After 11 straight wins, the Denver Broncos finally hit a speed bump. Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars snapped their impressive streak, but the good news?
They’re still sitting atop the AFC with the No. 1 seed and full control of their playoff path. Let’s break down the highs and lows from Week 16, courtesy of Pro Football Focus’ player grades - and there’s plenty to dig into on both sides of the ball.
Offense: Bright Spots and Growing Pains
Top Performers:
- OT Garett Bolles - 81.8
- WR Courtland Sutton - 78.7
- OT Mike McGlinchey - 78.4
- RB RJ Harvey - 71.9
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin - 69.7
The offensive line continues to be a stabilizing force, with both Bolles and McGlinchey earning top marks. Their protection gave quarterback Bo Nix time to work, and it showed in the box score. Courtland Sutton, as he’s done all season, made the most of his targets, continuing to be the go-to guy in clutch moments.
But the real standout? Rookie running back RJ Harvey, who turned in his most dynamic performance of the year.
Critics have questioned his burst and big-play ability, but he silenced that talk with a 7.1 yards-per-carry average and a touchdown. He also added 71 receiving yards, including a 32-yard catch that sparked a flicker of hope for a comeback.
The Broncos didn’t close the gap, but Harvey showed he’s not just a depth piece - he’s a weapon.
Tough Day at the Office:
- TE Adam Trautman - 48.2
- G Ben Powers - 50.0
- QB Bo Nix - 55.0
- G Alex Palczewski - 55.7
- FB Adam Prentice - 57.8
Let’s talk about Bo Nix. Statistically, he had a solid outing - 352 passing yards and another 11 on the ground.
But two turnovers, including a costly interception in the fourth quarter, proved to be momentum killers. That pick in particular halted what looked like another Nix-led comeback in the making.
It’s a reminder that while the rookie’s poise has been impressive, the margin for error in December football is razor thin.
Dropped passes didn’t help either. It’s been a recurring issue for this offense, and it’s one that continues to put a ceiling on what Nix and company can accomplish.
Defense: Stars Rise, Others Stumble
Top Performers:
- OLB Jonah Elliss - 91.7
- DL D.J. Jones - 85.2
- LB Alex Singleton - 82.6
- DL John Franklin-Myers - 81.1
- LB Jordan Turner - 79.7
Jonah Elliss was a force. His 91.7 grade reflects a game where he was everywhere - disrupting plays, setting the edge, and making life miserable for the Jaguars’ backfield.
But it’s John Franklin-Myers who continues to build a Pro Bowl-worthy resume. Two sacks, two stops, and zero receptions allowed?
That’s elite-level production. He’s now sitting at a career-high 7.5 sacks with two games left to play - and he’s heating up at exactly the right time.
Struggles in the Secondary:
- **DB P.J.
Locke - 29.2**
- DL Eyioma Uwazurike - 30.2
- CB Jahdae Barron - 42.7
- OLB Jonathon Cooper - 54.9
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian - 59.3
The defensive backfield had a rough go, with P.J. Locke and Jahdae Barron both flagged for penalties that proved costly.
Locke, stepping in for the injured Brandon Jones, struggled in the expanded role. The talent is there - we’ve seen it - but this was a game where the learning curve showed.
Thursday’s upcoming matchup gives him a shot at redemption, and the Broncos will need him to bounce back.
Special Teams: Mixed Results
Top Performers:
- ST Que Robinson - 76.9
- LS Mitchell Fraboni - 64.2
Others:
- KR Marvin Mims Jr. - 59.7
- P Jeremy Crawshaw - 58.7
- K Wil Lutz - 54.8 (FG), 60.0 (KO)
Kicker Wil Lutz came in on a roll, but an early miss from 44 yards out put Denver in a hole. He did redeem himself later with a 54-yarder, but in a game this tight, every point matters - and that early miss loomed large late in the fourth.
Big Picture
The loss stings, no doubt. But the Broncos still control their destiny, and that’s what matters most in late December. The offensive line is holding strong, the defense has playmakers stepping up, and Bo Nix - while still learning - continues to show flashes of franchise-caliber talent.
There’s no panic in Denver. Just a reminder that even the hottest streaks can cool off - and how a team responds to that tells you everything about their playoff readiness. Thursday’s game is another test, and if this team’s shown us anything, it’s that they don’t back down.