The Raiders did their job defensively in the second quarter on Sunday-they kept the Broncos offense off the scoreboard. But in a game where momentum can swing on a single play, Denver didn’t need its offense to break the tie before halftime.
That spark came from special teams, and it came in a big way.
Marvin Mims Jr. fielded a punt near midfield and turned on the jets, weaving through coverage for a 48-yard touchdown return that gave the Broncos a 14-7 lead heading into the break. It was the kind of play that doesn’t just flip the scoreboard-it flips the energy of the game. Denver rode that momentum to a 24-17 win, improving to an impressive 11-2 on the season.
For Mims, it was a milestone moment-his first career punt return touchdown. And it wasn’t his first time making noise in the return game.
He had already notched a kickoff return touchdown back in 2023, showing that his impact on special teams is no fluke. He’s a game-changer with the ball in his hands, and Sunday was just the latest reminder.
While Mims was quiet in the passing game against the Raiders-just one catch-he’s quietly put together a solid season with 25 receptions for 247 yards and a touchdown. But it’s his work on special teams that earned him the AFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week honors for the third time in his young career.
In a league where field position and hidden yardage often decide games, Mims is proving to be one of the most dangerous weapons in that third phase. And if Denver keeps getting plays like that from him, they’re going to be a tough out down the stretch.