The Denver Broncos have already far exceeded expectations this season, finding themselves in the thick of a playoff push in Year 2 under head coach Sean Payton. Ahead of the team’s last four games, we take a look at the 10 biggest studs and duds from the Broncos’ season thus far.
Stud: QB Bo Nix
The biggest catalyst to the Broncos’ season has also been their biggest detriment in the past: the quarterback position. Rookie Bo Nix has made a strong case for himself as Offensive Rookie of the Year, leading the team with his elusive nature in the pocket, his ability to throw accurately, and his ability to limit mistakes.
Nix has thrived in Payton’s system, growing each week. Look for him to strengthen his case for OROY in the coming weeks.
Dud: CB Levi Wallace
The Broncos have sorely missed No. 2 cornerback Riley Moss through his injury the past two games. Wallace was beaten several times against the Cleveland Browns, and was eventually pulled in favor of second-year man Kris Abrams-Draine.
Stud: WR Courtland Sutton
Sutton has continued to be the most reliable target for Nix, no matter where they are on the field. Sutton’s ability to win the jump balls and be a sure-handed receiver has made him Nix’s go-to target, and Sutton has also been the leader of the young receivers around him.
Dud: Challenges
The Broncos have not been very successful in winning the red flag reviews, leading to lost timeouts, field position and mistakes. Payton will need to get better in this aspect before the end of the year.
Stud: OLB Nik Bonitto
After having a very quiet first two seasons in the NFL, Bonitto has led the Broncos in sacks. He is the first Bronco since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb to have double-digit sacks in a season. He also had a 71-yard touchdown return against the Browns to put the Broncos ahead in that game.
Stud: CB Pat Surtain
Pat Surtain has proven himself several times over this year, becoming a defensive back the Broncos can put on the opponent’s best receiver, and shut them down. Surtain has a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown, and two additional picks through 13 games.
Stud: CB Riley Moss
As the No. 2 cornerback across from the potential Defensive Player of the Year in Surtain, Moss has gotten significant targets his way. But Moss has stepped up to the challenge. Moss has helped limit opposing receivers as well, helping Denver to have one of the best defenses in the NFL throughout the year. He has been sorely missed with a knee injury the past two weeks. Hopefully, he’ll be back after the bye.
Stud: K Wil Lutz
Lutz has been a quiet, but powerful contributor to the Broncos’ success. He has won two Special Teams Player of the Week awards in 2024 to this point. Lutz has been the difference for the Broncos in several games this season between winning and losing.
Stud: WR Marvin Mims
After being underutilized in 2023, Mims has found himself as a Swiss Army-type player in Payton’s offense. He’s been a kick returner, wide receiver and running back at various points this season. He has had more touches, and more abilities to make a difference with his blazing speed.
Stud: The Broncos' playoff chances
Denver was given an over/under line of 5.5 wins before the season started, and now the Broncos have an opportunity they haven’t had since their Super Bowl 50-winning season: make the NFL playoffs. The Broncos sit two games ahead of their next closest challenger, the Indianapolis Coltsa and surging Miami Dolphins.
This list could go on and on, but these are some of the best of the best from the first 13 games.
