The Denver Broncos edged out the Washington Commanders in a 27-26 thriller on Sunday Night Football, improving to 10-2 and continuing their impressive 2025 campaign. It was a gutsy, down-to-the-wire win that showcased both the promise and the growing pains of a team that’s figuring out how to win close games. And as always, the Pro Football Focus grades give us a deeper look at who stepped up-and who struggled-under the primetime lights in Week 13.
Offensive Line Sets the Tone
Let’s start with the big guys up front, because they absolutely earned it. Quinn Meinerz turned in a dominant performance, posting a 92.3 grade-PFF’s highest on the Broncos offense. He was a wall in pass protection and a bulldozer in the run game, anchoring a line that gave rookie QB Bo Nix plenty of time to operate.
Left tackle Garett Bolles wasn’t far behind, grading out at 89.0, while right tackle Mike McGlinchey added a solid 79.4. That kind of bookend protection is exactly what you want when you’ve got a young quarterback trying to find his rhythm in the NFL.
Tight end Adam Trautman (75.5) and center Luke Wattenberg (72.8) also chipped in with strong performances. Even left guard Alex Palczewski, who ranked seventh among offensive players, earned a respectable 70.3.
The result? Bo Nix was sacked just once all night, a testament to how well this unit controlled the trenches.
Offensive Struggles at Skill Positions
While the line was stellar, the weapons around Nix didn’t all rise to the occasion. Rookie wideout Troy Franklin had a night to forget, grading out at 47.4. Running backs Jaleel McLaughlin (54.2) and RJ Harvey (57.5) couldn’t get much going either, and receivers Lil’Jordan Humphrey (59.0) and Pat Bryant (60.3) were mostly quiet.
Bo Nix himself landed a 61.8 grade-sixth-worst on offense-which might raise some eyebrows considering he threw for 321 yards and delivered a highlight-reel touchdown. But PFF likely penalized him heavily for a costly interception.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the poise he showed late in the game. The numbers don’t always tell the full story, and Nix continues to show flashes of why Denver believes he’s their guy.
Defensive Standouts Lead the Way
On the defensive side, linebacker Dre Greenlaw was everywhere. His 89.9 grade reflects a night full of impact plays-sideline to sideline speed, sure tackling, and leadership in the middle of the field. He’s been a tone-setter for this defense all season, and Sunday night was no exception.
Edge rusher Dondrea Tillman (85.7) brought consistent pressure, while cornerbacks Ja’Quan McMillian (79.2) and Riley Moss (75.2) held up well in coverage. Defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike (70.6) added some interior push, and Pat Surtain, returning from a pectoral injury, posted a 69.0 grade in his first game back-good enough for sixth on the defense. It wasn’t a perfect night, but the Broncos made enough stops when it counted.
Defensive Lows and Curious Grades
Not everyone on defense had a night to remember. Defensive lineman Zach Allen struggled mightily, finishing with a 29.2 grade. Safety Talanoa Hufanga took a big hit in grading after a pass interference penalty wiped out what would’ve been a huge takeaway.
John Franklin-Myers (45.6), Jahdae Barron (48.6), and Nik Bonitto (49.5) also found themselves on the lower end of the grading spectrum. Bonitto’s grade is especially puzzling, considering he notched a sack and made the game-saving pass breakup. Sometimes the tape and the grade don’t quite match up, but his clutch play sealed the win-and that’s what fans will remember.
Special Teams Spark
Special teams often go under the radar, but Devon Key continues to stand out. With an 82.8 grade, he’s putting together a Pro Bowl-caliber season in the third phase of the game.
Long snapper Mitchell Fraboni (64.5), kick returner Marvin Mims (60.6), punter Jeremy Crawshaw (59.6), and kicker Wil Lutz (65.3 on field goals, 61.4 on kickoffs) were all solid, if unspectacular. But Key’s consistent excellence is helping tilt field position in Denver’s favor week after week.
Bottom Line: The Broncos are 10-2, and they’ve earned it. The offensive line is clicking, the defense is making timely plays, and Bo Nix continues to show growth-even if the grades don’t always reflect it.
There’s still room for improvement, especially at the skill positions, but this team is finding ways to win. And with December football heating up, that’s exactly what you want.