appealed the suspension. [106]
After he was a healthy scratch for the team's Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots, Jackson was waived on December 25 following a roster exemption, and was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans the following day. [107]
Trade partner | Broncos give | Broncos receive | Source |
---|---|---|---|
New Orleans Saints | 2024 seventh-round selection | K Wil Lutz | [108] |
Philadelphia Eagles | TE Albert Okwuegbunam 2025 seventh-round selection | 2025 sixth-round selection | |
San Francisco 49ers | LB Randy Gregory 2024 seventh-round selection | 2024 sixth-round selection | [109] |
Position | Player | Time & type of injury | Games missed | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
LB | Baron Browning | recovery from off-season knee surgery | PUP list, Weeks 1–6 | [110] |
LB | Frank Clark | hip, Week 1 | Weeks 2–4 | [111] [112] [113] [114] |
TE | Greg Dulcich | hamstring, Week 2 | injured reserve, Weeks 2–5 | [115] [116] |
hamstring, Week 6 | season-ending injured reserve, starting with Week 7 | [110] | ||
LB | Jonas Griffith | ruptured ACL, preseason workouts | injured reserve, missed the entire 2023 season | [46] |
WR | K. J. Hamler | NFI list, preseason designated as waived/NFI on July 31 | [117] [118] | |
WR | Kendall Hinton | recovery from off-season knee surgery | PUP list, July 28 activated on July 28 | [117] [48] |
WR | Jerry Jeudy | hamstring, preseason | Week 1 | [119] |
WR | Brandon Johnson | hamstring, October 26 practice | injured reserve, Weeks 8–12 | [120] [121] |
S | P. J. Locke | dislocated toe, preseason | injured reserve, Weeks 1–4 | [32] [122] |
ankle, Week 11 | Week 12 | [123] | ||
T | Mike McGlinchey | ribs, Week 17 | season-ending injured reserve, Week 18 | [101] |
T | Alex Palczewski | hand, preseason | injured reserve, Weeks 1–17 | [124] [101] |
WR | Tim Patrick | ruptured Achilles tendon, preseason workouts | injured reserve, missed the entire 2023 season | [74] |
NT | Mike Purcell | NFI list, preseason | [117] | |
S | Justin Simmons | hip, Week 2 | Weeks 3–4 | [113] [114] [32] |
S | Caden Sterns | ruptured patella tendon, Week 1 | season-ending injured reserve, starting with Week 2 | [63] |
WR | Courtland Sutton | concussion, Week 16 | Week 17 | [125] |
S | Delarrin Turner-Yell | ruptured ACL, Week 17 | season-ending injured reserve, Week 18 | [126] |
WR | Jalen Virgil | ruptured meniscus, preseason Week 2 | injured reserve, missed the entire 2023 season | [60] |
RB | Javonte Williams | hip flexor, Week 4 | Week 5 | [127] [128] |
CB | K'Waun Williams | ankle, preseason | injured reserve, missed the entire 2023 season | [129] [31] |
2023 Denver Broncos standard elevations | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Name | Week(s) | Source(s) | ||
WR | Michael Bandy | 17 | [130] | ||
RB | Tyler Badie | 14 | [131] | ||
QB | Ben DiNucci | 13, 15, 16 | [121] [68] [132] | ||
WR | Phillip Dorsett | 1 | [133] [130] | ||
WR | Lil'Jordan Humphrey | 1, 6, 7 | [133] [116] [110] | ||
S | Devon Key | 18 | [101] | ||
TE | Lucas Krull | 10, 13, 14 | [134] [121] [131] | ||
NT | Tyler Lancaster | 6, 12, 15 | [116] [135] [68] | ||
LB | Ben Niemann | 4 | [136] | ||
LB | Ronnie Perkins | 16, 17 | [132] [130] | ||
WR | Tre'Quan Smith | 8 | [120] | ||
WR | David Sills | 10, 11, 12 | [134] [137] [135] | ||
RB | Dwayne Washington | 2, 3, 4 | [115] [138] [136] |
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
| Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
|
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | August 11 | at Arizona Cardinals | L 17–18 | 0–1 | State Farm Stadium | Recap |
2 | August 19 | at San Francisco 49ers | L 20–21 | 0–2 | Levi's Stadium | Recap |
3 | August 26 | Los Angeles Rams | W 41–0 | 1–2 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | September 10 | Las Vegas Raiders | L 16–17 | 0–1 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
2 | September 17 | Washington Commanders | L 33–35 | 0–2 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
3 | September 24 | at Miami Dolphins | L 20–70 | 0–3 | Hard Rock Stadium | Recap |
4 | October 1 | at Chicago Bears | W 31–28 | 1–3 | Soldier Field | Recap |
5 | October 8 | New York Jets | L 21–31 | 1–4 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
6 | October 12 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 8–19 | 1–5 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap |
7 | October 22 | Green Bay Packers | W 19–17 | 2–5 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
8 | October 29 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 24–9 | 3–5 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
9 | Bye | |||||
10 | November 13 | at Buffalo Bills | W 24–22 | 4–5 | Highmark Stadium | Recap |
11 | November 19 | Minnesota Vikings | W 21–20 | 5–5 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
12 | November 26 | Cleveland Browns | W 29–12 | 6–5 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
13 | December 3 | at Houston Texans | L 17–22 | 6–6 | NRG Stadium | Recap |
14 | December 10 | at Los Angeles Chargers | W 24–7 | 7–6 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
15 | December 16 | at Detroit Lions | L 17–42 | 7–7 | Ford Field | Recap |
16 | December 24 | New England Patriots | L 23–26 | 7–8 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
17 | December 31 | Los Angeles Chargers | W 16–9 | 8–8 | Empower Field at Mile High | Recap |
18 | January 7 | at Las Vegas Raiders | L 14–27 | 8–9 | Allegiant Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Raiders | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
Broncos | 6 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
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|
The Broncos kicked off the 2023 season against their AFC West division rival Las Vegas Raiders. This marked Sean Payton's debut as the Broncos' head coach. The Raiders grabbed the early lead on their initial possession, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo connecting on a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. The Broncos responded on their first possession, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Russell Wilson to wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey. However, placekicker Wil Lutz missed wide-right on the extra point attempt — a miscue that would prove to be critical to the game's outcome. A 24-yard field goal by placekicker Daniel Carlson gave the Raiders a 10–6 lead early in the second quarter. The Broncos took their first just lead before halftime, with Wilson's second touchdown pass of the first half — a 5-yarder to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. [139]
Lutz missed wide right on a 55-yard field goal attempt on the initial possession of the second half. The Raiders then marched down the field and faced a 3rd-and-goal from the Broncos' 6-yard line. However, Garoppolo was intercepted by safety Kareem Jackson in the end zone for a touchback, late in the third quarter. The Broncos then had a first-and-goal from the Raiders' 8-yard line; however, they failed to score a touchdown, and instead, settled for a 24-yard field goal by Lutz midway through the fourth quarter. The Raiders took a 17–16 lead six plays later, with another touchdown pass from Garoppolo to Meyers — from 6 yards out. The Broncos went three-and-out, and were forced to punt. The Raiders faced a 3rd-and-8 from their own 44-yard line with exactly three minutes left in the game. Meyers was stopped one yard short of a first down on a pass completion from Garoppolo; however, Jackson was flagged for an unnecessary roughness flag for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Meyers, giving the Raiders a first down. The Broncos' defense was unable to stop Garoppolo from scrambling for a game-clinching 8-yard first down run. [139]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Commanders | 3 | 11 | 7 | 14 | 35 |
Broncos | 14 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 33 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
The Broncos took a 21–3 lead over the Commanders with touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, consisting of a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Jaleel McLaughlin and two touchdown passes from quarterback Russell Wilson — a 60-yarder to wide receiver Marvin Mims and a 16-yarder to wide receiver Brandon Johnson. However, the Broncos' offense would sputter for the remainder of the game and their defense was unable to stop the Commanders. After Wilson was strip-sacked by linebacker Jamin Davis, the momentum shifted to the Commanders. Quarterback Sam Howell connected on a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Logan Thomas on a 4th-and-goal, with a two-point conversion that was initially ruled unsuccessful, but overturned by review. The Broncos' lead was narrowed to 21–14 just before halftime, with a 49-yard field goal by Commanders' placekicker Joey Slye, who missed from 49 and made from 44 in the first quarter. [140]
After a Broncos' three-and-out to start the second half, the Commanders tied the game at 21–21, with Howell throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Following an interception of Russell, Slye missed wide-right on a 59-yard field goal attempt. The Broncos reached the red zone on the ensuing possession, but were forced to settle for a 31-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz. The Commanders took their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter, with running back Brian Robinson Jr. rushing for a 2-yard touchdown, then added to their lead, with another rushing touchdown by Robinson — a 15-yarder midway through the fourth quarter. After being outscored 32–3 since early in the second quarter, the Broncos found themselves trailing 35–24. A 32-yard field goal by Lutz on the first play after the two-minute warning pulled the Broncos to a 35–27 deficit. After burning all of their team timeouts and forcing a Commanders' punt, the Broncos had one last possession at their own 13-yard line and with 48 seconds remaining. With 3 seconds remaining, Wilson heaved a desperation hail mary pass that was caught by Johnson for a touchdown. The Broncos needed a two-point conversion to send the game to overtime. However, Wilson's pass that was intended for wide receiver Courtland Sutton fell incomplete. [140]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 7 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 20 |
Dolphins | 14 | 21 | 14 | 21 | 70 |
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Game information | ||
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|
The Broncos were overwhelmed by the Dolphins, in an embarrassing 70–20 loss. The Broncos' defense surrendered franchise worsts in points (70), yards (726) and overall touchdowns in one game (10), and tied a franchise record for rushing touchdowns in one game (5). The 50-point loss was the third-worst margin of defeat in Broncos' franchise history, behind a 59–7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963 and a 51–0 loss to the Oakland Raiders in 1967. Dolphins' quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for four touchdowns, with most of the help coming from running backs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, who each combined for eight of the ten total touchdowns. Broncos' quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 306 yards and only one touchdown, while wide receiver Marvin Mims returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. [141]
The 70 points scored by the Dolphins was tied for the second-most in a single game in NFL history, only trailing a 72-point output by the Washington Redskins in 1966. [142]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 7 | 0 | 7 | 17 | 31 |
Bears | 0 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Game information | ||
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|
The Broncos took the early lead over the Bears on their initial possession, with quarterback Russell Wilson connecting on an 18-yard touchdown pass with running back Jaleel McLaughlin. The Broncos' offense would then sputter, failing to advance past their own 44-yard line on their next four possessions, and the Bears reeled off 28 unanswered points. The Broncos' defense yielded four touchdown passes to Bears' quarterback Justin Fields—two to tight end Cole Kmet, and one apiece to wide receiver D. J. Moore and running back Khalil Herbert. The Broncos trailed 28–7 with 4:10 remaining in the third quarter, but proceeded to score the final 24 points of the game. Wilson threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Johnson near the end of the third quarter, followed in the fourth quarter by a 13-yarder to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Then the Broncos' defense came up with a crucial turnover, with linebacker Nik Bonitto forcing a strip sack and fumble off Fields, and linebacker Jonathon Cooper returning the fumble 42 yards for a game-tying touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. The Bears then marched down the field, and faced a 4th-and-1 at the Broncos' 18-yard line with 2:57 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, instead of a go-ahead field goal, the Bears decided to go for a first-down, but turned the football over on downs when Fields was tackled for no gain by linebacker Alex Singleton. Five plays later, a 51-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz put the Broncos ahead to stay with 1:51 remaining in the game. The Bears attempted a rally, but after reaching their own 47-yard line, Fields was intercepted by safety Kareem Jackson for the Broncos' first win of the season. [143] .
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jets | 5 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 31 |
Broncos | 7 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 21 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
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|
Following a 30-yard field goal by Jets' placekicker Greg Zuerlein, the Broncos grabbed the lead, with a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Russell Wilson to running back Jaleel McLaughlin. On the Broncos' next possession, Wilson was penalized for intentional grounding in the end zone for a safety. The Broncos led 13–8 at halftime, after two short field goals by placekicker Wil Lutz—from 22 and 23 yards out, with a 26-yard field goal by Zuerlein in between. After the Broncos went three-and-out to start the second half, Jets' running back Breece Hall ran for a 72-yard touchdown—the first of 16 unanswered Jets points. Zuerlein added three more field goals—a 27-yarder in the third quarter, followed by 27- and 49-yarders in the fourth quarter. The Broncos trailed 24–13 midway through the fourth quarter, after two punts and a lost fumble in Jets' territory. A 3-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to tight end Adam Trautman, coupled with a successful two-point conversion by fullback Michael Burton, pulled the Broncos to within a 24–21 deficit with 4:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Jets were attempting to run out the clock, and faced a 3rd-and-5 at the Broncos' 27-yard line; however, quarterback Zach Wilson was intercepted by cornerback Patrick Surtain II near the goal line. With 2:14 remaining in the game, the Broncos attempted a rally, but Russell Wilson was strip-sacked by Jets' defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and cornerback Bryce Hall returned the fumble 39 yards for the game-clinching touchdown. [144]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
Chiefs | 3 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 19 |
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Game information | ||
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|
The Broncos' defense limited Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes to one touchdown pass and four field goals by placekicker Harrison Butker, but the defensive effort was wasted by a poor performance by the offense. Quarterback Russell Wilson completed 13 of 22 passes for only 95 yards, and the Broncos trailed 16–0 at the 9:22 mark of the fourth quarter. Wilson finally got the Broncos on the scoreboard, with a 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton that was initially ruled as an incomplete pass, but overturned by a booth review. The subsequent two-point conversion by running back Javonte Williams pulled the Broncos to within a 16–8 deficit with six minutes remaining in the game. However, Butker's fourth field goal of the game—a 52-yarder at the two-minute warning, put the game out of reach. It was the Chiefs' 16th consecutive win over the Broncos—a streak that ended two weeks later in Denver. [145]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Packers | 0 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 17 |
Broncos | 3 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 19 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Midway through the third quarter, all of the scoring came by way of the placekickers—three field goals by the Broncos' Wil Lutz, and one by the Packers' Anders Carlson. The Broncos increased their lead to 16–3, with the game's first touchdown—an 18-yard pass from quarterback Russell Wilson to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. However, the Packers' responded, with two touchdown passes by quarterback Jordan Love—a 16-yarder to wide receiver Romeo Doubs, followed by a 4-yarder to wide receiver Jayden Reed that gave the Packers a 17–16 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Nine plays later, the Broncos re-claimed the lead, with Lutz's fourth field goal of the game—a 52-yarder with 3:54 remaining in the game. The Packers attempted a rally, but Love was intercepted by safety P. J. Locke deep in Broncos' territory. The Broncos then ran out the clock. [146]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chiefs | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Broncos | 7 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 24 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
The Broncos' defense forced five turnovers—three fumbles and two interceptions off Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and limited the Chiefs' offense to three field goals—all in the first half—in a 24–9 win. It was the first time since Week 13 of the 2021 season (also against the Broncos) in which Mahomes did not throw a touchdown pass. Broncos' quarterback Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes—one apiece to running back Javonte Williams and wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. The Broncos held a 14–9 lead early in the fourth quarter, and after Chiefs' return specialist Mecole Hardman muffed a punt, Wilson threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Sutton and placekicker Wil Lutz later capped the scoring off with a 28-yard field goal with only 31 seconds remaining. With the win, the Broncos snapped a 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs, dating back to 2015. [147]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 3 | 12 | 0 | 9 | 24 |
Bills | 0 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 22 |
at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
The Broncos' defense forced two turnovers off the Bills' first two possessions—a fumble and an interception off quarterback Josh Allen, but only got one scoring a play—a 40-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz. The Broncos added to their lead midway through the second quarter, with quarterback Russell Wilson completing a pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton along the side of the end zone that was initially ruled an incomplete pass, but ruled a touchdown after instant replay revealed that Sutton dragged his toes in bounds. However, Lutz hit the left upright on the extra point attempt. The Bills responded, and got on the scoreboard, with Allen connecting on a 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Kincaid, with a successful two-point conversion. Lutz added two more field goals—from 49 and 40 yards out, to give the Broncos a 15–8 halftime lead. The latter field goal occurred after another interception of Allen. After an exchange of punts to start the second half, Sutton lost a fumble at the Bills' 45-yard line, and the Bills capitalized, with running back Latavius Murray rushing for a 3-yard touchdown to tie the game midway through the third quarter. After a pair of punt exchanges, the Broncos reclaimed the lead with 5:10 remaining in the game. Wilson connected with running back Javonte Williams for a 3-yard touchdown pass. However, the extra point attempt was botched, leaving the score at 21–15. The Bills then drove down the field, and on the first play after the two-minute warning, Allen scrambled for a 6-yard touchdown run to give the Bills their first lead of the game. [148]
Wilson engineered a comeback that was aided by two crucial penalties on Buffalo. First, the Broncos faced a 3rd-and-10 from the Bills' 45-yard line with 35 seconds left. A pass attempt intended for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was incomplete, but pass interference was called on Bills' cornerback Taron Johnson at the 17-yard line. Following a quick kneel down, and without any timeouts, the Broncos rushed their field goal unit onto the field. Lutz missed the 41-yard attempt wide right; however, the Bills were flagged for having 12 men on the field, giving Lutz a second chance with only four seconds left. Lutz then redeemed himself—kicking the game-winning 36-yard field goal as time expired. [148]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vikings | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
Broncos | 3 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 21 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
The Broncos' offense struggled for most of the game, settling for five field goals by placekicker Wil Lutz through the early portion of the fourth quarter. Each field goal, for the exception of a 52-yarder just before halftime, was the result of the Broncos failing to score a touchdown in the red zone, and three of those field goals occurred after Vikings' turnovers. Defensively, the Broncos yielded two touchdowns to Vikings' quarterback Joshua Dobbs—one passing and one rushing, as well as two field goals by placekicker Greg Joseph. The Broncos trailed 20–15 with 3:20 remaining in the game, when quarterback Russell Wilson engineered a game-winning drive for the second consecutive game—a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton in the back of the end zone, with an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt. The Vikings had one last possession with 1:03 remaining in the game, hoping to reach field goal range. However, after earning one first down at their own 36-yard line, and burning two timeouts in the process, Dobbs threw four consecutive incomplete passes, including a 15-yard intentional grounding penalty on 3rd down, ending the Vikings' rally attempt. With the win, the Broncos earned their first four-game winning streak since 2016. [149]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Browns | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 |
Broncos | 7 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 29 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
After achieving only one rushing touchdown the entire season, the Broncos jumped out to a 14–0 lead on a pair of rushing touchdowns—a 3-yarder by running back Samaje Perine in the first quarter, followed in the second quarter by a 2-yarder by quarterback Russell Wilson. The Browns then scored 12 unanswered points—two field goals by placekicker Dustin Hopkins late in the second quarter, followed by a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to tight end Harrison Bryant midway through the third quarter. Wide receiver Amari Cooper dropped what would have been the game-tying two point conversion in the end zone. However, the Broncos' defense held the Browns scoreless for the remainder of the game, and the Broncos added 15 more points—two short field goals by placekicker Wil Lutz, an 8-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to tight end Adam Trautman, and Broncos defensive end Zach Allen sacked Browns' backup quarterback P. J. Walker in the end zone for a safety. With the win, the Broncos earned their first five-game winning streak since their 2015 Super Bowl-winning season. [150]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
Texans | 10 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 22 |
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
The Broncos' offense struggled throughout the first three quarters of the game, only managing a 34-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz late in the second quarter. The Broncos failed to advance past midfield on 6 of their first 7 possessions, excluding a kneel down just before halftime. The Broncos trailed 16–3 after three field goals by Texans' placekicker Matt Ammendola and a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Dameon Pierce. The latter occurred after a personal foul on Broncos' linebacker Alex Singleton on Texans' quarterback C. J. Stroud negated a false start on 4th-and-goal. The Broncos finally reached the end zone late in the third quarter, with quarterback Russell Wilson connecting on a 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. After forcing a Texans' punt, Wilson was intercepted by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. deep in Broncos' territory, giving the Texans a short field. The Texans took advantage of the turnover and added to their lead, with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to wide receiver Nico Collins on the second play of the fourth quarter, with an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt. The Broncos responded, with a 5-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Wilson to narrow the Texans' lead to 22–17. After forcing a Texans' punt, Wilson was intercepted again by Stingley, this one at the Texans' 27-yard line. After forcing one more Texans' punt, the Broncos had one more possession at their own 20-yard line at the 4:36 mark of the fourth quarter. With only 23 seconds remaining and no timeouts, the Broncos faced a 1st-and-goal at the Texans' 8-yard line after two successful 4th-down conversions. However, after two incomplete passes, Wilson's pass intended for tight end Lucas Krull was intercepted by Texans' safety Jimmie Ward in the end zone for a touchback. [151]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
Chargers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
The Broncos' defense dominated the game, holding the Chargers to 0-for-12 on 3rd down and 1-of-6 on 4th down with two turnovers. The Chargers were unable to take advantage of an early interception of Russell Wilson deep in Broncos' territory, failing on a 4th-and-3 instead of kicking a field goal at the 6-yard line. The Broncos took advantage of an interception of Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert, with a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Javonte Williams, and added a 23-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz just before halftime. Herbert exited the game in the second quarter with a finger injury, and was replaced by backup quarterback Easton Stick for the remainder of the game. The Broncos added to their lead in the third quarter, with Wilson connecting on a 46-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. After a 3-yard touchdown run by Chargers' running back Austin Ekeler narrowed the Broncos' lead to 17–7 early in the fourth quarter, the Broncos put the game out of reach, with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to tight end Adam Trautman. With the win, the Broncos snapped an 11-game road losing streak against their AFC West opponents. [152]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 17 |
Lions | 0 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 42 |
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
The Broncos' offense struggled in the first half and never recovered from a 21–0 halftime deficit, in a 42–17 loss to the Lions. The Broncos' defense surrendered five touchdown passes to Lions' quarterback Jared Goff and one rushing touchdown to running back Jahmyr Gibbs. On the offensive side of the football, quarterback Russell Wilson threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and placekicker Wil Lutz added a 23-yard field goal, but the Broncos never got any closer than an 18-point deficit in the second half. [153]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patriots | 0 | 3 | 20 | 3 | 26 |
Broncos | 7 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 23 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
All three of the Broncos' first three possessions started in Patriots' territory—at the 6-, 46- and 25-yard lines; however, the Broncos were only able to achieve one scoring play—a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Javonte Williams. After forcing a strip sack and fumble off Patriots' quarterback Bailey Zappe on the game's first play from scrimmage, the Broncos failed to capitalize on a 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line and only gained four yards after starting at the 46-yard line. After a 33-yard field goal by Patriots' placekicker Chad Ryland early in the second quarter, the Broncos reached the Patriots' 38-yard line, only for Williams to commit a fumble, ending the drive. Both placekickers—Ryland and the Broncos' Wil Lutz, missed long field goal attempts after the two-minute warning, leaving the score at 7–3 in favor of the Broncos at halftime. In the third quarter, the Broncos' offense struggled, with quarterback Russell Wilson being sacked four times, the defense surrendered 20 unanswered points. First, Zappe connected on two touchdown passes—a 15-yarder to running back Ezekiel Elliott (with a missed extra point attempt), followed by an 11-yarder to tight end Mike Gesicki. The Broncos were victimized by a disastrous play on the kickoff following the latter touchdown, as return specialist Marvin Mims fumbled near the goal line, and safety Cody Davis scooped up the football for a 1-yard touchdown to give the Patriots a 23–7 lead. After a poor offensive performance for most of the game, Wilson threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter—a 3-yarder to tight end Lucas Krull, followed by a 21-yarder to wide receiver Brandon Johnson—both with successful two-point conversions, to tie the game at 23–23 with only three minutes remaining in the game. After forcing a Patriots' punt, the Broncos' offense went three-and-out, giving the Patriots the football at their own 19-yard line with 58 seconds remaining in the game. However, after the Broncos called two timeouts on defense, the Patriots marched down the field, culminating in a 56-yard game-winning field goal by Ryland in the final seconds. [154]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chargers | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Broncos | 3 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Each placekicker exchanged field goals—a 32-yarder by the Broncos' Wil Lutz in the first quarter, followed in the second quarter by a 36-yarder by the Chargers' Cameron Dicker. Broncos' backup quarter Jarrett Stidham, playing in place of the benched Russell Wilson, connected on a 54-yard pass to wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey for the game's only touchdown. Lutz added a 43-yard field goal just after the two-minute warning, but missed wide-right on a 48-yard attempt in the final seconds of the first half, for a 13–3 Broncos' halftime lead. A 50-yard field goal by Dicker was the only scoring play of the third quarter, and Lutz countered with a 20-yarder early in the fourth quarter. A 52-yard field goal by Dicker narrowed the Broncos' lead to 13–6 with only 1:21 remaining in the game. The Chargers' onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, sealing the Broncos' win, and their first season sweep of the Chargers since 2019. However, the Broncos were eliminated from postseason contention after the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs all won their respective games which extends their playoff drought to eight seasons dating to 2016. [155]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broncos | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
Raiders | 7 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 27 |
at Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
In the Broncos' season finale, the Raiders took the early lead, with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers running for a 5-yard touchdown. The Broncos reponded early in the second quarter, with quarterback Jarrett Stidham connecting on a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. The Raiders then scored 17 unanswered points, starting with a 49-yard field goal by placekicker Daniel Carlson and a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Aidan O'Connell to wide receiver Davante Adams before halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, O'Connell connected on a 33-yard touchdown pass to Meyers, for a 24–7 Raiders' lead. The Broncos' offense struggled after their initial scoring play, failing to advance past midfield on three possessions (excluding a kneel down before halftime), and turning the football over on down at the Raiders' 36-yard line on a 4th-and-3. The Broncos narrowed the Raiders' lead at the 10-minute mark of the fourth quarter, with running back Javonte Williams rushing for a 2-yard touchdown on a direct snap. However, the Broncos' defense was unable to prevent the Raiders from going on a 15-play, 72-yard drive that devoured nearly eight minutes, culminating in a 21-yard field goal by Carlson with 2:23 remaining in the game. The Broncos attempted a rally, but six plays into their final possession, Stidham was intercepted at the Raiders' 18-yard line with only one minute remaining in the game. [156]
AFC West | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
(3) Kansas City Chiefs | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 4–2 | 9–3 | 371 | 294 | W2 |
Las Vegas Raiders | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 4–2 | 6–6 | 332 | 331 | W1 |
Denver Broncos | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 3–3 | 5–7 | 357 | 413 | L1 |
Los Angeles Chargers | 5 | 12 | 0 | .294 | 1–5 | 3–9 | 346 | 398 | L5 |
# | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division leaders | |||||||||||
1 | Baltimore Ravens | North | 13 | 4 | 0 | .765 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .543 | .529 | L1 |
2 [lower-alpha 2] [lower-alpha 3] | Buffalo Bills | East | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .471 | .471 | W5 |
3 [lower-alpha 2] | Kansas City Chiefs | West | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .481 | .428 | W2 |
4 | Houston Texans | South | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .474 | .465 | W2 |
Wild cards | |||||||||||
5 [lower-alpha 4] | Cleveland Browns | North | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .536 | .513 | L1 |
6 [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] | Miami Dolphins | East | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .450 | .358 | L2 |
7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | North | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .540 | .571 | W3 |
Did not qualify for the postseason | |||||||||||
8 [lower-alpha 5] | Cincinnati Bengals | North | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .574 | .536 | W1 |
9 [lower-alpha 5] [lower-alpha 6] | Jacksonville Jaguars | South | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .533 | .477 | L1 |
10 [lower-alpha 6] | Indianapolis Colts | South | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .491 | .444 | L1 |
11 [lower-alpha 7] | Las Vegas Raiders | West | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .488 | .426 | W1 |
12 [lower-alpha 7] | Denver Broncos | West | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .488 | .485 | L1 |
13 | New York Jets | East | 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .502 | .454 | W1 |
14 | Tennessee Titans | South | 6 | 11 | 0 | .353 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .522 | .422 | W1 |
15 | Los Angeles Chargers | West | 5 | 12 | 0 | .294 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .529 | .388 | L5 |
16 | New England Patriots | East | 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .522 | .529 | L2 |
Tiebreakers [lower-alpha 8] | |||||||||||
|
Category | Player(s) | Value |
---|---|---|
Passing yards | Russell Wilson | 3,070 |
Passing touchdowns | Russell Wilson | 26 |
Rushing yards | Javonte Williams | 774 |
Rushing touchdowns | Russell Wilson Javonte Williams | 3 |
Receptions | Courtland Sutton | 59 |
Receiving yards | Courtland Sutton | 772 |
Receiving touchdowns | Courtland Sutton | 10 |
Points | Wil Lutz | 119 |
Kickoff return yards | Marvin Mims | 397 |
Punt return yards | Marvin Mims | 312 |
Tackles | Alex Singleton | 177 |
Sacks | Jonathon Cooper | 8.5 |
Forced fumbles | D. J. Jones | 3 |
Interceptions | Justin Simmons | 3 |
Source for this section: Denver Broncos' official website. [157]
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|
|
Source for this section: Pro-Football Reference. [158]
Recipient | Award(s) |
---|---|
Justin Simmons | Week 8: AFC Defensive Player of the Week [159] |
Marvin Mims | Week 10: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week [160] |
Wil Lutz | November: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month [161] |
On January 3, 2024, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, safety Justin Simmons and return specialist Marvin Mims were named starters for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. [162] On January 9, fullback Michael Burton was named as a PFF first-team All-Pro selection, [163] and one day later (January 10), Surtain was selected to the second annual NFLPA Players' All-Pro team. [164] On January 12, Mims and Simmons were selected as second-team All-Pros. [165]
The 2009 Denver Broncos season was their 40th season in the National Football League (NFL) and 50th season overall. The Broncos started 6–0, but lost 8 of their next 10 games after coming off bye week. They matched their 8–8 regular season record from 2008 and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The Broncos welcomed many new defensive players signed during free agency, including veteran Eagles safety Brian Dawkins. This was their first season without head coach Mike Shanahan since 1994, as he was fired on December 30, 2008. On January 12, 2009, Denver hired former New England Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as their new head coach. At the time of his hiring, McDaniels was the youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports and the fifth-youngest NFL head coach ever, though less than a week later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers named the even-younger Raheem Morris as their head coach.
The 2010 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League (NFL), the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High. The off-season was marked by the draft selections of Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and All-American Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, as well as season-ending injuries to All-Pro linebacker Elvis Dumervil and free agent running back LenDale White. The team failed to improve on its 8–8 record from 2009, and set a new franchise record for losses in a single season, with a 4–12 record, which was their worst record in the post-merger era, and worst in a 16-game schedule. In addition, this was the Broncos' fifth consecutive non-playoff season, which was second-longest such streak in franchise history at the time, behind 1960–1976. The regular season was marked by a videotaping scandal and the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels.
The 2011 season was the Denver Broncos' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their 52nd overall. It also marked their first season under head coach John Fox, as well as the first with John Elway as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
The 2011 season was the New England Patriots' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their 52nd overall. The Patriots finished the regular season at 13–3, and represented the AFC in Super Bowl XLVI. It was the seventh Super Bowl trip in franchise history, and the fifth for head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.
The 2012 season was the Denver Broncos' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 53rd overall and their second under head coach John Fox. The offseason was marked by the signing of former Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning on March 20, leading to the team trading incumbent quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. The Broncos did not have a first-round selection in the 2012 NFL draft, and selected defensive end Derek Wolfe as the team's first pick in the second round of the draft.
The 2013 season was the Denver Broncos' 44th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 54th overall. It also marked their 30th season under the ownership of Pat Bowlen, the second with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback and the third under head coach John Fox.
The 2014 season was the Denver Broncos' 45th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 55th overall. It also marked the third season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback.
The 2015 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 56th overall. It was also the fourth season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback, as well as the final season of Manning's 18-year NFL career.
The 2016 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 47th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 57th overall. It was also the second and last season under head coach Gary Kubiak as he retired at the end of the season due to health concerns.
The 2017 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 48th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 58th overall.
Timothy Mychael Patrick is an American professional football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Utah.
The 2018 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 49th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 59th overall.
Tyrie Cleveland is an American professional football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida.
The 2019 season was the Denver Broncos' 50th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 60th overall.
The 2020 season was the Denver Broncos' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 61st overall and their second under head coach Vic Fangio. It also marked the team's 20th season playing their home games in their current venue, Empower Field at Mile High, as well as the 10th and final season with John Elway serving as the general manager.
Kendall Hinton is an American football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college football at Wake Forest as a quarterback and wide receiver and signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2020. That season, he made an appearance as an emergency quarterback following the rest of the team's quarterbacks being placed in COVID-19 quarantine for a week. In doing so, Hinton became the first non-professional quarterback to play significant snaps at the position in an NFL game since running back Tom Matte with the Baltimore Colts in 1965.
The 2021 season was the Denver Broncos' 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 62nd overall. It was also the final season under the ownership of Pat Bowlen's estate who owned the team since the 1984 season.
The 2022 season was the Denver Broncos' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 63rd overall, their second under the leadership of general manager George Paton, and their first and only season under head coach Nathaniel Hackett. This was also their first season under the ownership of the Walton-Penner Family Group, replacing the Pat Bowlen Trust that had existed following the death of longtime owner Pat Bowlen in 2019.
Brandon Johnson is an American professional football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tennessee and UCF.
The 2024 season will be the Denver Broncos' upcoming 55th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 65th overall. It will also be their fourth under the leadership of general manager George Paton, their third under the ownership of the Walton-Penner family group and their second under head coach Sean Payton. They will attempt to improve on their 8–9 record from last year, make the playoffs after an eight-year absence, and end their eight-year AFC West title drought. This is their first season without Justin Simmons since 2015, as he was released on March 7.
NOTE: Search for the 2023 season.
NOTE: Search for the 2023 season.