The Denver Broncos are rolling-and not just in the “nice little win streak” kind of way. We’re talking about an 11-game heater that has them sitting at 12-2 and eyeing the AFC’s top playoff seed with serious intent. After a rocky start to the season, Denver has become one of the NFL’s most compelling stories, and now they’ve got a very real shot at locking up the No. 1 seed and the AFC West title as early as Week 16.
Here’s the scenario: a win over the surging Jacksonville Jaguars gets them most of the way there. But they’ll also need a little help.
Specifically, they’re rooting for losses-or ties-from the Chargers, Bills, and Patriots. If those dominoes fall, Denver will secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Not bad for a team that many wrote off back in September.
Let’s not gloss over how they got here. The Broncos haven’t lost since their first matchup with the Chargers-yes, that was months ago.
Since then, they’ve found a rhythm that’s been nearly impossible to disrupt. And at the center of it all is rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has quickly gone from intriguing prospect to legitimate difference-maker.
Nix is coming off a 300-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Packers-a game where he didn’t throw a single interception. That kind of efficiency, especially from a young quarterback, is rare.
But what’s more impressive is how consistent he’s been down the stretch. He’s now thrown for over 300 yards in two of his last three games, and he’s up to 23 touchdown passes on the season.
“It’s an exciting time to be a Bronco right now,” Nix said after the Green Bay win. That’s not just rookie enthusiasm talking-he’s backing it up with poise, production, and a growing command of Sean Payton’s offense.
Speaking of Payton, the veteran head coach deserves his share of the spotlight here. His partnership with Nix is starting to look like something special.
The trust is evident in the way the plays are being called and executed. Nix even acknowledged it: “I appreciate [Payton] for letting me be competitive, and he hasn’t taken that fire away from me.
Together we are just working really well off each other.”
That synergy has translated into results. Nix has thrown for 3,256 yards this season, and Denver’s offense has become both explosive and efficient-two qualities that weren’t exactly synonymous with the Broncos in recent years.
Now they face a Jaguars team that’s also riding a hot streak-five wins in a row-and sitting at 10-4. Sunday’s showdown at 4:05 ET has serious playoff implications for both sides. It’s a clash of two teams peaking at the right time, and for Denver, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A win keeps the dream of the No. 1 seed alive. A little help from around the league could make it a reality.
Either way, the Broncos have already clinched a playoff berth. But with the way they’re playing-and the way Nix is leading-this team looks like it’s aiming much higher than just making the dance.