Five Denver Broncos players have come on in the first half of the season. While there is one obvious name on the list, Broncos fans will be shocked at who is actually contributing this season. The Broncos sit at 6-2 for a reason: these five players. It’s why the Broncos are No. 9 in PFSN’s Offense Impact Score, while No. 1 in PFSN’s Defense Impact Score. And fans are wondering if Bo Nix is the guy.
Is Bo Nix a Franchise QB?
PFSN QB Impact Score: 79 (No. 14)
There’s no fall off. Through eight games, Nix’s stats are nearly identical to his rookie season. Good thing the Broncos made the playoffs during Nix’s rookie season. The QB already has as many game-winning drives as last season and is just one touchdown shy of his rushing total (4) from last season. A dual-threat, Nix’s career QBi, which factors in rushing, is 80, ranking third among QBs in his draft class.
Here are Nix’s 17-game average passing stats through 25 games. 11-6 win-loss record, 377-of-579 for 3,793 yards (223.1 yards per game), a 65.1% completion percentage, 5.2 TD%, 6.5 yards per attempt, and a 92.5 passer rating.
“I’m not going to be wrong about Bo Nix. – Bo Nix ain’t the guy, and probably isn’t gonna be the guy.”
Nick Wright, wrong about Bo Nix. pic.twitter.com/Za8WyRZhfr
— Sean 🐴🏈 (@InTheNixOfTime) October 29, 2025
Nix makes the most of his opportunities. Averaging fewer than 35 pass attempts per game, he is displaying point guard abilities, facilitating the offense. Nix’s 5.2 TD% on a 6.5 yards per attempt is not a fluke. It’s his ability to find the open man and allow the pass-catcher to do the rest after the catch. In addition, here are Nix’s 17-game average rushing stats. 89 carries for 409 yards (24 yards per game) and five touchdowns.
Who Is Justin Strnad?
PFSN LB Impact Score: 74.2 (No. 40)
Drafted in the fifth round, Justin Strnad was never projected to be a starter. Yes, fellow ILB Dre Greenlaw has been hurt. Also, yes, Strnad is making the most of his opportunity. Through eight games, six starts, Strnad has 34 total tackles, four tackles for loss, seven QB hits, and 3.5 sacks. In addition, he has two pass deflections and an interception.
Strnad’s interception was key in the Broncos’ comeback win against the Giants, and his 3.5 sacks are fifth on the team. Strnad is one of five Broncos defenders with 3-plus sacks.
Is J.K. Dobbins Still in the League?
PFSN RB Impact Score: 82.3 (No. 9)
J.K. Dobbins didn’t sign with the Broncos until after the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Broncos drafted RJ Harvey with a starter pick in the second round. For reference, the first three rounds are starter picks. Don’t tell Dobbins that, though. He is a revelation. Dobbins leads the Broncos in rushing yards. By more than 400 yards. In fact, Dobbins is third in the league in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game.
He’s not an accounting ledger. Only real ball knowers saw this coming. Dobbins totaled 905 yards on 195 carries for 4.6 yards per carry in 13 games last season for the Chargers. He compiled 1,058 scrimmage yards on 227 touches. This season, Dobbins is No. 15 in scrimmage yards with 666 yards.
Can Riley Moss Play Man Coverage?
PFSN CB Impact Score: 85.9 (No. 20)
Riley Moss is a third-round steal by general manager George Paton. Missing most of his rookie season, the former is coming on in his third season. In eight games, Moss totals 38 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a career-high nine pass deflections. Yes, he can hold his own in man coverage, and that’s him on the TV swatting the ball. For reference, Moss is tied with Pat Surtain II for most pass deflections on the team.
Both players are tied for the fourth-most pass deflections in the league. Moss has eight penalties to Surtain II’s six. But that’s part of playing man coverage defense. Both players are inside the top 20 in PFSN’s CB Impact Score, though.
Was Troy Franklin Only Drafted Because of Nix?
PFSN WR Impact Score: 75.5 (No. 42)
Slot WR Troy Franklin has four fewer receptions than No. 1 WR Courtland Sutton on two fewer targets. No other pass-catcher has more than 37 targets. Franklin is a draft-day steal in fantasy football. More recently, he is coming off his breakout, with six receptions on eight targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Here’s a fun fact: Franklin leads the Broncos’ WRs in touchdowns. He’s a legitimate WR, not just Nix’s plus one — skeptics be damned.
Do the Denver Broncos have the most underrated receiving corps in the NFL?🤔 pic.twitter.com/C5tPHBmvXf
— Trev🗣️ (@Boisabronco) October 29, 2025
Sutton: 56 targets, 37 receptions, 536 yards (67 yards per game), and three touchdowns
Franklin: 54 targets, 33 receptions, 358 yards (44.8 yards per game), and four touchdowns
If Franklin starts to run more deep routes, his stats could explode. He caught a 25-yard touchdown in the end zone in Week 8.
