The Denver Broncos are at 7-5 after defeating their division rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 12. They have exceeded the 5.5-win total that oddsmakers gave them before the season. More importantly, they can make the playoffs because they hold the seventh spot. The Broncos wouldn’t have attained this success without rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Against the Raiders, Nix had 25 completions for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Both his scoring throws went to Courtland Sutton, who finished with 97 receiving yards. Devaughn Vele added six catches for 80 yards, while Jaleel McLaughlin led Denver’s rushing attack with 44 yards.
But the biggest headline after the victory is Nix, who has improved confidence with each passing game. In his first month as a pro, Nix had one touchdown against four interceptions. Luckily for him, the Broncos found a way to split the first four games.
Since October, the former Oregon standout has thrown 16 TDs against two interceptions, helping Denver win five of their last eight games. It would have been six victories if the Kansas City Chiefs’ Leo Chenal had not blocked what could have been Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal attempt.
Bo Nix in September: 1 TD, 4 INT, 2-2 record
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 25, 2024
Bo Nix since then: 16 TD, 2 INT, 5-3 record
Rookie understands it now pic.twitter.com/sC1ngVUuLU
Through 12 games, Nix has a 64.9 completion percentage for 2,548 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also has four rushing touchdowns from 300 yards. Nix has the most touchdown passes among rookie quarterbacks and trails only Jayden Daniels in passing yards and completion percentage.
Nix’s performance over the homestretch will dictate Denver’s playoff fate, especially with their last five games against quality opposition. Two of the three teams they’re facing to close the regular season (Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers) have winning records. Meanwhile, the Broncos cannot underestimate the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and Cincinnati Bengals.
-Lance Fernandez