The Denver Broncos are 8-2, but their offense needs improvement. Denver is No. 14 in PFSN’s Offense Impact Score through 10 weeks. The defense, meanwhile, is No. 1. More recently, quarterback Bo Nix is coming off consecutive sub-70 passer rating games. He has three such games total this season.
That said, he has four three-plus touchdown games and come-from-behind wins. But the positives are fleeting compared to the negatives.
Broncos’ Offense Must Improve
The Broncos’ offense is middle of the pack in passing yards per game at No. 15, while the offense is No. 9 in rushing yards per game. Denver is also No. 16 in points per game.
On Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano published a long-form piece on ESPN. In it, Fowler wrote about the Broncos. He wrote about them in a section called, which contender is getting the most pretender buzz around the league?
“Multiple offensive players acknowledged that the team is playing with fire if it doesn’t improve. Denver knows quarterback Bo Nix is better than how he played Thursday night, as Las Vegas had a good, defensive-linemen-heavy game plan on a short week that thwarted the Broncos’ attack. The Broncos missed receiver Marvin Mims Jr. more than one would think. He’s the easy yards guy when the offense struggles,” Fowler wrote.
Perhaps Mims Jr.’s potential return to the lineup in Week 11 will jumpstart the offense. He is third on the team in receiving yards despite missing two games. Mims Jr. is one of five pass catchers with more than 20 receptions as well. Fowler continued.
“Nix still has a few things going for him: He has a knack for moving the ball downfield, even when it’s not pretty, and he’s clutch in the fourth quarter. But recent struggles from Nix and the passing game suggest the Broncos could be destined for an early playoff exit despite their defensive dominance if the offense doesn’t improve.” Fowler wrote.
Fortunately for the Broncos, Denver has seven games to iron out its issues before the playoffs begin. Although he is tied for fifth in passing touchdowns, Nix is No. 28 in completion percentage and No. 27 in passer rating.
As of now, the Broncos will rest on their laurels. An 8-2 record, a division leader, and the No. 2 seed in the AFC Conference. Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs will be a litmus test, encompassing everything written above.