With a 14–3 record, the Broncos tied a franchise record for wins in a single season, previously set in 1998. The Broncos clinched their first AFC West division title and No. 1 seed since their 2015 Super Bowl-winning season, finishing tied with the New England Patriots, but earning the No. 1 seed based on the common games tiebreaker, and ending their 10 year drought since they last advanced past the first round of the playoffs.
The Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills, 33–30, in the Divisional Round to advance to the AFC Championship Game; however, starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury on the second-to-last play. With backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham starting, the Broncos had an extremely disappointing game against the Drake Maye-led New England Patriots, as they were upset with a loss of 10–7.
Darren Rizzi and Zach Strief will also hold the title of assistant head coach, alongside Jim Leonhard.[4][6]
Austin King, Addison Lynch, Isaac Shewmaker, Shaun Snee, Zach Strief and Davis Webb were all promoted from within the organization, and were not new hires.[4]
In-season
On January 17, it was announced that John Morton would re-join the team for the postseason as an offensive consultant after being let go from his previous position as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.[13]
Dave Bratten, Reed Burckhardt, Roya Burton, Bryan Chesin, Scott DiStefano, A. J. Durso, Deon Randall, Nick Schiralli, and Ish Seisay were all promoted from within the organization, and were not new hires.[15]
Roster changes
Future contracts
All players listed below were signed to reserve/future contracts on January 13,[21] unless otherwise noted. Each player was officially added to the active roster on March 12—the first day of the 2025 league year.
Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA): Players with four or more accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season Restricted Free Agent (RFA): Players with three accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season Exclusive-Rights Free Agent (ERFA): Players with two or fewer accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season
12345678The Broncos traded a second round selection (51st overall), a third round selection (85th overall), a fourth round selection (122nd overall), and a sixth-round selection (208th overall) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for 2nd round selection (57th overall), a 3rd round selection (74th overall), a fourth round selection (111th overall) and a seventh-round selection (230th overall).[123]
1234The Broncos traded a 2nd round selection (57th overall) and a 7 round selection (230th overall) for a second round selection (60th overall) and a fourth round selection (130th overall).[124]
12345The Broncos traded two fourth round selections (111th overall and 130th overall) along with a sixth round selection (191st overall) to the Eagles in exchange for a third round selection (101st overall) and a fourth round selection (134th overall).[125]
↑The Broncos traded a fifth-round selection and LB Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2023 first-round selection, a 2024 fourth-round selection and RB Chase Edmonds.[126]
↑The Broncos traded LB Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a sixth-round selection.[127]
123The Broncos traded the No. 197 selection to the Houston Texans in exchange for the Texans' sixth- and seventh-round selections—Nos. 216 and 241 overall, respectively.[128]
12The Broncos traded a seventh-round selection and TE Albert Okwuegbunam to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a sixth-round selection.[129]
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 6 receptions, 61 yards, TD
Prior to the two-minute warning, all of the scoring came by way of the placekickers—50- and 33-yard field goals by the Titans' Joey Slye and a 39-yarder by the Broncos' Wil Lutz. The second Titans' field goal occurred after Broncos' quarterback Bo Nix was strip-sacked. The Broncos took a 10–6 lead with only 27 second before halftime, with Nix throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. However, Titans' return specialist Chimere Dike returned the ensuing kickoff to the Broncos' 24-yard line, which set up Slye's third field goal—a 42-yarder just before halftime. Following a Nix interception on the second play of the third quarter, Slye's fourth field goal of the game from 35 yards out gave the Titans a 12–10 lead. The Broncos marched down the field on their next possession, but had to settle on a 33-yard field goal by Lutz. This gave the Broncos a lead in which they would not relinquish. After Broncos' return specialist Marvin Mims muffed a punt early in the fourth quarter, the Titans had a short field at the Broncos' 24-yard line. However, Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward was sacked on two consecutive plays, which would push the Titans out of field goal range. Four plays later, Broncos' running back J. K. Dobbins rushed for a 19-yard touchdown, giving the Broncos a 20–12 lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Broncos' defense forced a three-and-out on the Titans' next two possessions. With only 47 seconds left in the game, and after the Titans exhausted all of their team timeouts, Ward was strip-sacked on 4th-and-10 to seal the Broncos' win. The Broncos' defense held the Titans to –2 net yards in the second half and recorded six sacks of Ward.[182]
Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts
Week 2: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts– Game summary
After a strong performance against the Titans, the Broncos' defense struggled against the Colts, failing to force a punt and surrendering five field goals to placekicker Spencer Shrader. The defense also allowed Colts' quarterback Daniel Jones to pass for 316 yards, rush for one touchdown and pass for another. Three touchdown passes by quarterback Bo Nix and a 5-yard rushing touchdown by running back J. K. Dobbins gave the Broncos a 28–20 lead at the 11:13 mark of the third quarter. However, the Broncos would be held scoreless for the remainder of the game. After Nix was intercepted deep in Colts' territory, a 28-yard field goal by Schrader narrowed the Broncos' lead to 28–26 early in the fourth quarter. Broncos' placekicker Wil Lutz hit the right upright on a 42-yard field goal attempt with 3:19 remaining in the game, and the Colts had one last offensive possession. With three seconds left in the game, Schrader missed short on a 60-yard field goal attempt; however, Broncos' linebacker Dondrea Tillman was flagged for a 15-yard leverage penalty, giving Schrader another opportunity. Schrader kicked the game-winning 45-yard field goal on an untimed down.[183]
Week 3: at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers– Game summary
The Broncos spotted the Chargers a 10–0 lead, after a 32-yard field goal by placekicker Cameron Dicker, followed in the second quarter by a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Omarion Hampton. The Broncos then scored 17 unanswered points, and got on the scoreboard just before halftime, with quarterback Bo Nix launching a 52-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. A 19-yard touchdown run by running back J. K. Dobbins and a 42-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz gave the Broncos a 17–10 lead. After a 24-yard field goal by Dicker narrowed the Broncos' lead to 17–13, Lutz responded with a 26-yarder early in the fourth quarter. The Broncos went three-and out on their next offensive possession, and Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert connected on a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Keenan Allen to tie the score at 20–20 with 2:37 remaining in the game. The Broncos had a chance to get in field goal range, but Nix overthrew Sutton on a critical third down pass play on the first play from scrimmage after the two-minute warning, forcing the Broncos to punt. Herbert then engineered a game-winning drive, culminating in a 43-yard field goal by Dicker as time expired. It was the second consecutive week in which the Broncos were victimized by a game-ending field goal.[184]
Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week 4: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos– Game summary
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 5 receptions, 81 yards, TD
After allowing a 26-yard field goal by Bengals' placekicker Evan McPherson on the game's opening drive, the Broncos' defense held the Bengals scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Broncos' defense also recorded three sacks of Bengals' quarterback Jake Browning, who was playing in place of the injured Joe Burrow. On the offensive side of the football, quarterback Bo Nix accounted for three of the Broncos' four touchdowns—two passing and one rushing—and wide receiver Marvin Mims rushed for the other touchdown. J. K. Dobbins became the first Broncos' running back to rush for 100 yards since Week 18 of the 2022 season.[185]
Week 5: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week 5: Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles– Game summary
A 55-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz got the Broncos on the scoreboard midway through the first quarter. The Broncos caught a break, after a fumble by quarterback Bo Nix was overturned by a booth review. However, the Eagles would score 17 unanswered points and the Broncos were forced to punt on their next six possessions. First, a 31-yard field goal by placekicker Jake Elliott got the Eagles on the scoreboard late in the first quarter. Then, quarterback Jalen Hurts tossed a pair of touchdown passes—a 2-yarder to tight end Dallas Goedert midway through the second quarter, followed by a 47-yarder to running back Saquon Barkley on the opening possession of the third quarter. The Broncos' defense held the Eagles scoreless for the remainder of the game, and the offense did not reach the red zone until early in the fourth quarter, when running back J. K. Dobbins rushed for a 2-yard touchdown. After forcing an Eagles' punt, Nix connected on an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Evan Engram. Instead of a game-tying extra point, the Broncos opted for a successful two-point conversion pass from Nix to wide receiver Troy Franklin that gave the Broncos an 18–17 lead with 7:43 remaining in the game.[186]
The Eagles faced a 4th-and-4 near midfield on their next possession, and Hurts connected on a long pass play to wide receiver DeVonta Smith to the Broncos' 21-yard line. However, an illegal shift penalty on Barkley negated the 4th-down conversion, forcing a punt. The Broncos then drove down the field and forced the Eagles to use all of their team timeouts. A 36-yard field goal by Lutz gave the Broncos a 21–17 lead with only 1:14 remaining in the game. The drive was extended as the result a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on Eagles' linebacker Zack Baun, after Broncos' running back RJ Harvey was stopped just short of a first down on a 3rd-and-2 at the Eagles' 29-yard line. After Broncos' safety JL Skinner was flagged for pass interference on a 4th-down play near midfield, the Eagles had one last play at the Broncos 29-yard line with three seconds remaining. Hurts' hail mary pass into the back of the end zone intended for wide receivers Smith and A. J. Brown was well defended by several Broncos' defenders, falling incomplete as time expired to seal the upset. The Broncos' defense recorded six sacks of Hurts, and the Broncos won in Philadelphia for only the second time in eight tries—their only other road win over the Eagles was a 33–7 victory in 1986.[187][186]
The game began with an exchange of field goals by both placekickers—52- and 41-yarders by the Jets' Nick Folk, and a 57-yarder by the Broncos' Wil Lutz in between. The Jets' first field goal occurred after a Broncos' fumble, and the second field goal was set up by a 72-yard kickoff return by return specialist Kene Nwangwu. The Broncos took a 10–6 lead at the end of the first quarter, with the game's only touchdown—a 16-yard pass from quarterback Bo Nix to tight end Nate Adkins. Following a scoreless second quarter, a 38-yard field goal by Folk on the opening possession of the third quarter narrowed the Broncos' lead to 10–9. Following an exchange of punts, the Broncos were backed up to their own goal line, and the Jets took an 11–10 lead, after Broncos' tackle Garett Bolles was penalized for offensive holding in the end zone, resulting in a safety. Following a defensive struggle, the Broncos re-claimed the lead, with a 27-yard field goal by Lutz with 5:09 remaining in the game. Both teams went three-and-out on their next offensive possessions, and the Jets had one last possession at their own 43-yard line with 2:23 remaining in the game. After five plays, the Jets' faced a 4th-and-8 at the Broncos' 44-yard line; however, quarterback Justin Fields was sacked, ending the Jets' rally attempt. The Broncos' defense recorded nine sacks on Fields, and held the Jets to just 82 total net yards on offense. The Broncos also limited the Jets to −10 net passing yards, setting a franchise record for the fewest passing yards allowed in a single game. It was the lowest total by any NFL team since the San Diego Chargers recorded −19 passing yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998.[191][192][193]
Week 7: vs. New York Giants
Week 7: New York Giants at Denver Broncos– Game summary
The Broncos' offense struggled through the first three quarters, failing to cross midfield on seven of their first eight possessions. The only exception was a 13-play, 64-yard drive, in which the Broncos' failed to convert a 4th-and-goal at the Giants' 2-yard line. Giants' rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart connected on two touchdown passes—a 44-yarder to tight end Daniel Bellinger in the first quarter, followed in the second quarter by a 13-yarder to running back Cameron Skattebo. However, placekicker Jude McAtamney missed wide-left on the extra point attempt. The Giants added to their lead at the 2:47 mark of the third quarter, with a 31-yard touchdown run by running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.; however, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 19–0.[194]
The Broncos then started their monumental comeback, and finally got on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter, with quarterback Bo Nix completing a short 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Troy Franklin, coupled with a successful 2-point conversion pass from Nix to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. The Giants responded on their next possession, with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Dart to tight end Theo Johnson. The Broncos subsequently cut into the Giants' lead, with Nix scrambling right for a 7-yard touchdown, coupled with another successful two-point conversion—from Nix to Franklin—with 5:19 remaining in the game. On the third play of the Giants' next possession, Dart was intercepted by Broncos' linebacker Justin Strnad deep in Giants territory. The Broncos capitalized on the turnover four plays later, with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Nix to running back RJ Harvey. After the Broncos' defense forced a three-and-out of the Giants' offense, the Broncos took their first lead just after the two-minute warning, with Nix scrambling left for an 18-yard touchdown. The Giants quickly responded, and with only 40 seconds left, Dart dove into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown. However, McAtamney missed another extra point attempt, leaving the Giants with a 32–30 lead. McAtamney's two missed extra points, coupled with the unsuccessful 2-point conversion attempt after their third touchdown, would all prove costly. With no timeouts, Nix engineered a game-winning drive, reaching the Giants' 21-yard line and a clock-stopping spike with only three seconds left. Placekicker Wil Lutz kicked the game-winning 39-yard field goal as time expired, capping off a 33-point scoring output in the fourth quarter.[194]
The Broncos' stunning comeback snapped an NFL-record streak of 1,602 consecutive wins by teams leading by 18 or more points in the final six minutes of a game.[195] Trailing 26–8 with 6:38 remaining and facing a fourth-and-3, the Broncos' win probability dropped to as low as 0.7% according to Next Gen Stats.[196] Denver's 33 points in the fourth quarter are the most in NFL history by any team that had been shut out through the first three quarters. Quarterback Bo Nix became the first player in league history to run for two touchdowns and throw for two more in a single fourth quarter. The Broncos' 33-point quarter was the second-highest in NFL history, behind only a 34-point performance by the Lions in the 2007 season.[197]
Week 8: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 8: Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos– Game summary
DEN – Troy Franklin – 6 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD
After an interception by Broncos' quarterback Bo Nix led to an early Cowboys' field goal, the Broncos dominated the remainder of the game. Nix threw four touchdown passes, and running back RJ Harvey scored three touchdowns—two rushing, one receiving. The Cowboys never got any closer than a 10-point deficit in the second half. With the win, the Broncos increased their winning streak over the Cowboys to eight, dating back to 1998,[198] and the Broncos improved to 6–2 for the first time since 2016.[199]
Week 9: at Houston Texans
Week 9: Denver Broncos at Houston Texans– Game summary
The game started with unsuccessful field goal attempts by both placekickers—the Texans' Ka'imi Fairbairn missed wide-right on a 51-yard attempt, and the Broncos' Wil Lutz had his 51-yard attempt blocked. Two field goals by Fairbairn—a 23-yarder at the end of the first quarter, followed by a 41-yarder midway through the second quarter—gave the Texans a 6–0 lead. The latter field goal occurred after an interception by Broncos' quarterback Bo Nix. Texans' quarterback C. J. Stroud was knocked out of the game with a concussion prior to the second field goal, and backup quarterback Davis Mills took over for the remainder of the game. The Broncos got on the scoreboard, with Nix throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. A 38-yard field goal by Fairbairn just after the two-minute warning gave the lead back to the Texans, and after Broncos' return specialist Michael Bandy muffed a punt, Fairbairn added a 40-yard field goal at the end of the first half. The Broncos' offense struggled against the Texans' No. 1-ranked defense, going three-and-out on two of their three third quarter possessions. Fairbairn's fifth field goal of the game—a 41-yarder midway through the third quarter—gave the Texans a 15–7 lead, which would be the final scoring play that the Broncos' defense would allow for the remainder of the game. The Broncos reached the end zone early in the fourth quarter, with Nix connecting on a 27-yard touchdown pass to running back RJ Harvey, followed by a successful two-point conversion to wide receiver Troy Franklin—to tie the score at 15–15. Following an exchange of punts, the Broncos started their final possession of the game at their own 36-yard line with only 50 seconds remaining in the game. The Broncos reached the Texans' 16-yard line in five plays, keyed by two scrambles by Nix totaling 41 yards, and in the process, forcing the Texans to use the last two of their three team timeouts. This set up Lutz with the game-winning 34-yard field goal as time expired.[200]
With their third comeback victory of the season, the Broncos improved to their first 7–2 start since 2015. Tight end Marcedes Lewis made history when, at age 41, he became the oldest tight end ever to play in an NFL game. Additionally, when he entered the game on the fourth snap of the Broncos’ first drive, he also became the oldest player to appear in a game for the franchise in its history.[201]
Week 10: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Week 10: Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos– Game summary
The entire game was a defensive struggle by both teams, with the Broncos and Raiders going a combined 9-for-30 on third down and also featuring numerous penalties. The Raiders took the early lead, with rookie running back Ashton Jeanty rushing for a 4-yard touchdown. It was the only scoring play that the Broncos' defense allowed during the entire game. The Raiders committed two costly penalties that negated two big plays—a 32-yard run by Jeanty that was denied by a holding call late in the first quarter, followed by a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Geno Smith to wide receiver Tre Tucker that was denied by offensive pass interference. The Broncos responded in the second quarter, with a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bo Nix to wide receiver Troy Franklin. Each placekicker missed a field goal—the Broncos' Wil Lutz missed short on a 59-yard attempt, while the Raiders' Daniel Carlson missed wide-right later on a 48-yard attempt later in the fourth quarter. Late in the third quarter, the Broncos made a crucial special teams play, with safety JL Skinner blocking a punt by the Raiders' AJ Cole deep in Raiders' territory. The Broncos were forced to settle for a 32-yard field goal by Lutz, after losing 2-yards. This gave the Broncos a 10–7 lead, and it was the final scoring play of the game. The Broncos started their final offensive possession of the game with 4:26 left in the game, and proceeded to run out the clock.[202]
Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week 11: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Chiefs
3
3
7
6
19
Broncos
6
0
7
9
22
at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Date: November 16
Game time: 2:25p.m. MST
Game weather: Sunny, 70°F (21°C)
Game attendance: 75,911
Referee: Adrian Hill
TV announcers(CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
All of the first half scoring came by way of each placekicker—29- and 24-yard field goals by the Broncos' Wil Lutz, followed by a pair of 31-yard field goals by the Chiefs' Harrison Butker. On the opening possession of the second half, Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes was intercepted by Broncos' cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian, and the Broncos capitalized 11 plays later, with their only touchdown of the game—a 4-yard run by running back Jaleel McLaughlin. The Chiefs responded, with a 2-yard touchdown by running back Kareem Hunt. After a 38-yard field goal by Lutz gave the Broncos a 16–13 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs took their first lead of the game, with Mahomes connecting on a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce. However, Butker's extra point attempt was blocked by Broncos' lineman Frank Crum, leaving the score at 19–16. Following an exchange of punts, a 54-yard field goal by Lutz tied the game at 19–19 at the 4:15 mark of the fourth quarter. The Broncos' defense forced a three-and-out, which included an 11-yard sack of Mahomes by McMillian on a 3rd-and-10.[203]
The Broncos started their final offensive possession with 2:59 remaining in the game. Quarterback Bo Nix completed two third-down passes to wide receiver Courtland Sutton for two crucial first downs, forcing the Chiefs to use all of their team timeouts after reaching the 15-yard line. With only three seconds on the clock, Lutz kicked the game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired, earning the team's revenge for the previous season’s meeting in Kansas City, where Lutz’s potential game-winning field goal as time expired was blocked. The Broncos extended their home win streak to 11 games and improved to 9–2, and also winning eight straight for the first time since 2012.[203]
Week 13: at Washington Commanders
Week 13: Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders– Game summary
Two 33-yard field goals by placekicker Wil Lutz gave the Broncos a 6–0 lead midway through the second quarter. The latter field goal occurred after an interception of Commanders' backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was playing in place of the injured Jayden Daniels. Each team proceeded to alternate touchdown-scoring drives. First, the Commanders grabbed the lead, with an 8-yard run by running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. Then, Broncos' quarterback Bo Nix connected on an 11-yard pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Then, Mariota threw a 5-yard pass to wide receiver Treylon Burks on the opening possession of the second half, and a 1-yard touchdown rush by running back RJ Harvey gave the Broncos a 20–14 lead later in the third quarter. On the Broncos' next possession, Nix was intercepted by linebacker Bobby Wagner early in the fourth quarter, and the Commanders capitalized, with a 38-yard field goal by placekicker Jake Moody. Each team proceeded to exchange punts, until the Commanders had the last possession with exactly three minutes left in the fourth quarter. With only four seconds left, a 32-yard field goal by Moody sent the game to overtime, tied at 20–20.[204]
The Commanders won the overtime coin toss, but deferred to the Broncos, and the Broncos took the opening possession of overtime. Five plays in, a 5-yard touchdown run by Harvey gave the Broncos a 27–20 lead. The Commanders had a response, and on the fifth play, Mariota was intercepted by Broncos' safety Brandon Jones; however, a defensive pass interference penalty on safety Talanoa Hufanga negated the interception, giving the Commanders a new set of downs at the Broncos' 41-yard line. With 2:50 remaining in overtime, the Commanders faced a 4th-and-goal at the 3-yard line, and Mariota threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. However, instead of tying the game, the Commanders opted for a potential game-winning two-point conversion attempt. Mariota's pass attempt was batted away by Broncos' linebacker Nik Bonitto, allowing the Broncos to hold on for the 27–26 victory.[204]
With another comeback win, the Broncos became the first team in NFL history to record nine consecutive comeback victories.[205]
Week 14: at Las Vegas Raiders
Week 14: Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders– Game summary
Each team scored on their opening possession—an 8-yard touchdown run by Broncos' quarterback Bo Nix, followed by a 15-yard touchdown pass from Raiders' quarterback Geno Smith to tight end Brock Bowers at the end of the first quarter. The Broncos then scored 17 unanswered points. First, return specialist Marvin Mims returned a punt 48 yards for a touchdown. Then, running back RJ Harvey rushed for a 3-yard touchdown at the 4:10 mark of the third quarter. Finally, a 23-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach. After Smith exited the game with a shoulder injury at the end of the third quarter, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett entered the game, and threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Shedrick Jackson just before the two-minute warning. After a Broncos' punt, and with no timeouts, the Raiders were only able to settle for a game-ending 46-yard field goal by placekicker Daniel Carlson. The Broncos swept the Raiders in consecutive seasons for the first time since three consecutive season sweeps from 2012–2014. The Broncos secured their 10th straight win for the first time since 2012 and improved to 11–2 for the first time since 2013. With the Kansas City Chiefs losing to the Houston Texans later that night, this would ensure that the AFC West would have a new division champion for the first time since 2015.[206]
Week 15: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 15: Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos– Game summary
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 7 receptions, 113 yards, TD
The Packers took the early lead, with two field goals by placekicker Brandon McManus, who played with the Broncos from 2014–2022. The first field goal occurred after Broncos' running back RJ Harvey lost a fumble on the game's opening possession. The Broncos got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter, with a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bo Nix to wide receiver Michael Bandy. The Packers responded, when quarterback Jordan Love connected with running back Josh Jacobs on a 14-yard touchdown pass. The Broncos re-took the lead at the two-minute warning, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Nix to running back Lil'Jordan Humphrey. A 35-yard field goal by McManus gave the Packers a 16–14 lead at halftime, and the Packers added to their lead on the opening possession of the second half, with a 40-yard touchdown run by Jacobs. After the Broncos went three-and-out on their first possession of the second half, the Packers were threatening to add to their lead; however, on the first play from scrimmage, Love was intercepted by Broncos' cornerback Patrick Surtain II—his first interception of the season. The Broncos capitalized, with Nix throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. After forcing the Packers' first punt of the game, Nix's fourth touchdown pass—a 23-yarder to wide receiver Troy Franklin—gave the Broncos a lead at the end of the third quarter that they would not relinquish. A two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 27–23. After a 37-yard field goal by McManus, a 4-yard touchdown run by Harvey increased the lead to 34–26. After using all of their team timeouts, the Packers had one last possession with one minute remaining in the game. However, Love threw four consecutive incomplete passes, sealing with win for Broncos, and in the process, the Broncos became the first AFC team to clinch a playoff berth.[207]
Week 16: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 16: Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos– Game summary
DEN – Wil Lutz 54-yard field goal, 9:10. Broncos 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:06.
JAX – Brenton Strange 3-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Cam Little kick), 4:33. Jaguars 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:37.
JAX – Cam Little 47-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 1:48.
Third quarter
DEN – RJ Harvey 38-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 13:01. Tied 17–17. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:59.
JAX – Trevor Lawrence 1-yard run (Cam Little kick), 7:44. Jaguars 24–17. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:17.
JAX – Travis Etienne 10-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Cam Little kick), 3:56. Jaguars 31–17. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:07.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Cam Little 26-yard field goal, 13:36. Jaguars 34–17. Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 3:25.
DEN – Wil Lutz 21-yard field goal, 10:44. Jaguars 34–20. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:52.
Top passers
JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 23/36, 279 yards, 3 TD
DEN – Bo Nix – 28/47, 352 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
JAX – Travis Etienne – 16 rushes, 50 yards
DEN – RJ Harvey – 7 rushes, 50 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Parker Washington – 6 receptions, 145 yards, TD
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 6 receptions, 86 yards, TD
After both teams exchanged punts to begin the game, the Broncos drove down the field; however, placekicker Wil Lutz hit the right upright on a 44-yard field goal attempt. The Jaguars took the lead at the end of the first quarter, with a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to wide receiver Parker Washington. The Broncos responded by scoring 10 unanswered points to take a 10–7 lead, with a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bo Nix to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, followed by a 54-yard field goal by Lutz. The Jaguars responded with 10 unanswered points of their own, with Lawrence connecting on a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brenton Strange, followed by a 47-yard field goal by placekicker Cam Little as time expired at the end of the first half. A 38-yard touchdown run by Broncos' running back RJ Harvey on the opening possession of the second half tied the game at 17–17. However, the Jaguars reeled off 17 unanswered points and took control of the game. Lawrence rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, then connected on a 10-yard touchdown pass to running back Travis Etienne, and Little added a 26-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. A 21-yard field goal by Lutz was as close as the Broncos would get, and Nix later threw an interception that would end any chances of a Broncos' rally, and also ending the Broncos' in-season 11-game winning streak and 12-game home win streak.[208]
Though the Broncos entered the game as double-digit favorites and faced the Chiefs’ third-string quarterback, Chris Oladokun, they struggled to put away Kansas City. Oladokun was placing in place of regular starter Patrick Mahomes and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, both of whom suffered season-ending knee injuries during the Chiefs' two previous games. The Broncos began by driving down the field, and reached the red zone, but failed to reach the end zone, and were forced to settle on a 27-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz midway through the first quarter. Following an interception by Broncos' quarterback Bo Nix, the Chiefs scored a touchdown on the following possession, with Oladokun connecting on a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Brashard Smith. Following an exchange of punts, a 30-yard field goal by Lutz gave pulled the Broncos to within a 7–6 deficit at halftime. After a 53-yard field goal by Chiefs' placekicker Harrison Butker on the opening possession of the second half, the Broncos took a 13–10 lead late in the third quarter, with Nix scrambling for a 9-yard touchdown. A 47-yard field goal by Butker tied the game at 13–13 with eight minutes remaining. The game-deciding play occurred late in the fourth quarter, when the Broncos faced a 4th-and-2 inside the Chiefs' 10-yard line, but did not intend to snap the ball. Chiefs' defensive tackle Chris Jones jumped off-sides, giving the Broncos a fresh set of downs, which led to the go-ahead and eventual game-winning 1-yard touchdown pass from Nix to running back RJ Harvey. The Chiefs' had one last possession, but with 20 seconds remaining and facing a 4th-and-8 at the Broncos' 26-yard line, Oladokun overthrew wide receiver Marquise Brown in the end zone.[209]
The Chargers rested several key starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, giving Denver an advantage. The Broncos' defense only allowed one scoring play—a 30-yard field goal by placekicker Cameron Dicker. However, the Broncos failed to score an offensive touchdown, settling for four field goals by placekicker Wil Lutz. The game's only touchdown occurred in the first quarter, when cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian returned an interception off Chargers backup quarterback Trey Lance 45 yards for a touchdown. With the win, the Broncos clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye for the first time since 2015. With a 14–3 record, they also tied a franchise record for wins in a single season, previously set in 1998.[210] They were set to host the No. 6 seed Buffalo Bills on January 17, 2026 in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The Broncos played their first playoff game in Denver since 2016 and took an early lead over Buffalo thanks to a Wil Lutz field goal. However, the Bills took the lead when Josh Allen found Mecole Hardman, giving them the lead after a Broncos third and out. Linebacker Alex Singleton forced running back James Cook to fumble the ball, the Broncos took advantage and the lead on their next possession when Bo Nix found offensive lineman Frank Crum for the touchdown, which was Crum's first in the NFL. Buffalo kicked a field goal to tie the game, but Nix found Lil'Jordan Humphrey to give Denver a seven-point lead, which the Broncos extended to 10 following a force fumble by Nik Bonitto that saw them kick a field goal before the half. Coming out of the half, Bonitto stripped the ball from Allen and that set up a 33-yard field goal for Lutz to give Denver a 13 point lead. However, Buffalo responded and scored a touchdown on their next possession. After both teams exchanged interceptions, the Bills took the lead when Allen found tight end Dalton Kincaid for another touchdown and after a third and out by the Broncos, the Bills drove down the field but were held to a field goal. The Broncos responded and took a 30–27 lead on a Marvin Mims touchdown with less than a minute in regulation, but Buffalo drove down the field and tied the game at 30 with five seconds left, forcing the game to overtime. After the Broncos punted on their first possession, Allen threw an interception to cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian on the Bills' first and only possession of the overtime period. The Broncos drove down the field, and thanks to two defensive pass interference penalties, kicked the game winning field goal, giving them their first playoff win since Super Bowl 50. After the game, it was announced that Nix had suffered a season-ending broken ankle and would undergo surgery.
This game reached an average of approximately 39.6 million viewers, with a peak of approximately 51.3 million viewers during overtime. It became the most-watched Saturday sports telecast since the 1994 Winter Olympics, and also became the most-watched Saturday afternoon telecast in American television history.[216]
AFC Championship: vs. (2) New England Patriots
AFC Championship: (2) New England Patriots at (1) Denver Broncos– Game summary
After both teams traded punts to begin the game, a 53 yard Completion by Jarrett Stidham filling in for the injured Bo Nix to Marvin Mims set up a 6-yard Touchdown from Stidham to Courtland Sutton for the Broncos only points of the game, after both teams traded punts, the Broncos had a 4th and 1 at the New England 14 but Stidham's pass was incomplete and turning over the ball on downs. After forcing a New England punt, Stidham was stripped sacked and New England scored a Touchdown to tie the game at 7, after both teams exchanged punts both teams missed field goals to end the half. Out of the 2nd half New England scored a Field Goal on a long drive which proved to be the last score of the game. After the Broncos went 3 and out, New England drove down the field but a Missed Field Goal kept the game at 10-7, after both teams exchanged punts twice, the Broncos had the ball at New England 33 yard line however after earning only five yards on three plays, Kicker Wil Lutz had his kick blocked keeping the score at 10-7. After forcing a New England punt, the Broncos had one last chance to tie the game or win it however Stidham threw a Interception with only 2:18 left and New England earned a first down on their next possesion, ending the game and the Broncos impressive season.
12Denver finished ahead of New England based on common games (Denver 6–0 to New England 5–1 against: Cincinnati, Las Vegas, NY Giants, NY Jets and Tennessee).
12Houston finished ahead of Buffalo based on head-to-head victory.
12Indianapolis finished ahead of Baltimore based on conference record (Indianapolis 6–6 to Baltimore 5–7).
12Cincinnati finished ahead of Kansas City based on conference record (Cincinnati 5–7 to Kansas City 3–9).
123Las Vegas finished ahead of NY Jets and Tennessee based on conference record (Las Vegas 3–9 to NY Jets 2–10 and Tennessee 2–10).
12NY Jets finished ahead of Tennessee based on strength of victory (NY Jets .373 to Tennessee .275).
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