With the AFC’s top seed now within reach, the Denver Broncos are peaking at just the right time. Sitting at 12-2, Sean Payton’s squad is one win away from locking up the AFC West - and more importantly, they’re finally getting the national recognition that’s been slow to arrive.
This isn’t just a hot streak. This is the version of the Broncos Payton envisioned when he took over in 2023 - a disciplined, physical, and opportunistic team that’s built to win in December and beyond.
But as we know, no playoff push comes without its share of adversity. Injuries have tested the Broncos' depth throughout the year.
Starting guard Ben Powers has missed most of the season, though there’s optimism he could return soon - a big boost for a line that’s had to shuffle pieces. On the defensive side, injuries have forced backups into starting roles, and with the margin for error shrinking, every snap matters.
A misstep here or a dip in production there could be the difference between a first-round bye and a wild-card dogfight.
And then there’s the most important piece of the puzzle: quarterback play. Bo Nix has been the engine driving Denver’s resurgence.
His development has been one of the season’s biggest revelations, and if he can close strong, he might just cement himself as the Broncos’ franchise QB for the long haul. Denver’s fate is tied to Nix - and with three games left, the pressure is on.
Here are three Broncos who need to step up down the stretch if Denver wants to lock in that top seed - and maybe more.
3. Bo Nix - The Rookie QB Who’s Growing Up Fast
Bo Nix is no longer just holding down the fort - he’s elevating the entire offense. His recent stretch of play has been nothing short of impressive.
Since Week 13, Nix has thrown six total touchdowns to just one turnover, and not coincidentally, the Broncos are playing their best football of the season during that span. His performance against the Packers was a statement - poised, efficient, and in full command of the offense.
What’s been most encouraging is how he's managing games. He’s not forcing throws, he’s taking what the defense gives him, and he’s showing the kind of composure you want from your quarterback in crunch time.
But the job’s not done. With three games to go, Nix has a chance to not just lead Denver to the No. 1 seed, but to solidify his role as the guy moving forward.
If he keeps trending upward, the Broncos are going to be a tough out in January.
2. RJ Harvey - The Ground Game’s X-Factor
RJ Harvey’s had a bit of a rollercoaster ride since stepping into the starting running back role, but lately, he’s been trending in the right direction. Over the past three weeks, he’s posted his three highest scrimmage yard totals of the season - including a 100-yard showing against the Raiders that reminded everyone why the Broncos trusted him with the job.
Still, consistency is the next step. In four starts, Harvey’s only topped 70 scrimmage yards once.
That’s got to change. As the weather gets colder and the games get tighter, Denver’s going to need to lean on the run game to control the clock and protect leads.
Harvey doesn’t have to be a superstar - but if he can be a steady, reliable presence, he’ll give this offense the balance it needs to thrive in the postseason.
1. PJ Locke - The Next Man Up in the Secondary
Losing Brandon Jones was a gut punch for this defense. He was a steadying force on the back end, and his absence leaves a significant hole.
Now it’s up to PJ Locke to step in and stabilize the secondary. Locke has experience - he started alongside Jones last season - but his play was inconsistent enough that Denver went out and brought in Talanoa Hufanga this offseason.
Now, Locke gets another shot. And the timing couldn’t be more critical.
With the playoffs looming, Denver’s defense needs to stay sharp, especially against the pass. If Locke can string together a few solid performances, the Broncos should be able to maintain their defensive identity - physical, aggressive, and opportunistic.
But if the secondary starts to spring leaks, it could undo a lot of the good work this team has done to get to 12-2.
The Final Push
The Broncos are in the driver’s seat. They’ve got the record, the momentum, and the coaching to make a serious run.
But the next three games will be telling. Bo Nix needs to keep playing clean, confident football.
RJ Harvey has to give them enough on the ground to keep defenses honest. And PJ Locke has to hold the line in a suddenly vulnerable secondary.
If those three rise to the moment, Denver won’t just clinch the AFC West - they’ll be heading into January as one of the most complete teams in the league.