The Denver Broncos’ conservative estimate of a 13-4 record has actualized. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix led his seventh game-winning drive against the Kansas City Chiefs on a Christmas edition of “Thursday Night Football.” After defeating the Chiefs 20-13, the Broncos are now 13-3 with one game to go. Let’s get to the key takeaways.
Bo Nix’s Clutchness Off Bye This Week
While Nix didn’t toss multiple touchdowns in Week 17, he scored twice — one by land, one by air. He heated up in the second half, scoring both of his touchdowns in that span. Nix led two 14-play, 65-yard-plus drives for touchdowns. The second sealed the game. After a neutral zone infraction by interior defensive lineman Chris Jones on fourth and two, the Nix-led offense ended up with first and 10 on the four-yard line and in the end zone three plays later.
It’s Nix’s seventh game-winning drive of the season. He was 26-of-38 for 182 yards, an 68.4% completion percentage, a touchdown, an interception, 4.8 yards per attempt, and a 76.9 passer rating. Nix totaled nine totes for 42 yards and a touchdown as well. He is now one of seven QBs with 30-plus total touchdowns this season.
RJ Harvey Coming Into His Own
Harvey may be the second coming of Alvin Kamara. While the latter doesn’t have a 1,000-yard rushing season, Kamara totaled seven straight 1,100-plus scrimmage-yard seasons. Modern running backs greatly affect the passing game now. So, Harvey’s 14 carries for 43 yards don’t seem impressive. However, his 19 touches — including carries and receptions — for 76 yards and a touchdown are. Harvey is better than you think as the lead back.
Courtland Sutton Records Third 1,000-Yard Season
Sutton paced Broncos pass-catchers with 10 targets. And earning targets is a skill. So, that’s four straight games with 10-plus targets for Sutton. He’s now at 73 receptions for 1,012 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. Sutton will need 93 yards in Week 18 to average 65-plus yards per game (1,105 yards on the season). And Week 18 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers will probably be for the AFC West title. The Broncos may not need a splash acquisition at wide receiver now.
So, Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce looks like the perfect free agent signing for the Broncos. He can streak past defenders at the boundary Z position. Then, in 11 personnel, Sutton and Pat Bryant, in his sophomore season, can alternate boundary X and slot WR snaps. This bumps Franklin down to the fourth WR on the depth chart, making the WRs room a strength. Time is our judge on this one.
Broncos Defense Back on Track
The Broncos’ defense allowed one touchdown in Week 17 and a total of 13 points. Yes, it was against a third-string QB. But we wanted to see the ball go through the net this week. Up 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, the Broncos’ defense forced a turnover on downs. Now, on to Week 18 vs. the Chargers.
