In arguably the biggest game played at Empower Field at Mile High in nearly a decade, the Denver Broncos put the hammer down on the Kansas City Chiefs in a 38-0 blowout victory. Although the Chiefs rested several key starters, a shutout win in the NFL is nothing to sneeze at. Broncos Country, it’s here at last! We’re back in the playoffs!
We take a look at the studs and duds from Denver’s huge victory that propels them into the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season! (OK, there aren’t any duds today, but we’re keeping the name.)
Stud: QB Bo Nix
Quarterback Bo Nix had a remarkable game, in what was his best game as the Broncos starter. Nix and the Broncos offense began on fire, with Nix completing his first 18 passes; he didn’t have an incompletion until there were six seconds left in the second quarter. Nix finished the win with a career-high four touchdown passes and a career-high 312 yards passing. He also set a franchise record for the best single-game completion percentage (89.7%), breaking an old Peyton Manning record.
Stud: WR Courtland Sutton
Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had himself another great game, leading the team with five receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown. Sutton’s yardage total also triggered $500,000 in incentives, which was hard-earned being the team’s best and most reliable receiver this season.
Stud: WR Marvin Mims
Wide receiver Marvin Mims has really developed as a player in the last half of the 2024 season. After significant frustration from head coach Sean Payton for not having used Mims enough last year, Mims has caught four touchdowns in the last two games, including two against the Chiefs. Mims finished the day with five catches for 51 yards and two scores.
Stud: Broncos rookies
Along with Nix, a few other Broncos rookies also made an impact. Wide receiver Devaughn Vele had a highlight-reel touchdown catch to preserve Nix’s completion streak, running back Audric Estime had a rushing touchdown, and wide receiver Troy Franklin added two catches for 12 yards.
Stud: Playoff bound!
The Denver Broncos are playoff bound! Their first playoff game in nearly a decade is going to be a tough one, when they face a road game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. MST. The Broncos did beat the Bills last year in Orchard Park on a last-second Wil Lutz field goal. Welcome back to the top half of the NFL, Broncos Country!
Bonus stud: Broncos' throwback jerseys
In their first season with new uniforms and a 1977-inspired throwback jersey, the Broncos are 2-0 with their throwbacks in 2024, with wins over the Las Vegas Raiders and the Chiefs. In those two games, Denver outscored opponents 72-18 in their throwbacks. It’s the Broncos’ best look.
