RS Marvin Mims FS Justin Simmons CB Patrick Surtain II
All-Pros
KR Marvin Mims (2nd team) S Justin Simmons (2nd team)
Uniform
← 2022
Broncos seasons
2024 →
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. This was the first time the Broncos ranked bottom 10 on offense and defense since the 1992 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 70–20 loss in Week 3 to the Miami Dolphins.
The Denver Broncos drew an average home attendance of 76,388 in 9 home games in the 2023 NFL season, the 5th highest in the league.[3]
Coaching changes
[edit]
On February 3, Sean Payton was named as the 20th head coach in franchise history. Payton previously coached the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 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.[4] 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.[5]
In the weeks that followed Payton's hiring, the Broncos underwent the following coaching changes:
2023 Denver Broncos coaching staff 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 coach
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
Sources for this section: Denver Broncos' official website[6][7]
Roster changes
[edit]
Future contracts
[edit]
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.[8]
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.
Exclusive-rights
[edit]
Position
Player
Tag
2022 team
Notes
T
Quinn Bailey
ERFA
Denver Broncos
assigned tender on March 13,[44] released August 29,[11] re-signed August 31[33]
LB
Jonas Griffith
ERFA
None
assigned tender on March 13,[44] placed on injured reserve on August 3[48]
Exclusive-Rights Free Agent (ERFA): Players with two or fewer accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season
signed March 7,[64] released August 29,[11] assigned to the practice squad on August 30,[14] promoted to the active roster on September 13,[65] released October 11,[66] promoted to the active roster on October 18,[67] released October 20,[55] promoted to the active roster on October 25[68]
^ abThe Broncos traded first- and second-round selections (5th and 37th overall), 2022 first-, second- and fifth-round selections, QB Drew Lock, DT Shelby Harris and TE Noah Fant to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2022 fourth-round selection and QB Russell Wilson.[92]
^The Broncos traded a first-round selection (29th overall) and a 2024 second-round selection to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2024 third-round selection and the coaching rights to Saints head coach Sean Payton.[93]
^The Broncos traded a 2025 fifth-round selection and LB Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a first-round selection (29th overall), a 2024 fourth-round selection and RB Chase Edmonds.[94][95]
^ abcdThe Broncos traded third- and fifth-round selections (68th and 138th overall) to the Detroit Lions in exchange for second- and sixth-round selections (63rd and 183rd overall).[96]
^The Broncos traded a 2022 third-round selection to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a third-round selection (67th overall) and a 2022 fifth-round selection.[97]
^ abThe Broncos traded a fourth-round selection (108th overall) and a 2024 third-round selection to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a third-round selection (83rd overall).[98]
^The Broncos traded a sixth-round selection (183rd overall) and WR Trinity Benson to the Detroit Lions in exchange for 2022 fifth- and seventh-round selections (145th and 234th overall).[99]
^ abThe Broncos traded a sixth-round selection (195th overall) to the New Orleans Saintsin exchange for a seventh-round selection (257th overall) and TE Adam Trautman.[100]
^ abThe Broncos traded a seventh-round selection (241st overall) and LB Malik Reed to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a sixth-round selection (195th overall).[101]
^The Broncos traded a seventh-round selection (222nd overall) and a 2022 sixth-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2022 seventh-round selection (250th overall) and LB Jonas Griffith.[102]
^The Broncos traded a 2022 seventh-round selection to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a seventh-round selection (241st overall) and DE Stephen Weatherly.[103]
Undrafted free agents
[edit]
All undrafted free agents were signed prior to the team's rookie minicamp on May 12,[79] unless noted otherwise.
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.[107]
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.[108] One day later (October 24), Jackson's suspension was reduced to two games following an appeal hearing.[109][56]
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.[110]
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.[111]
LV – Jimmy Garoppolo – 20/26, 200 yards, 2 TD, INT
DEN – Russell Wilson – 27/34, 177 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
LV – Josh Jacobs – 19 rushes, 48 yards
DEN – Javonte Williams – 13 rushes, 52 yards
Top receivers
LV – Jakobi Meyers – 9 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TD
DEN – Samaje Perine – 4 receptions, 37 yards
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.[143]
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.[143]
Week 2: vs. Washington Commanders
[edit]
Week 2: Washington Commanders at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
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
Date: September 17
Game time: 2:25p.m. MDT
Game weather: Sunny, 81 °F (27 °C)
Game attendance: 76,108
Referee: Brad Rogers
TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta and Aditi Kinkhabwala
DEN – Jaleel McLaughlin 5-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 6:14. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 4:05.
WAS – Joey Slye 44-yard field goal, 0:24. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 5:50.
DEN – Marvin Mims 60-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 0:12. Broncos 14–3. Drive: 1 plays, 75 yards, 0:12.
Second quarter
DEN – Brandon Johnson 16-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 9:01. Broncos 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 5:01.
WAS – Logan Thomas 4-yard pass from Sam Howell (Brian Robinson Jr. run), 1:47. Broncos 21–11. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:47.
WAS – Joey Slye 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Broncos 21–14. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 1:20.
Third quarter
WAS – Terry McLaurin 30-yard pass from Sam Howell (Joey Slye kick), 11:47. Tied 21–21. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 2:01.
DEN – Wil Lutz 31-yard field goal, 2:11. Broncos 24–21. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 5:21.
Fourth quarter
WAS – Brian Robinson Jr. 2-yard run (Joey Slye kick), 13:25. Commanders 28–24. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:46.
WAS – Brian Robinson Jr. 15-yard run (Joey Slye kick), 7:11. Commanders 35–24. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 5:11.
DEN – Wil Lutz 32-yard field goal, 1:50. Commanders 35–27. Drive: 15 plays, 61 yards, 5:21.
DEN – Brandon Johnson 50-yard pass from Russell Wilson (pass failed), 0:00. Commanders 35–33. Drive: 7 plays, 87 yards, 0:48.
Top passers
WAS – Sam Howell – 27/39, 299 yards, 2 TD
DEN – Russell Wilson – 18/32, 308 yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers
WAS – Brian Robinson Jr. – 18 rushes, 87 yards
DEN – Russell Wilson – 6 rushes, 56 yards
Top receivers
WAS – Terry McLaurin – 5 receptions, 54 yards, TD
DEN – Marvin Mims – 2 receptions, 113 yards, TD
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.[144]
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.[144]
Week 3: at Miami Dolphins
[edit]
Week 3: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
7
6
0
7
20
Dolphins
14
21
14
21
70
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Date: September 24
Game time: 1:00p.m. EDT/11:00a.m. MDT
Game weather: Partly cloudy, 86 °F (30 °C)
Game attendance: 65,522
Referee: Clay Martin
TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
MIA – De'Von Achane 67-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 8:01. Dolphins 70–20. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:49.
Top passers
DEN – Russell Wilson – 23/38, 306 yards, TD, INT
MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 23/26, 309 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
DEN – Javonte Williams – 11 rushes, 42 yards
MIA – De'Von Achane – 18 rushes, 203 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 8 receptions, 91 yards, TD
MIA – Tyreek Hill – 9 receptions, 157 yards, TD
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.[145]
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.[146]
Week 4: at Chicago Bears
[edit]
Week 4: Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
7
0
7
17
31
Bears
0
21
7
0
28
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Date: October 1
Game time: 12:00p.m. CDT/11:00a.m. MDT
Game weather: Sunny, 80 °F (27 °C)
Game attendance: 62,220
Referee: Carl Cheffers
TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan and AJ Ross
CHI – Khalil Herbert 2-yard pass from Justin Fields (Cairo Santos kick), 4:11. Bears 28–7. Drive: 15 plays, 66 yards, 9:26.
DEN – Brandon Johnson 4-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 0:14. Bears 28–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:57.
Fourth quarter
DEN – Courtland Sutton 13-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 9:36. Bears 28–21. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:20.
DEN – Jonathon Cooper 35-yard fumble return (Wil Lutz kick), 6:55. Tied 28–28.
DEN – Wil Lutz 51-yard field goal, 1:46. Broncos 31–28. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 1:06.
Top passers
DEN – Russell Wilson – 21/28, 223 yards, 3 TD
CHI – Justin Fields – 28/35, 335 yards, 4 TD, INT
Top rushers
DEN – Jaleel McLaughlin – 7 rushes, 72 yards
CHI – Khalil Herbert – 18 rushes, 103 yards
Top receivers
DEN – Jerry Jeudy – 3 receptions, 52 yards
CHI – D. J. Moore – 8 receptions, 131 yards, TD
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.[147]
Week 5: vs. New York Jets
[edit]
Week 5: New York Jets at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
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
Date: October 8
Game time: 2:25p.m. MDT
Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
Game attendance: 76,387
Referee: John Hussey
TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan and AJ Ross
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.
[148]
Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs
[edit]
Week 6: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
0
0
0
8
8
Chiefs
3
10
3
3
19
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Date: October 12
Game time: 7:15p.m. CDT/6:15p.m. MDT
Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C)
Game attendance: 73,528
Referee: Shawn Hochuli
TV announcers (KMGH/Prime Video): Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit and Kaylee Hartung
KC – Harrison Butker 60-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 13–0. Drive: 3 plays, 19 yards, 0:15.
Third quarter
KC – Harrison Butker 25-yard field goal, 9:16. Chiefs 16–0. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:44.
Fourth quarter
DEN – Courtland Sutton 11-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Javonte Williams run), 6:07. Chiefs 16–8. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 3:15.
KC – Harrison Butker 52-yard field goal, 1:59. Chiefs 19–8. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:08.
Top passers
DEN – Russell Wilson – 13/22, 95 yards, TD, 2 INT
KC – Patrick Mahomes – 30/40, 306 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
DEN – Javonte Williams – 10 rushes, 52 yards
KC – Isiah Pacheco – 16 rushes, 62 yards
Top receivers
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 4 receptions, 46 yards, TD
KC – Travis Kelce – 9 receptions, 124 yards
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.[149]
Week 7: vs. Green Bay Packers
[edit]
Week 7: Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
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
Date: October 22
Game time: 2:25p.m. MDT
Game weather: Sunny, 72 °F (22 °C)
Game attendance: 76,880
Referee: Alex Kemp
TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
DEN – Wil Lutz 32-yard field goal, 8:27. Broncos 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 6:33.
Second quarter
DEN – Wil Lutz 29-yard field goal, 13:14. Broncos 6–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:17.
DEN – Wil Lutz 35-yard field goal, 0:05. Broncos 9–0. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 0:36.
Third quarter
GB – Anders Carlson 29-yard field goal, 10:24. Broncos 9–3. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 4:36.
DEN – Courtland Sutton 18-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 6:17. Broncos 16–3. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:07.
GB – Romeo Doubs 16-yard pass from Jordan Love (Anders Carlson kick), 1:46. Broncos 16–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:31.
Fourth quarter
GB – Jayden Reed 4-yard pass from Jordan Love (Anders Carlson kick), 8:31. Packers 17–16. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 6:19.
DEN – Wil Lutz 52-yard field goal, 3:50. Broncos 19–17. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:41.
Top passers
GB – Jordan Love – 21/31, 180 yards, 2 TD, INT
DEN – Russell Wilson – 20/29, 194 yards, TD
Top rushers
GB – A. J. Dillon – 15 rushes, 61 yards
DEN – Javonte Williams – 15 rushes, 82 yards
Top receivers
GB – Luke Musgrave – 4 receptions, 30 yards
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 6 receptions, 76 yards, TD
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.[150]
Week 8: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
[edit]
Week 8: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
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
Date: October 29
Game time: 2:25p.m. MDT
Game weather: Cold, getting colder, a few light flakes of snow falling, 26 °F (−3 °C)
Game attendance: 76,286
Referee: Brad Allen
TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
DEN – Javonte Williams 4-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 7:56. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:20.
KC – Harrison Butker 23-yard field goal, 1:11. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 6:45.
Second quarter
DEN – Jerry Jeudy 11-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 11:51. Broncos 14–3. Drive: 3 plays, 50 yards, 1:12.
KC – Harrison Butker 34-yard field goal, 5:39. Broncos 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:47.
KC – Harrison Butker 56-yard field goal, 0:00. Broncos 14–9. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:09.
Third quarter
No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
DEN – Courtland Sutton 6-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 10:33. Broncos 21–9. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 7:12.
DEN – Wil Lutz 28-yard field goal, 0:31. Broncos 24–9. Drive: 7 plays, 10 yards, 4:14.
Top passers
KC – Patrick Mahomes – 24/38, 241 yards, 2 INT
DEN – Russell Wilson – 12/19, 114 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
KC – Isiah Pacheco – 8 rushes, 40 yards
DEN – Javonte Williams – 27 rushes, 85 yards
Top receivers
KC – Travis Kelce – 6 receptions, 58 yards
DEN – Jerry Jeudy – 2 receptions, 50 yards, TD
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.[151]
Week 10: at Buffalo Bills
[edit]
Week 10: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
3
12
0
9
24
Bills
0
8
7
7
22
at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Date: November 13
Game time: 8:15p.m. EST/6:15p.m. MST
Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 49 °F (9 °C)
Game attendance: 70,318
Referee: Bill Vinovich
TV announcers (ESPN/ABC): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters
DEN – Javonte Williams 3-yard pass from Russell Wilson (run failed), 5:06. Broncos 21–15. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 7:16.
BUF – Josh Allen 6-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 1:55. Bills 22–21. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:11.
DEN – Wil Lutz 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Broncos 24–22. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 1:55.
Top passers
DEN – Russell Wilson – 24/29, 193 yards, 2 TD
BUF – Josh Allen – 15/26, 177 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
DEN – Javonte Williams – 21 rushes, 79 yards
BUF – James Cook – 27 rushes, 85 yards
Top receivers
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 8 receptions, 53 yards, TD
BUF – Dalton Kincaid – 5 receptions, 51 yards, TD
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.[152]
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.[152]
Week 11: vs. Minnesota Vikings
[edit]
Week 11: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
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
Date: November 19
Game time: 6:15p.m. MST
Game weather: Cloudy, 53 °F (12 °C)
Game attendance: 76,848
Referee: Ronald Torbert
TV announcers (NBC): Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark
DEN – Wil Lutz 31-yard field goal, 10:28. Broncos 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 3:02.
Second quarter
MIN – Josh Oliver 3-yard pass from Joshua Dobbs (Greg Joseph kick), 14:53. Vikings 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:08.
MIN – Greg Joseph 34-yard field goal, 8:09. Vikings 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 5:08.
DEN – Wil Lutz 31-yard field goal, 4:08. Vikings 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 4:01.
DEN – Wil Lutz 52-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 1:11.
Third quarter
MIN – Joshua Dobbs 10-yard run (Greg Joseph kick), 7:55. Vikings 17–9. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:38.
Fourth quarter
DEN – Wil Lutz 37-yard field goal, 12:40. Vikings 17–12. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 5:08.
DEN – Wil Lutz 28-yard field goal, 10:37. Vikings 17–15. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:53.
MIN – Greg Joseph 30-yard field goal, 3:17. Vikings 20–15. Drive: 14 plays, 63 yards, 7:20.
DEN – Courtland Sutton 15-yard pass from Russell Wilson (run failed), 1:03. Broncos 21–20. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 2:14.
Top passers
MIN – Joshua Dobbs – 20/32, 221 yards, TD, INT
DEN – Russell Wilson – 27/35, 259 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIN – Alexander Mattison – 18 rushes, 81 yards
DEN – Javonte Williams – 11 rushes, 37 yards
Top receivers
MIN – T. J. Hockenson – 4 receptions, 55 yards
DEN – Samaje Perine – 7 receptions, 60 yards
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.[153]
Week 12: vs. Cleveland Browns
[edit]
Week 12: Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
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
Date: November 26
Game time: 2:05p.m. MST
Game weather: Sunny, 40 °F (4 °C)
Game attendance: 76,261
Referee: Adrian Hill
TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy, Jay Feely, James Lofton and Tiffany Blackmon
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.[154]
Week 13: at Houston Texans
[edit]
Week 13: Denver Broncos at Houston Texans– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
0
3
7
7
17
Texans
10
3
3
6
22
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Date: December 3
Game time: 12:00p.m. CST/11:00a.m. MST
Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
Game attendance: 71,670
Referee: Shawn Smith
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
HOU – Matt Ammendola 38-yard field goal, 12:54. Texans 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:12.
DEN – Wil Lutz 34-yard field goal, 1:24. Texans 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 5:09.
Third quarter
HOU – Matt Ammendola 38-yard field goal, 8:51. Texans 16–3. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 4:02.
DEN – Courtland Sutton 45-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 4:47. Texans 16–10. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 1:20.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Nico Collins 3-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (pass failed), 14:16. Texans 22–10. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 1:43.
DEN – Russell Wilson 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:04. Texans 22–17. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:12.
Top passers
DEN – Russell Wilson – 15/26, 186 yards, TD, 3 INT
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 16/27, 274 yards, TD
Top rushers
DEN – Javonte Williams – 13 rushes, 46 yards
HOU – Dameon Pierce – 15 rushes, 41 yards, TD
Top receivers
DEN – Jerry Jeudy – 3 receptions, 51 yards
HOU – Nico Collins – 9 receptions, 191 yards, TD
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.[155]
Week 14: at Los Angeles Chargers
[edit]
Week 14: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
7
3
7
7
24
Chargers
0
0
0
7
7
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Date: December 10
Game time: 2:25p.m. MST/1:25p.m. PST
Game weather: Clear, 75 °F (24 °C) (retractable roof open)
Game attendance: 70,240
Referee: Clete Blakeman
TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan and AJ Ross
DEN – Adam Trautman 10-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 3:11. Broncos 24–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:26.
Top passers
DEN – Russell Wilson – 21/33, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT
LAC – Easton Stick – 13/24, 179 yards
Top rushers
DEN – Javonte Williams – 17 rushes, 66 yards, TD
LAC – Austin Ekeler – 10 rushes, 51 yards, TD
Top receivers
DEN – Courtland Sutton – 3 receptions, 62 yards, TD
LAC – Quentin Johnston – 3 receptions, 91 yards
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.[156]
Week 15: at Detroit Lions
[edit]
Week 15: Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
0
0
10
7
17
Lions
0
21
7
14
42
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Date: December 16
Game time: 8:15p.m. EST/6:15p.m. MST
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 64,560
Referee: John Hussey
TV announcers (KMGH/NFLN): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
DET – Sam LaPorta 19-yard pass from Jared Goff (Michael Badgley kick), 12:31. Lions 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:07.
DET – Jahmyr Gibbs 9-yard pass from Jared Goff (Michael Badgley kick), 8:15. Lions 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 2:43.
DET – Amon-Ra St. Brown 15-yard pass from Jared Goff (Michael Badgley kick), 0:19. Lions 21–0. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 4:02.
Third quarter
DEN – Lil'Jordan Humphrey 3-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 10:41. Lions 21–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:26.
DET – Sam LaPorta 3-yard pass from Jared Goff (Michael Badgley kick), 7:01. Lions 28–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:33.
DEN – Wil Lutz 23-yard field goal, 0:43. Lions 28–10. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 6:18.
Fourth quarter
DET – Jahmyr Gibbs 12-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 12:12. Lions 35–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:31.
DEN – Russell Wilson 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 6:28. Lions 35–17. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 2:50.
DET – Sam LaPorta 10-yard pass from Jared Goff (Michael Badgley kick), 2:21. Lions 42–17. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:07.
Top passers
DEN – Russell Wilson – 18/32, 223 yards, TD
DET – Jared Goff – 24/34, 278 yards, 5 TD
Top rushers
DEN – Samaje Perine – 6 rushes, 37 yards
DET – Jahmyr Gibbs – 11 rushes, 100 yards, TD
Top receivers
DEN – Jerry Jeudy – 3 receptions, 74 yards
DET – Amon-Ra St. Brown – 7 receptions, 112 yards, TD
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.[157]
Week 16: vs. New England Patriots
[edit]
Week 16: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
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
Date: December 24
Game time: 6:15p.m. MST
Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 28 °F (−2 °C)
Game attendance: 76,201
Referee: Carl Cheffers
TV announcers (KMGH/NFLN): Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, James Palmer and Sherree Burruss
DEN – Javonte Williams 3-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 5:15. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:46.
Second quarter
NE – Chad Ryland 33-yard field goal, 13:30. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 6:45.
Third quarter
NE – Ezekiel Elliott 15-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (kick failed), 9:54. Patriots 9–7. Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 2:56.
NE – Mike Gesicki 11-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Chad Ryland kick), 1:34. Patriots 16–7. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 2:54.
NE – Cody Davis 1-yard fumble return (Chad Ryland kick), 1:28. Patriots 23–7.
Fourth quarter
DEN – Lucas Krull 3-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Russell Wilson–Brandon Johnson pass), 8:33. Patriots 23–15. Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 4:38.
DEN – Brandon Johnson 21-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Russell Wilson–Javonte Williams pass), 2:53. Tied 23–23. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 3:40.
NE – Chad Ryland 56-yard field goal, 0:07. Patriots 26–23. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 0:56.
Top passers
NE – Bailey Zappe – 25/33, 256 yards, 2 TD
DEN – Russell Wilson – 25/37, 238 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
NE – Ezekiel Elliot – 12 rushes, 27 yards
DEN – Jaleel McLaughlin – 6 rushes, 37 yards
Top receivers
NE – Demario Douglas – 5 receptions, 74 yards
DEN – Marvin Mims – 3 receptions, 63 yards
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.[158]
Week 17: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
[edit]
Week 17: Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos– Game summary
Quarter
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
Date: December 31
Game time: 2:25p.m. MST
Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 41 °F (5 °C)
Game attendance: 76,228
Referee: Craig Wrolstad
TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy, James Lofton, Jay Feely and Tiffany Blackmon
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.[159]
Week 18: at Las Vegas Raiders
[edit]
Week 18: Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
0
7
0
7
14
Raiders
7
10
0
10
27
at Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
Date: January 7
Game time: 2:25p.m. MST/1:25p.m. PST
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 61,429
Referee: Shawn Hochuli
TV announcers (Fox): Jason Benetti, Matt Millen and Megan Olivi
DEN – Javonte Williams 2-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 10:09. Broncos 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:44.
LV – Daniel Carlson 21-yard field goal, 2:20. Broncos 27–14. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 7:49.
Top passers
DEN – Jarrett Stidham – 20/34, 272 yards, TD, INT
LV – Aidan O'Connell – 20/31, 244 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
DEN – Javonte Williams – 9 rushes, 32 yards, TD
LV – Zamir White – 25 rushes, 112 yards
Top receivers
DEN – Javonte Williams – 7 receptions, 43 yards
LV – Tre Tucker – 5 receptions, 79 yards
In the Broncos' season finale, the Raiders took the early lead, with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers running for a 5-yard touchdown. The Broncos responded 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.[160]
^Other members of the ownership group include Carrie Walton Penner, Greg Penner, Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice, and Lewis Hamilton
^ abBuffalo claimed the No. 2 seed over Kansas City based on head-to-head victory.
^ abBuffalo finished ahead of Miami in the AFC East based on head-to-head sweep.
^ abCleveland claimed the No. 5 seed over Miami based on conference record.
^ abCincinnati finished ahead of Jacksonville based on head-to-head victory. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Indianapolis (see below).
^ abJacksonville finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head sweep.
^ abLas Vegas finished ahead of Denver based on head-to-head sweep.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
Statistics
[edit]
Team leaders
[edit]
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.[161]
League rankings
[edit]
Offense
Category
Value
NFL rank (out of 32)
Total yards
298.4 YPG
26th
Yards per play
5.0
T–22nd
Rushing yards
106.5 YPG
18th
Yards per rush
4.0
T–21st
Passing yards
191.9 YPG
24th
Yards per pass
7.0
T–17th
Pass completions
337/513 (.657)
12th
Total touchdowns
38
19th
Rushing touchdowns
8
T–28th
Receiving touchdowns
28
T–8th
Scoring
21.0 PPG
19th
Red Zone Touchdowns
30/58 (.517)
19th
Third down efficiency
81/220 (.368)
21st
Fourth down efficiency
13/20 (.650)
3rd
First downs per game
17.7
24th
Fewest sacks allowed
52
27th
Fewest giveaways
22
T–17th
Fewest penalties
99
T–18th
Least penalty yardage
749
12th
Defense
Category
Value
NFL rank (out of 32)
Total yards
370.8 YPG
29th
Yards per play
5.8
30th
Rushing yards
137.1 YPG
30th
Yards per rush
5.0
32nd
Passing yards
233.6 YPG
22nd
Yards per pass
7.5
T–25th
Pass completions
382/572 (.668)
27th
Total touchdowns
46
T–24th
Rushing touchdowns
15
T–17th
Receiving touchdowns
29
T–28th
Scoring
24.3 PPG
27th
Red Zone Touchdowns
34/59 (.576)
22nd
Third down efficiency
67/202 (.332)
2nd
Fourth down efficiency
16/34 (.471)
12th
First downs per game
20.5
26th
Sacks
42
T–21st
Takeaways
26
T–12th
Fewest penalties
99
T–16th
Least penalty yardage
965
31st
Special teams
Category
Value
NFL rank (out of 32)
Gross punting
46.3 YPP
22nd
Net punting
41.5 YPP
16th
Kickoffs
63.3 YPK
16th
Punt returns
16.3 YPR
1st
Kick returns
24.9 YPR
8th
Punt coverage
6.3 YPR
2nd
Kick coverage
21.5
9th
Source for this section: Pro-Football Reference.[162]
Week 10: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week[164]
Wil Lutz
November: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month[165]
Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections
[edit]
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.[166] On January 9, fullback Michael Burton was named as a PFF first-team All-Pro selection,[167] and one day later (January 10), Surtain was selected to the second annual NFLPA Players' All-Pro team.[168] On January 12, Mims and Simmons were selected as second-team All-Pros.[169]