Broncos Riding Momentum Behind Bo Nix’s Confidence and Leadership
When a young quarterback starts earning the trust of his teammates-and delivering in big moments-you know something is starting to click. That’s exactly what’s happening in Denver, where Bo Nix is showing poise beyond his years and a strong connection with his top target, Courtland Sutton.
After a playoff-clinching win over the Packers in Week 15, Nix spoke with conviction about the chemistry he’s built with Sutton, especially in pressure situations.
“This wasn’t a one-off,” Nix said. “We’ve repped that throw plenty of times, and I trust Courtland to go up and get it. He creates that space, gets separation, and I just let it fly knowing he’ll make a play.”
That trust was on full display late in the game. And even though Nix was still kicking himself for missing Sutton on a flag route just a play earlier, he didn’t hesitate to go right back to his veteran wideout. That’s the kind of short memory-and confidence-you want in a quarterback leading a playoff push.
Nix also gave a nod to the home crowd, crediting the electric atmosphere at Mile High for helping swing the second half in Denver’s favor.
“The crowd was insane,” Nix said. “It felt like a playoff game.
Loud, hostile-just a tough place for another team to come in and try to win. That energy helped us find that extra gear.
We’re building something here, and honestly, I think we’re just getting back to what should be normal around here.”
That “normal” he’s talking about? It’s the standard Broncos fans have been craving since the Peyton Manning era. And with Nix leading the way, the team is starting to look like a legitimate postseason threat again.
Engram on Nix: “You Know When You Have a Gamer”
Tight end Evan Engram has seen enough from Nix to know he’s the real deal. According to Engram, it’s not just about the throws Nix makes-it’s how quickly he learns and adjusts on the fly.
“You know when you have a gamer,” Engram said. “He’s the kind of guy who’s going to find a way-whether it’s with his arm, his legs, whatever the moment calls for.
He’s confident, but more importantly, he’s accountable. If he makes a mistake, he’s already thinking about how to fix it by the next drive.”
That ability to bounce back and adapt quickly is exactly what you want in a young quarterback heading into the postseason. And it’s clear Nix has earned the respect of his teammates.
Engram also pointed to head coach Sean Payton’s leadership as a driving force behind Denver’s turnaround.
“Sean’s been very open and real about our goals,” Engram said. “Now it’s about finishing strong. We’re not trying to just sneak in-we want to earn it.”
Discipline Still a Focus
While the win was huge, not everything went smoothly for the Broncos. Linebacker Nik Bonitto was fined $11,593 for pulling a player off a pile, and safety Talanoa Hufanga was fined the same amount for unnecessary roughness. Those are the kinds of mental errors the team will need to clean up as the intensity ramps up in January.
Chiefs’ QB Carousel Continues After Another Injury Blow
Over in Kansas City, the quarterback situation continues to spiral. With Patrick Mahomes sidelined, Gardner Minshew was expected to step in and steady the ship. Head coach Andy Reid said Minshew had been preparing diligently and likely leaned on Mahomes for insight.
“They’re friends, so I’m sure they’ve talked,” Reid said. “Patrick’s focused on getting healthy, but I know he’s wishing Gardner the best.”
But in a brutal turn of events, Minshew went down with a torn ACL-the second straight week the Chiefs lost their starting quarterback to injury. That opened the door for Chris Oladokun, who stepped in and tossed his first career touchdown pass.
For a team that’s used to stability under center, the Chiefs are now facing serious questions about how they’ll navigate the rest of the season. With Mahomes working his way back and Minshew out, the pressure now falls on Oladokun to keep Kansas City afloat.
Final Word
In Denver, there’s a growing belief that this team is finding its identity-and it’s being forged in the fire of late-season football. Bo Nix is playing with confidence, the locker room is rallying around him, and Sean Payton has the group focused on finishing the job.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are in uncharted territory, scrambling to find answers at quarterback after another devastating injury. As the postseason approaches, the AFC picture is shifting-and both of these teams are right in the thick of it.