Every Broncos game that ended in a tie

Seemingly every time an NFL game ends in a tie, there are some fans and pundits (and even players!) who ask, “Wait, a game can end in a tie?”

Yes, (regular season) NFL games can end in a tie. It’s not common, although it did happen twice in 2022, once each in 2021, 2020, 2019, and twice in 2018. So in 1,309 games played from 2018-2022, only seven ended in a tie (and no games were tied in 2023). 

The league has had various overtime rules throughout its history. Moving from a 15-minute overtime to a 10-minute overtime in 2017 might have increased the likelihood of a game ending with an even score. 

As for the Denver Broncos, they have played in 10 tied games in their history, most recently in 1987. At the time, the league had a sudden death overtime format.

Here’s a quick look back at all ten games in franchise history that have ended in a tie. 

1

1960: Broncos 38, Bills 38

Broncos vs Bills (9/18/1960) pic.twitter.com/cfuqCJmjrn

— FB_Helmet_Guy (@FB_Helmet_Guy) January 24, 2023

2

1963: Broncos 35, Jets 35

On this date in 1963 the Jets & Broncos tied 35-35 at Shea Stadium.

This was the first tie in Jets history. The Jets have tied 8 times in their history with the most recent coming in 1988 vs KC.#TakeFlight #Jetshistory pic.twitter.com/Ijf5ebhSFE

— New York Jets History (@nyjetshistory) October 26, 2022

3

1964: Broncos 20, Raiders 20

#Broncos Facts: Denver went winless against the Raiders for 18 consecutive games from 1963-1971, including a 20-20 tie in 1964.

— Steve Quinne (@SteveQuinne) November 4, 2011

4

1969: Broncos 20, Oilers 20

November 16, 1969#Broncos #Oilers
Lou Saban 🎙️ up in a game that would end in a 20-20 deadlock pic.twitter.com/1Q5q3aX4UF

— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) January 21, 2024

5

1970: Broncos 17, Chargers 17

In a 1970 game against the Chargers, Broncos QB and captain Alan Pastrana led his team within range for a game-winning FG when he was knocked unconscious.

His team could not call a timeout as only the captain was allowed to do so, and time ran out to result in a tie. pic.twitter.com/QVDefyN7nB

— Gridiron (@Gridiron) July 28, 2020

6

1971: Broncos 10, Dolphins 10

September 19, 1971#Broncos #Dolphins
The “half a loaf” game
Lou Saban calls a conservative game at the end for a 10-10 tie instead of going for the win.
His statement after the game was a half a loaf was better than none.😬 https://t.co/FAzFE9Facz pic.twitter.com/OfOxyOjZkl

— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) September 19, 2023

7

1973: Broncos 23, Raiders 23

50 Years Ago Tonight,
October 22, 1973

"ORANGE MONDAY"#Broncos 23, #Raiders 23

For the Broncos' first-ever Monday Night Football game, #Denver's mayor declares "Orange Monday".

A frantic final minute:
• Raiders' George Blanda kicks a 49-yard field goal with :30 left;… pic.twitter.com/mbfm2xv0Im

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) October 22, 2023

8

1973: Broncos 17, Cardinals 17

Week 8, 1973#Broncos #Cardinals
Hart 15-23-205-1-1
Johnson 15-23-205-1-1
Odoms 5-114-1
Little 19-80-1 5-29
Anderson 9-20-1 4-67
17-17 pic.twitter.com/7p7rFf6dUk

— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) October 20, 2022

9

1974: Broncos 35, Steelers 35

Sept 22, 1974#Steelers #Broncos
This is the first tie game in NFL history, a 35-35 barnburner.
Denver starts with an onside kick on the opening kickoff.#HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/DcE8pe6svq

— Tomlin Reactions 🆃 (@TomlinReactions) November 25, 2018

10

1987: Broncos 17, Packers 17

Some magnificent human being has put the last tie in Broncos history — a 1987 game against the Packers in Milwaukee — on YouTube.

Part 1 is here: https://t.co/RLxMbPsEtk

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 27, 2021