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2023 Denver Broncos season

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2023 Denver Broncos season
OwnerRob Walton[a]
General managerGeorge Paton
Head coachSean Payton
Home fieldEmpower Field at Mile High
Results
Record8–9
Division place3rd AFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersCB Patrick Surtain II
SS Justin Simmons
KR Marvin Mims
AP All-ProsS Justin Simmons (2nd team)
RS Marvin Mims (2nd Team)
Uniform

The 2023 season was the Denver Broncos' 54th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 64th overall. It was also their third under the leadership of general manager George Paton, their second under the ownership of the Walton-Penner family group and their first under head coach Sean Payton. During the off-season, the Broncos released longtime kicker Brandon McManus after spending nine seasons with the team.[1] He was the last player from the 2015 Super Bowl 50-winning team still on the roster. His release made safety Justin Simmons, who has been with the team since 2016, the team's new longest-tenured player.[2]

After a 1–5 start, the team's first since 1994, the Broncos started to surge, winning five straight for the first time since 2015 to improve upon their 5–12 record from the previous season. However, the Broncos won just two of their final six games, suffering their seventh consecutive losing season and missed the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season. After his worst statistical season in 2022, quarterback Russell Wilson improved his performance, but was benched for the team's final two games in favor of backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham and was subsequently released the following offseason and joined the Steelers on a 5 year deal.

One of the Broncos' highlights of the season was their Week 8 win of 24–9 over division rival, defending Super Bowl champion and eventual-repeat champion Kansas City Chiefs. This win snapped a 16-game losing streak by the Broncos against the Chiefs, and their first win against quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Meanwhile, one of the team’s lowlights was a 20-70 loss in Week 3 to the Miami Dolphins.

Coaching changes

On February 3, Sean Payton was named as the 20th head coach in franchise history. Payton previously coached the New Orleans Saints from 2006–2021, with the exception of 2012, and the Broncos agreed to draft compensation with the Saints—see Draft section. Payton was the Broncos' seventh different head coach since 2008, and their third since 2018.[3] He replaced Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired on December 26, 2022, and replaced by Jerry Rosburg on an interim basis for the last two games of the 2022 season.[4]

In the weeks that followed Payton's hiring, the Broncos underwent the following coaching changes:

2023 Denver Broncos coaching staff changes
Position Previous coach(es) 2023 replacement(s)
Assistant head coach None Mike Westhoff
Assistant to the head coach None Paul Kelly
Offensive coordinator Justin Outten, 2022 Joe Lombardi
Quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak, 2022 Davis Webb
Pass game coordinator Klint Kubiak, 2022 John Morton
Running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley, 2022 Lou Ayeni
Wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, 2018–2022 Keary Colbert
Tight ends coach Jake Moreland, 2022 Declan Doyle
Offensive line coach Butch Barry (Weeks 1–16, 2022)
Ben Steele (interim—Weeks 17 and 18, 2022)		 Zach Strief
Assistant offensive line coach Ben Steele, 2022 Austin King
Offensive quality control Ramon Chinyoung, 2022 Logan Kilgore
Favian Upshaw
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, 2022 Vance Joseph
Linebackers coach Peter Hansen, 2022 None
Outside linebackers coach Bert Watts, 2022 Michael Wilhoite
Inside linebackers coach None Greg Manusky
Pass rush specialist None Jamar Cain
Assistant defensive backs Ola Adams, 2022 None
Defensive quality control coach Andrew Carter, 2022 Addison Lynch
Isaac Shewmaker
Senior defensive assistant Dom Capers, 2022 Joe Vitt
Special teams coach Dwayne Stukes (Weeks 1–16, 2022)
Mike Mallory (interim—Weeks 17 and 18, 2022)		 Ben Kotwica
Assistant special teams coach Mike Mallory, 2022 Chris Banjo
Sources for this section: Denver Broncos' official website[5][6]

Roster changes

Future contracts

All players listed below were signed to reserve/future contracts on January 9, unless otherwise noted. Each player was officially added to the active roster on March 15—the first day of the 2023 league year.[7]

Position Player Notes
WR Victor Bolden Jr. waived March 14[8]
G Parker Ferguson waived May 12[9]
CB Faion Hicks waived August 29[10]
CB Delonte Hood waived August 27[11]
DE Jordan Jackson signed January 11,[12] waived August 29,[10]
assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
S Devon Key waived August 29,[10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
RB Tyreik McAllister waived May 12, re-signed May 15,[14]
waived May 31[15]
T Isaiah Prince signed February 3,[16] released August 27[11]
LB Wyatt Ray released March 20[17]
T Hunter Thedford waived May 25[18]
LB Ray Wilborn waived August 14[19]

Free agents

Unrestricted

Position Player 2023 team Notes
LB Dakota Allen None
T Calvin Anderson New England Patriots signed with the Patriots on March 14[20]
CB Essang Bassey Los Angeles Chargers originally an RFA, re-signed March 22,[21] waived October 3,[22]
claimed off waivers by the Chargers on October 4[23]
FB Andrew Beck Houston Texans signed with the Texans on March 14[24]
LS Jacob Bobenmoyer Las Vegas Raiders originally an RFA, signed with the Raiders on March 17[25]
RB Mike Boone Houston Texans signed with the Texans on March 14[26]
G Tom Compton None
T Cameron Fleming Denver Broncos re-signed May 23[27]
LB Jonathan Kongbo None originally an ERFA
S Kareem Jackson Denver Broncos re-signed May 15[28]
DE Dre'Mont Jones Seattle Seahawks signed with the Seahawks on March 13[29]
S P. J. Locke Denver Broncos originally an RFA, re-signed March 16,[30] placed on injured reserve August 31,[31]
returned to the active roster on October 7[32]
RB Marlon Mack Arizona Cardinals signed with the Cardinals on August 4[33]
RB Latavius Murray Buffalo Bills signed with the Bills on May 1[34]
CB Darius Phillips Houston Texans Signed with the Texans on May 4[35]
G Dalton Risner Minnesota Vikings signed with the Vikings on September 18[36]
QB Brett Rypien Los Angeles Rams originally an RFA, signed with the Rams on May 4[37]
TE Eric Saubert Miami Dolphins signed with the Dolphins on March 15[38]
LB Alex Singleton Denver Broncos re-signed March 16[39]
TE Eric Tomlinson Houston Texans signed with the Texans on May 3[40]
T Billy Turner New York Jets Signed with the Jets on May 1[41]
P Corliss Waitman New England Patriots originally an ERFA, assigned tender on March 13,[42]
tender rescinded on March 21,[43] signed with the Patriots on March 23[44]
DE DeShawn Williams Carolina Panthers signed with the Panthers on March 15[45]

Note: Unrestricted free agents who were originally Restricted free agents (RFA) had three accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season, and did not receive a qualifying offer before the start of the 2023 league year on March 15.

Exclusive-rights

Position Player Tag 2022 team Notes
T Quinn Bailey ERFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 13,[42] released August 29,[10]
re-signed August 31[31]
LB Jonas Griffith ERFA None assigned tender on March 13,[42]
placed on injured reserve on August 3[46]
Exclusive-Rights Free Agent (ERFA): Players with two or fewer accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season

Signings

Position Player 2022 team(s) Notes
DE Zach Allen Arizona Cardinals signed March 15[47]
WR Michael Bandy Los Angeles Chargers signed July 28,[48] waived August 29,[10]
assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
FB Michael Burton Kansas City Chiefs signed March 17[49]
WR Marquez Callaway New Orleans Saints signed March 24,[50] waived August 29[10]
LB Frank Clark Kansas City Chiefs signed June 13,[51] released October 14[52]
NT Keondre Coburn None claimed off waivers from the Chiefs on October 20,[53]
waived November 14[54]
QB Ben DiNucci None signed May 16,[55] waived August 29,[10]
assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
P Riley Dixon Los Angeles Rams signed March 21[43]
G Yasir Durant New Orleans Saints signed July 31,[56] designated as waived/injured on August 5[57]
PK Elliott Fry None signed May 31,[15] designated as waived/injured on August 15[58]
C Kyle Fuller Seattle Seahawks signed April 3,[59] released August 29[10]
WR Josh Hammond None signed August 22,[60] waived August 29[10]
TE Tommy Hudson None signed June 1,[61] waived August 29[10]
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey New England Patriots signed March 7,[62] released August 29,[10]
assigned to the practice squad on August 30,[13]
promoted to the active roster on September 13,[63]
released October 11,[64]
promoted to the active roster on October 18,[65]
released October 20,[53]
promoted to the active roster on October 25[66]
RB Tony Jones Jr. Seattle Seahawks signed March 23,[67] waived August 29[10]
WR J. J. Koski None signed August 14,[19] waived August 27[11]
TE Lucas Krull New Orleans Saints promoted to the active roster on December 16[68]
NT Tyler Lancaster None signed May 23,[69] released August 29,[10]
assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
DT Tomasi Laulile None signed August 23,[70] waived August 29[10]
OT Mike McGlinchey San Francisco 49ers signed March 15[71]
PK Brett Maher Dallas Cowboys signed July 25,[72] released August 29[10]
DE Forrest Merrill None signed August 5,[57] designated as waived/injured on August 16[73]
CB Fabian Moreau New York Giants signed August 2,[74] released August 29,[10]
re-signed August 31[31]
TE Chris Manhertz Jacksonville Jaguars signed March 15[75]
LB Durell Nchami None signed to practice squad on December 6[76]
NT Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi None signed as part of the International Player Pathway Program
on May 12,[77] waived August 29,[10]
assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
LB Ben Niemann Arizona Cardinals promoted to the active roster on October 30[78]
RB Jacques Patrick None signed May 16,[55] waived June 1[61]
RB Samaje Perine Cincinnati Bengals signed March 16[79]
LB Ronnie Perkins None signed from the New England Patriots' practice squad on September 18,[80]
waived December 14,[81]
assigned to the practice squad on December 16[68]
G Ben Powers Baltimore Ravens signed March 16[82]
CB Tremon Smith Houston Texans signed March 17[83]
QB Jarrett Stidham Las Vegas Raiders signed March 15[84]
RB Dwayne Washington New Orleans Saints signed August 16,[73] released August 29,[10]
assigned to the practice squad on August 30,[13]
promoted to the active roster on October 4[85]

Departures

Position Player Notes
LB Christopher Allen waived August 29[10]
RB Tyler Badie waived August 29,[10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
RB Damarea Crockett waived June 5[86]
CB Ronald Darby released March 14[8]
T Christian DiLauro waived July 31[56]
RB Chase Edmonds released March 13[87]
C Graham Glasgow released March 13[87]
QB Jarrett Guarantano waived July 25[72]
WR Kendall Hinton waived August 27[11]
CB Lamar Jackson waived March 20[17]
PK Brandon McManus released May 23[1]
LB Jacob Martin released May 10[88]
LB Aaron Patrick waived August 29[10]
NT Mike Purcell released August 29,[10] re-signed August 31[31]
G William Sherman waived August 29,[10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
WR Freddie Swain waived March 14[8]
WR Montrell Washington waived August 29[10]

Draft

Main article: 2023 NFL draft
2023 Denver Broncos Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 5 Traded to the Seattle Seahawks[A]
29 Traded to the New Orleans Saints From Miami Dolphins[B]
2 37 Traded to the Seattle Seahawks[A]
63 Marvin Mims WR Oklahoma From Detroit Lions[C]
3 67 Drew Sanders LB Arkansas From Indianapolis Colts[D]
68 Traded to the Detroit Lions[C]
83 Riley Moss CB Iowa From Seattle Seahawks[E]
4 108 Traded to the Seattle Seahawks[E]
5 139 Traded to the Detroit Lions[C]
6 183 JL Skinner S Boise State From Broncos via Detroit Lions[C]
195 Traded to the New Orleans Saints From Pittsburgh Steelers[F]
7 222 Traded to the San Francisco 49ers[G]
241 Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers From Minnesota Vikings[F]
257 Alex Forsyth C Oregon From New Orleans Saints[F]

Draft trades

  1. ^ a b The Broncos traded their original first- and second-round selections (Nos. 5, and 37 overall, respectively), along with quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant and defensive end Shelby Harris to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks' 2022 fourth-round selection.[89]
  2. ^ The Broncos acquired a new first-round selection (No. 29 overall) as part of a trade that sent linebacker Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins.[90] The Broncos later traded this selection and a 2024 second-round selection to the New Orleans Saints as the compensation for the hiring of head coach Sean Payton.[91]
  3. ^ a b c d The Broncos traded their original sixth-round selection (No. 183 overall), along with wide receiver Trinity Benson, to the Detroit Lions in exchange for the Lions' 2022 fifth- and seventh-round selections.[92] The Lions later traded the No. 183 selection back to the Broncos, along with their second-round selection (No. 63 overall), in exchange for the Broncos' original third- and fifth-round selections (Nos. 68 and 139 overall).[93]
  4. ^ The Broncos acquired an additional third-round selection (No. 67 overall) as part of a trade that sent their 2022 third-round selection to the Indianapolis Colts.[94]
  5. ^ a b The Broncos acquired an additional third-round selection (No. 83 overall) in a trade that sent their fourth-round selection (No. 108 overall) and a 2024 third-round selection to the Seattle Seahawks.[95]
  6. ^ a b c The Broncos acquired a new sixth-round selection (No. 195 overall) in a trade that sent a seventh-round selection—No. 241 overall—and linebacker Malik Reed to the Pittsburgh Steelers.[96] The No. 241 selection was previously acquired as part of a trade that sent the Broncos' 2022 seventh-round selection to the Minnesota Vikings.[97] The Broncos later traded this selection to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for tight end Adam Trautman and the Saints' seventh-round selection (No. 257 overall).[98]
  7. ^ The Broncos traded their original seventh-round selection (No. 222 overall), along with a 2022 sixth-round selection, to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for linebacker Jonas Griffith and a 2022 seventh-round selection.[99]

Undrafted free agents

All undrafted free agents were signed prior to the team's rookie minicamp on May 12,[77] unless noted otherwise.

2023 Denver Broncos Undrafted Free Agents
Player Position College Notes
Nate Adkins TE South Carolina made the Week 1 roster[100]
Austin Ajiake LB UNLV signed August 3,[46] waived August 29[10]
Seth Benson LB Iowa waived August 29[10]
Henry Byrd G Princeton waived August 29[10]
Dallas Daniels WR Jackson State waived May 15[14]
Darrious Gaines CB Western Colorado waived May 15[14]
Art Green CB Houston waived August 29,[10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30,[13]
promoted to the active roster on January 7[101]
Taylor Grimes WR Incarnate Word waived August 29[10]
Marcus Haynes LB Old Dominion waived August 29,[10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
Thomas Incoom LB Central Michigan made the Week 1 roster[100]
Demontrey Jacobs T South Florida waived August 29,[10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
Jack Landherr LS UCLA signed August 15,[58] waived August 23[70]
Kris Leach TE Kent State waived May 15[14]
Jaleel McLaughlin RB Youngstown State made the Week 1 roster[100]
P. J. Mustipher NT Penn State waived August 29,[10] assigned to the practice squad on August 30[13]
Alex Palczewski T Illinois made the Week 1 roster,[100] placed on injured reserve August 31,[31]
activated for the team's season finale on January 6[101]
Nick Williams WR UNLV signed June 5,[86] waived June 13,[51]
signed July 25,[72] waived July 28,[48]
signed August 1,[102] waived August 27[11]
Emanuel Wilson RB Fort Valley State waived May 15[14]

Suspensions

Eyioma Uwazurike

On July 24, defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league’s gambling policy. Uwazurike, the team's 2022 fourth-round draft selection, bet on NFL games during his rookie season.[103]

Kareem Jackson

Safety Kareem Jackson was suspended twice by the NFL for repeated violations of the league's policy on unnecessary roughness.

On October 23, Jackson was initially suspended four games following the Broncos' Week 7 win over the Green Bay Packers after being ejected for a forceful blow to the head & neck area of Packers' tight end Luke Musgrave, when Musgrave was determined to be a defenseless receiver. Jackson was also ejected during the Broncos' Week 2 loss to the Washington Commanders for a similar hit on Commanders' tight end Logan Thomas, which resulted in Thomas suffering a concussion. Jackson was fined for a total of $89,670 for a series of illegal hits, including violations in three other games—Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins and Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs.[104] One day later (October 24), Jackson's suspension was reduced to two games following an appeal hearing.[105][54]

On November 20, in his first game back from suspension, Jackson was hit with another four-game suspension for lowering his helmet on Minnesota Vikings' quarterback Joshua Dobbs during the Broncos' Week 11 win over the Vikings. Jackson was not flagged for the hit, and he unsuccessfully appealed the suspension.[106]

After he was a healthy scratch for the team's Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots, Jackson was waived on December 25 following a roster exemption, and was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans the following day.[107]

Trades

Trade partner Broncos give Broncos receive Source
New Orleans Saints 2024 seventh-round selection K Wil Lutz [108]
Philadelphia Eagles TE Albert Okwuegbunam
2025 seventh-round selection		 2025 sixth-round selection
San Francisco 49ers LB Randy Gregory
2024 seventh-round selection		 2024 sixth-round selection [109]

Injuries

Position Player Time & type of injury Games missed Source(s)
LB Baron Browning recovery from off-season knee surgery PUP list, Weeks 1–6 [110]
LB Frank Clark hip, Week 1 Weeks 2–4 [111][112][113][114]
TE Greg Dulcich hamstring, Week 2 injured reserve, Weeks 2–5 [115][116]
hamstring, Week 6 season-ending injured reserve, starting with Week 7 [110]
LB Jonas Griffith ruptured ACL, preseason workouts injured reserve, missed the entire 2023 season [46]
WR K. J. Hamler NFI list, preseason
designated as waived/NFI on July 31		 [117][118]
WR Kendall Hinton recovery from off-season knee surgery PUP list, July 28
activated on July 28		 [117][48]
WR Jerry Jeudy hamstring, preseason Week 1 [119]
WR Brandon Johnson hamstring, October 26 practice injured reserve, Weeks 8–12 [120][121]
S P. J. Locke dislocated toe, preseason injured reserve, Weeks 1–4 [32][122]
ankle, Week 11 Week 12 [123]
T Mike McGlinchey ribs, Week 17 season-ending injured reserve, Week 18 [101]
T Alex Palczewski hand, preseason injured reserve, Weeks 1–17 [124][101]
WR Tim Patrick ruptured Achilles tendon, preseason workouts injured reserve, missed the entire 2023 season [74]
NT Mike Purcell NFI list, preseason [117]
S Justin Simmons hip, Week 2 Weeks 3–4 [113][114][32]
S Caden Sterns ruptured patella tendon, Week 1 season-ending injured reserve, starting with Week 2 [63]
WR Courtland Sutton concussion, Week 16 Week 17 [125]
S Delarrin Turner-Yell ruptured ACL, Week 17 season-ending injured reserve, Week 18 [126]
WR Jalen Virgil ruptured meniscus, preseason Week 2 injured reserve, missed the entire 2023 season [60]
RB Javonte Williams hip flexor, Week 4 Week 5 [127][128]
CB K'Waun Williams ankle, preseason injured reserve, missed the entire 2023 season [129][31]

Practice squad elevations

2023 Denver Broncos standard elevations
Position Name Week(s) Source(s)
WR Michael Bandy 17 [130]
RB Tyler Badie 14 [131]
QB Ben DiNucci 13, 15, 16 [121][68][132]
WR Phillip Dorsett 1 [133][130]
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey 1, 6, 7 [133][116][110]
S Devon Key 18 [101]
TE Lucas Krull 10, 13, 14 [134][121][131]
NT Tyler Lancaster 6, 12, 15 [116][135][68]
LB Ben Niemann 4 [136]
LB Ronnie Perkins 16, 17 [132][130]
WR Tre'Quan Smith 8 [120]
WR David Sills 10, 11, 12 [134][137][135]
RB Dwayne Washington 2, 3, 4 [115][138][136]

Staff

2023 Denver Broncos staff

Front office

  • President – Damani Leech
  • General manager – George Paton
  • Assistant general manager – Darren Mougey
  • Director of player personnel – Reed Burckhardt
  • Director of pro personnel – A. J. Durso
  • Executive director of football operations – Kelly Kleine
  • Vice president of football administration – Rich Hurtado
  • Vice president of football operation and compliance – Mark Thewes
  • Vice president of player development – Ray Jackson
  • Director of college scouting – Brian Stark
  • Senior personnel executive – Roman Phifer
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Nick Schiralli

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Vice president of player health and performance – Beau Lowery
  • Head strength and conditioning – Dan Dalrymple
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Korey Jones
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Shaun Snee


Final roster

2023 Denver Broncos roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 10 reserve, 16 practice squad

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 11 at Arizona Cardinals L 17–18 0–1 State Farm Stadium Recap
2 August 19 at San Francisco 49ers L 20–21 0–2 Levi's Stadium Recap
3 August 26 Los Angeles Rams W 41–0 1–2 Empower Field at Mile High Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 10 Las Vegas Raiders L 16–17 0–1 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
2 September 17 Washington Commanders L 33–35 0–2 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
3 September 24 at Miami Dolphins L 20–70 0–3 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
4 October 1 at Chicago Bears W 31–28 1–3 Soldier Field Recap
5 October 8 New York Jets L 21–31 1–4 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
6 October 12 at Kansas City Chiefs L 8–19 1–5 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
7 October 22 Green Bay Packers W 19–17 2–5 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
8 October 29 Kansas City Chiefs W 24–9 3–5 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
9 Bye
10 November 13 at Buffalo Bills W 24–22 4–5 Highmark Stadium Recap
11 November 19 Minnesota Vikings W 21–20 5–5 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
12 November 26 Cleveland Browns W 29–12 6–5 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
13 December 3 at Houston Texans L 17–22 6–6 NRG Stadium Recap
14 December 10 at Los Angeles Chargers W 24–7 7–6 SoFi Stadium Recap
15 December 16 at Detroit Lions L 17–42 7–7 Ford Field Recap
16 December 24 New England Patriots L 23–26 7–8 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
17 December 31 Los Angeles Chargers W 16–9 8–8 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
18 January 7 at Las Vegas Raiders L 14–27 8–9 Allegiant Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Week 1: Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 7 3 0717
Broncos 6 7 0316

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

Week 2: vs. Washington Commanders

Week 2: Washington Commanders at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Commanders 3 11 71435
Broncos 14 7 3933

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

Week 3: at Miami Dolphins

Week 3: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 6 0720
Dolphins 14 21 142170

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

Week 4: at Chicago Bears

Week 4: Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 0 71731
Bears 0 21 7028

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

Week 5: vs. New York Jets

Week 5: New York Jets at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 5 3 101331
Broncos 7 6 0821

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 8
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,387
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 6: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 0 088
Chiefs 3 10 3319

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

Week 7: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 7: Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Packers 0 0 10717
Broncos 3 6 7319

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 72 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,880
  • Referee: Alex Kemp
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 8: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 8: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 3 6 009
Broncos 7 7 01024

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 29
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Cold, getting colder, a few light flakes of snow falling, 26 °F (−3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,286
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 10: at Buffalo Bills

Week 10: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 3 12 0924
Bills 0 8 7722

at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

Week 11: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 11: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 10 7320
Broncos 3 6 01221

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

Week 12: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 12: Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 6 6012
Broncos 7 7 31229

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 26
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 40 °F (4 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,261
  • Referee: Adrian Hill
  • TV announcers (FOX): [Kevin Kugler]] , Mark Sanchez and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 13: at Houston Texans

Week 13: Denver Broncos at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 3 7717
Texans 10 3 3622

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

Week 14: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 14: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 3 7724
Chargers 0 0 077

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

  • Date: December 10
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MST/1:25 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Clear, 75 °F (24 °C) (retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 70,240
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 15: at Detroit Lions

Week 15: Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 0 10717
Lions 0 21 71442

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: December 16
  • Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST/6:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,560
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (KMGH/NFLN): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 16: vs. New England Patriots

Week 16: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 20326
Broncos 7 0 01623

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 6:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 28 °F (−2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,201
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (KMGH/NFLN): Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, James Palmer and Sherree Burruss
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information


Week 17: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 17: Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 339
Broncos 3 10 0316

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: December 31
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 41 °F (5 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,228
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy, James Lofton, Jay Feely and Tiffany Blackmon
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 18: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week 18: Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 7 0714
Raiders 7 10 01027

at Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada

Game information

Standings

Division

AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Kansas City Chiefs 11 6 0 .647 4–2 9–3 371 294 W2
Las Vegas Raiders 8 9 0 .471 4–2 6–6 332 331 W1
Denver Broncos 8 9 0 .471 3–3 5–7 357 413 L1
Los Angeles Chargers 5 12 0 .294 1–5 3–9 346 398 L5

Conference

AFC
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 Baltimore Ravens North 13 4 0 .765 3–3 8–4 .543 .529 L1
2[b][c] Buffalo Bills East 11 6 0 .647 4–2 7–5 .471 .471 W5
3[b] Kansas City Chiefs West 11 6 0 .647 4–2 9–3 .481 .428 W2
4 Houston Texans South 10 7 0 .588 4–2 7–5 .474 .465 W2
Wild cards
5[d] Cleveland Browns North 11 6 0 .647 3–3 8–4 .536 .513 L1
6[c][d] Miami Dolphins East 11 6 0 .647 4–2 7–5 .450 .358 L2
7 Pittsburgh Steelers North 10 7 0 .588 5–1 7–5 .540 .571 W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
8[e] Cincinnati Bengals North 9 8 0 .529 1–5 4–8 .574 .536 W1
9[e][f] Jacksonville Jaguars South 9 8 0 .529 4–2 6–6 .533 .477 L1
10[f] Indianapolis Colts South 9 8 0 .529 3–3 7–5 .491 .444 L1
11[g] Las Vegas Raiders West 8 9 0 .471 4–2 6–6 .488 .426 W1
12[g] Denver Broncos West 8 9 0 .471 3–3 5–7 .488 .485 L1
13 New York Jets East 7 10 0 .412 2–4 4–8 .502 .454 W1
14 Tennessee Titans South 6 11 0 .353 1–5 4–8 .522 .422 W1
15 Los Angeles Chargers West 5 12 0 .294 1–5 3–9 .529 .388 L5
16 New England Patriots East 4 13 0 .235 2–4 4–8 .522 .529 L2
Tiebreakers[h]
  1. ^ Other members of the ownership group include Carrie Walton Penner, Greg Penner, Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice, and Lewis Hamilton
  2. ^ a b Buffalo finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory.
  3. ^ a b Buffalo finished ahead of Miami based on head-to-head sweep.
  4. ^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Miami based on conference record.
  5. ^ a b Cincinnati finished ahead of Jacksonville based on head-to-head victory. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Indianapolis (see below).
  6. ^ a b Jacksonville finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head sweep.
  7. ^ a b Las Vegas finished ahead of Denver based on head-to-head sweep.
  8. ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Season Summary

The Broncos kicked off the 2023 season against their AFC West division rival Las Vegas Raiders. This marked Sean Payton's debut as the Broncos' head coach. The Raiders grabbed the early lead on their initial possession, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo connecting on a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. The Broncos responded on their first possession, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Russell Wilson to wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey. However, placekicker Wil Lutz missed wide-right on the extra point attempt — a miscue that would prove to be critical to the game's outcome. A 24-yard field goal by placekicker Daniel Carlson gave the Raiders a 10–6 lead early in the second quarter. The Broncos took their first just lead before halftime, with Wilson's second touchdown pass of the first half — a 5-yarder to wide receiver Courtland Sutton.[139]

Lutz missed wide right on a 55-yard field goal attempt on the initial possession of the second half. The Raiders then marched down the field and faced a 3rd-and-goal from the Broncos' 6-yard line. However, Garoppolo was intercepted by safety Kareem Jackson in the end zone for a touchback, late in the third quarter. The Broncos then had a first-and-goal from the Raiders' 8-yard line; however, they failed to score a touchdown, and instead, settled for a 24-yard field goal by Lutz midway through the fourth quarter. The Raiders took a 17–16 lead six plays later, with another touchdown pass from Garoppolo to Meyers — from 6 yards out. The Broncos went three-and-out, and were forced to punt. The Raiders faced a 3rd-and-8 from their own 44-yard line with exactly three minutes left in the game. Meyers was stopped one yard short of a first down on a pass completion from Garoppolo; however, Jackson was flagged for an unnecessary roughness flag for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Meyers, giving the Raiders a first down. The Broncos' defense was unable to stop Garoppolo from scrambling for a game-clinching 8-yard first down run.[139] The Broncos took a 21–3 lead over the Commanders with touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, consisting of a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Jaleel McLaughlin and two touchdown passes from quarterback Russell Wilson — a 60-yarder to wide receiver Marvin Mims and a 16-yarder to wide receiver Brandon Johnson. However, the Broncos' offense would sputter for the remainder of the game and their defense was unable to stop the Commanders. After Wilson was strip-sacked by linebacker Jamin Davis, the momentum shifted to the Commanders. Quarterback Sam Howell connected on a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Logan Thomas on a 4th-and-goal, with a two-point conversion that was initially ruled unsuccessful, but overturned by review. The Broncos' lead was narrowed to 21–14 just before halftime, with a 49-yard field goal by Commanders' placekicker Joey Slye, who missed from 49 and made from 44 in the first quarter.[140]

After a Broncos' three-and-out to start the second half, the Commanders tied the game at 21–21, with Howell throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Following an interception of Russell, Slye missed wide-right on a 59-yard field goal attempt. The Broncos reached the red zone on the ensuing possession, but were forced to settle for a 31-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz. The Commanders took their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter, with running back Brian Robinson Jr. rushing for a 2-yard touchdown, then added to their lead, with another rushing touchdown by Robinson — a 15-yarder midway through the fourth quarter. After being outscored 32–3 since early in the second quarter, the Broncos found themselves trailing 35–24. A 32-yard field goal by Lutz on the first play after the two-minute warning pulled the Broncos to a 35–27 deficit. After burning all of their team timeouts and forcing a Commanders' punt, the Broncos had one last possession at their own 13-yard line and with 48 seconds remaining. With 3 seconds remaining, Wilson heaved a desperation hail mary pass that was caught by Johnson for a touchdown. The Broncos needed a two-point conversion to send the game to overtime. However, Wilson's pass that was intended for wide receiver Courtland Sutton fell incomplete.[140]

The Broncos were overwhelmed by the Dolphins, in an embarrassing 70–20 loss. The Broncos' defense surrendered franchise worsts in points (70), yards (726) and overall touchdowns in one game (10), and tied a franchise record for rushing touchdowns in one game (5). The 50-point loss was the third-worst margin of defeat in Broncos' franchise history, behind a 59–7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963 and a 51–0 loss to the Oakland Raiders in 1967. Dolphins' quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for four touchdowns, with most of the help coming from running backs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, who each combined for eight of the ten total touchdowns. Broncos' quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 306 yards and only one touchdown, while wide receiver Marvin Mims returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.[141]

The 70 points scored by the Dolphins was tied for the second-most in a single game in NFL history, only trailing a 72-point output by the Washington Redskins in 1966.[142] The Broncos took the early lead over the Bears on their initial possession, with quarterback Russell Wilson connecting on an 18-yard touchdown pass with running back Jaleel McLaughlin. The Broncos' offense would then sputter, failing to advance past their own 44-yard line on their next four possessions, and the Bears reeled off 28 unanswered points. The Broncos' defense yielded four touchdown passes to Bears' quarterback Justin Fields—two to tight end Cole Kmet, and one apiece to wide receiver D. J. Moore and running back Khalil Herbert. The Broncos trailed 28–7 with 4:10 remaining in the third quarter, but proceeded to score the final 24 points of the game. Wilson threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Johnson near the end of the third quarter, followed in the fourth quarter by a 13-yarder to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Then the Broncos' defense came up with a crucial turnover, with linebacker Nik Bonitto forcing a strip sack and fumble off Fields, and linebacker Jonathon Cooper returning the fumble 42 yards for a game-tying touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. The Bears then marched down the field, and faced a 4th-and-1 at the Broncos' 18-yard line with 2:57 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, instead of a go-ahead field goal, the Bears decided to go for a first-down, but turned the football over on downs when Fields was tackled for no gain by linebacker Alex Singleton. Five plays later, a 51-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz put the Broncos ahead to stay with 1:51 remaining in the game. The Bears attempted a rally, but after reaching their own 47-yard line, Fields was intercepted by safety Kareem Jackson for the Broncos' first win of the season.[143]

Following a 30-yard field goal by Jets' placekicker Greg Zuerlein, the Broncos grabbed the lead, with a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Russell Wilson to running back Jaleel McLaughlin. On the Broncos' next possession, Wilson was penalized for intentional grounding in the end zone for a safety. The Broncos led 13–8 at halftime, after two short field goals by placekicker Wil Lutz—from 22 and 23 yards out, with a 26-yard field goal by Zuerlein in between. After the Broncos went three-and-out to start the second half, Jets' running back Breece Hall ran for a 72-yard touchdown—the first of 16 unanswered Jets points. Zuerlein added three more field goals—a 27-yarder in the third quarter, followed by 27- and 49-yarders in the fourth quarter. The Broncos trailed 24–13 midway through the fourth quarter, after two punts and a lost fumble in Jets' territory. A 3-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to tight end Adam Trautman, coupled with a successful two-point conversion by fullback Michael Burton, pulled the Broncos to within a 24–21 deficit with 4:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Jets were attempting to run out the clock, and faced a 3rd-and-5 at the Broncos' 27-yard line; however, quarterback Zach Wilson was intercepted by cornerback Patrick Surtain II near the goal line. With 2:14 remaining in the game, the Broncos attempted a rally, but Russell Wilson was strip-sacked by Jets' defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and cornerback Bryce Hall returned the fumble 39 yards for the game-clinching touchdown. [144]

The Broncos' defense limited Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes to one touchdown pass and four field goals by placekicker Harrison Butker, but the defensive effort was wasted by a poor performance by the offense. Quarterback Russell Wilson completed 13 of 22 passes for only 95 yards, and the Broncos trailed 16–0 at the 9:22 mark of the fourth quarter. Wilson finally got the Broncos on the scoreboard, with a 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton that was initially ruled as an incomplete pass, but overturned by a booth review. The subsequent two-point conversion by running back Javonte Williams pulled the Broncos to within a 16–8 deficit with six minutes remaining in the game. However, Butker's fourth field goal of the game—a 52-yarder at the two-minute warning, put the game out of reach. It was the Chiefs' 16th consecutive win over the Broncos—a streak that ended two weeks later in Denver.[145] Midway through the third quarter, all of the scoring came by way of the placekickers—three field goals by the Broncos' Wil Lutz, and one by the Packers' Anders Carlson. The Broncos increased their lead to 16–3, with the game's first touchdown—an 18-yard pass from quarterback Russell Wilson to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. However, the Packers' responded, with two touchdown passes by quarterback Jordan Love—a 16-yarder to wide receiver Romeo Doubs, followed by a 4-yarder to wide receiver Jayden Reed that gave the Packers a 17–16 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Nine plays later, the Broncos re-claimed the lead, with Lutz's fourth field goal of the game—a 52-yarder with 3:54 remaining in the game. The Packers attempted a rally, but Love was intercepted by safety P. J. Locke deep in Broncos' territory. The Broncos then ran out the clock.[146] The Broncos' defense forced five turnovers—three fumbles and two interceptions off Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and limited the Chiefs' offense to three field goals—all in the first half—in a 24–9 win. It was the first time since Week 13 of the 2021 season in which Mahomes did not throw a touchdown pass. Broncos' quarterback Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes—one apiece to running back Javonte Williams and wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. The Broncos held a 14–9 lead early in the fourth quarter, and after Chiefs' return specialist Mecole Hardman muffed a punt, Wilson threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Sutton and placekicker Wil Lutz later capped the scoring off with a 28-yard field goal with only 31 seconds remaining. With the win, the Broncos snapped a 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs, dating back to 2015.[147] The Broncos' defense forced two turnovers off the Bills' first two possessions—a fumble and an interception off quarterback Josh Allen, but only got one scoring a play—a 40-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz. The Broncos added to their lead midway through the second quarter, with quarterback Russell Wilson completing a pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton along the side of the end zone that was initially ruled an incomplete pass, but ruled a touchdown after instant replay revealed that Sutton dragged his toes in bounds. However, Lutz hit the left upright on the extra point attempt. The Bills responded, and got on the scoreboard, with Allen connecting on a 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Kincaid, with a successful two-point conversion. Lutz added two more field goals—from 49 and 40 yards out, to give the Broncos a 15–8 halftime lead. The latter field goal occurred after another interception of Allen. After an exchange of punts to start the second half, Sutton lost a fumble at the Bills' 45-yard line, and the Bills capitalized, with running back Latavius Murray rushing for a 3-yard touchdown to tie the game midway through the third quarter. After a pair of punt exchanges, the Broncos reclaimed the lead with 5:10 remaining in the game. Wilson connected with running back Javonte Williams for a 3-yard touchdown pass. However, the extra point attempt was botched, leaving the score at 21–15. The Bills then drove down the field, and on the first play after the two-minute warning, Allen scrambled for a 6-yard touchdown run to give the Bills their first lead of the game.[148]

Wilson engineered a comeback that was aided by two crucial penalties on Buffalo. First, the Broncos faced a 3rd-and-10 from the Bills' 45-yard line with 35 seconds left. A pass attempt intended for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was incomplete, but pass interference was called on Bills' cornerback Taron Johnson at the 17-yard line. Following a quick kneel down, and without any timeouts, the Broncos rushed their field goal unit onto the field. Lutz missed the 41-yard attempt wide right; however, the Bills were flagged for having 12 men on the field, giving Lutz a second chance with only four seconds left. Lutz then redeemed himself—kicking the game-winning 36-yard field goal as time expired.[148] The Broncos' offense struggled for most of the game, settling for five field goals by placekicker Wil Lutz through the early portion of the fourth quarter. Each field goal, for the exception of a 52-yarder just before halftime, was the result of the Broncos failing to score a touchdown in the red zone, and three of those field goals occurred after Vikings' turnovers. Defensively, the Broncos yielded two touchdowns to Vikings' quarterback Joshua Dobbs—one passing and one rushing, as well as two field goals by placekicker Greg Joseph. The Broncos trailed 20–15 with 3:20 remaining in the game, when quarterback Russell Wilson engineered a game-winning drive for the second consecutive game—a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton in the back of the end zone, with an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt. The Vikings had one last possession with 1:03 remaining in the game, hoping to reach field goal range. However, after earning one first down at their own 36-yard line, and burning two timeouts in the process, Dobbs threw four consecutive incomplete passes, including a 15-yard intentional grounding penalty on 3rd down, ending the Vikings' rally attempt. With the win, the Broncos earned their first four-game winning streak since 2016.[149] After achieving only one rushing touchdown the entire season, the Broncos jumped out to a 14–0 lead on a pair of rushing touchdowns—a 3-yarder by running back Samaje Perine in the first quarter, followed in the second quarter by a 2-yarder by quarterback Russell Wilson. The Browns then scored 12 unanswered points—two field goals by placekicker Dustin Hopkins late in the second quarter, followed by a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to tight end Harrison Bryant midway through the third quarter. Wide receiver Amari Cooper dropped what would have been the game-tying two point conversion in the end zone. However, the Broncos' defense held the Browns scoreless for the remainder of the game, and the Broncos added 15 more points—two short field goals by placekicker Wil Lutz, an 8-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to tight end Adam Trautman, and Broncos defensive end Zach Allen sacked Browns' backup quarterback P. J. Walker in the end zone for a safety. With the win, the Broncos earned their first five-game winning streak since their 2015 Super Bowl-winning season.[150] The Broncos' offense struggled throughout the first three quarters of the game, only managing a 34-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz late in the second quarter. The Broncos failed to advance past midfield on 6 of their first 7 possessions, excluding a kneel down just before halftime. The Broncos trailed 16–3 after three field goals by Texans' placekicker Matt Ammendola and a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Dameon Pierce. The latter occurred after a personal foul on Broncos' linebacker Alex Singleton on Texans' quarterback C. J. Stroud negated a false start on 4th-and-goal. The Broncos finally reached the end zone late in the third quarter, with quarterback Russell Wilson connecting on a 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. After forcing a Texans' punt, Wilson was intercepted by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. deep in Broncos' territory, giving the Texans a short field. The Texans took advantage of the turnover and added to their lead, with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to wide receiver Nico Collins on the second play of the fourth quarter, with an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt. The Broncos responded, with a 5-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Wilson to narrow the Texans' lead to 22–17. After forcing a Texans' punt, Wilson was intercepted again by Stingley, this one at the Texans' 27-yard line. After forcing one more Texans' punt, the Broncos had one more possession at their own 20-yard line at the 4:36 mark of the fourth quarter. With only 23 seconds remaining and no timeouts, the Broncos faced a 1st-and-goal at the Texans' 8-yard line after two successful 4th-down conversions. However, after two incomplete passes, Wilson's pass intended for tight end Lucas Krull was intercepted by Texans' safety Jimmie Ward in the end zone for a touchback.[151] The Broncos' defense dominated the game, holding the Chargers to 0-for-12 on 3rd down and 1-of-6 on 4th down with two turnovers. The Chargers were unable to take advantage of an early interception of Russell Wilson deep in Broncos' territory, failing on a 4th-and-3 instead of kicking a field goal at the 6-yard line. The Broncos took advantage of an interception of Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert, with a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Javonte Williams, and added a 23-yard field goal by placekicker Wil Lutz just before halftime. Herbert exited the game in the second quarter with a finger injury, and was replaced by backup quarterback Easton Stick for the remainder of the game. The Broncos added to their lead in the third quarter, with Wilson connecting on a 46-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. After a 3-yard touchdown run by Chargers' running back Austin Ekeler narrowed the Broncos' lead to 17–7 early in the fourth quarter, the Broncos put the game out of reach, with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to tight end Adam Trautman. With the win, the Broncos snapped an 11-game road losing streak against their AFC West opponents. [152] The Broncos' offense struggled in the first half and never recovered from a 21–0 halftime deficit, in a 42–17 loss to the Lions. The Broncos' defense surrendered five touchdown passes to Lions' quarterback Jared Goff and one rushing touchdown to running back Jahmyr Gibbs. On the offensive side of the football, quarterback Russell Wilson threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and placekicker Wil Lutz added a 23-yard field goal, but the Broncos never got any closer than an 18-point deficit in the second half.[153] All three of the Broncos' first three possessions started in Patriots' territory—at the 6-, 46- and 25-yard lines; however, the Broncos were only able to achieve one scoring play—a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Javonte Williams. After forcing a strip sack and fumble off Patriots' quarterback Bailey Zappe on the game's first play from scrimmage, the Broncos failed to capitalize on a 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line and only gained four yards after starting at the 46-yard line. After a 33-yard field goal by Patriots' placekicker Chad Ryland early in the second quarter, the Broncos reached the Patriots' 38-yard line, only for Williams to commit a fumble, ending the drive. Both placekickers—Ryland and the Broncos' Wil Lutz, missed long field goal attempts after the two-minute warning, leaving the score at 7–3 in favor of the Broncos at halftime. In the third quarter, the Broncos' offense struggled, with quarterback Russell Wilson being sacked four times, the defense surrendered 20 unanswered points. First, Zappe connected on two touchdown passes—a 15-yarder to running back Ezekiel Elliott (with a missed extra point attempt), followed by an 11-yarder to tight end Mike Gesicki. The Broncos were victimized by a disastrous play on the kickoff following the latter touchdown, as return specialist Marvin Mims fumbled near the goal line, and safety Cody Davis scooped up the football for a 1-yard touchdown to give the Patriots a 23–7 lead. After a poor offensive performance for most of the game, Wilson threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter—a 3-yarder to tight end Lucas Krull, followed by a 21-yarder to wide receiver Brandon Johnson—both with successful two-point conversions, to tie the game at 23–23 with only three minutes remaining in the game. After forcing a Patriots' punt, the Broncos' offense went three-and-out, giving the Patriots the football at their own 19-yard line with 58 seconds remaining in the game. However, after the Broncos called two timeouts on defense, the Patriots marched down the field, culminating in a 56-yard game-winning field goal by Ryland in the final seconds.[154] Each placekicker exchanged field goals—a 32-yarder by the Broncos' Wil Lutz in the first quarter, followed in the second quarter by a 36-yarder by the Chargers' Cameron Dicker. Broncos' backup quarter Jarrett Stidham, playing in place of the benched Russell Wilson, connected on a 54-yard pass to wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey for the game's only touchdown. Lutz added a 43-yard field goal just after the two-minute warning, but missed wide-right on a 48-yard attempt in the final seconds of the first half, for a 13–3 Broncos' halftime lead. A 50-yard field goal by Dicker was the only scoring play of the third quarter, and Lutz countered with a 20-yarder early in the fourth quarter. A 52-yard field goal by Dicker narrowed the Broncos' lead to 13–6 with only 1:21 remaining in the game. The Chargers' onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, sealing the Broncos' win, and their first season sweep of the Chargers since 2019. However, the Broncos were eliminated from postseason contention after the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs all won their respective games which extends their playoff drought to eight seasons dating to 2016.[155] In the Broncos' season finale, the Raiders took the early lead, with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers running for a 5-yard touchdown. The Broncos reponded early in the second quarter, with quarterback Jarrett Stidham connecting on a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. The Raiders then scored 17 unanswered points, starting with a 49-yard field goal by placekicker Daniel Carlson and a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Aidan O'Connell to wide receiver Davante Adams before halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, O'Connell connected on a 33-yard touchdown pass to Meyers, for a 24–7 Raiders' lead. The Broncos' offense struggled after their initial scoring play, failing to advance past midfield on three possessions (excluding a kneel down before halftime), and turning the football over on down at the Raiders' 36-yard line on a 4th-and-3. The Broncos narrowed the Raiders' lead at the 10-minute mark of the fourth quarter, with running back Javonte Williams rushing for a 2-yard touchdown on a direct snap. However, the Broncos' defense was unable to prevent the Raiders from going on a 15-play, 72-yard drive that devoured nearly eight minutes, culminating in a 21-yard field goal by Carlson with 2:23 remaining in the game. The Broncos attempted a rally, but six plays into their final possession, Stidham was intercepted at the Raiders' 18-yard line with only one minute remaining in the game.[156]

Statistics

Team leaders

Category Player(s) Value
Passing yards Russell Wilson 3,070
Passing touchdowns Russell Wilson 26
Rushing yards Javonte Williams 774
Rushing touchdowns Russell Wilson
Javonte Williams		 3
Receptions Courtland Sutton 59
Receiving yards Courtland Sutton 772
Receiving touchdowns Courtland Sutton 10
Points Wil Lutz 119
Kickoff return yards Marvin Mims 397
Punt return yards Marvin Mims 312
Tackles Alex Singleton 177
Sacks Jonathon Cooper 8.5
Forced fumbles D. J. Jones 3
Interceptions Justin Simmons 3

Source for this section: Denver Broncos' official website.[157]

League rankings

Offense
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Total yards 298.4 YPG 26th
Yards per play 5.0 T–22nd
Rushing yards 106.5 YPG 18th
Yards per rush 4.0 T–21st
Passing yards 191.9 YPG 24th
Yards per pass 7.0 T–17th
Pass completions 337/513 (.657) 12th
Total touchdowns 38 19th
Rushing touchdowns 8 T–28th
Receiving touchdowns 28 T–8th
Scoring 21.0 PPG 19th
Red Zone Touchdowns 30/58 (.517) 19th
Third down efficiency 81/220 (.368) 21st
Fourth down efficiency 13/20 (.650) 3rd
First downs per game 17.7 24th
Fewest sacks allowed 52 27th
Fewest giveaways 22 T–17th
Fewest penalties 99 T–18th
Least penalty yardage 749 12th
Defense
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Total yards 370.8 YPG 29th
Yards per play 5.8 30th
Rushing yards 137.1 YPG 30th
Yards per rush 5.0 32nd
Passing yards 233.6 YPG 22nd
Yards per pass 7.5 T–25th
Pass completions 382/572 (.668) 27th
Total touchdowns 46 T–24th
Rushing touchdowns 15 T–17th
Receiving touchdowns 29 T–28th
Scoring 24.3 PPG 27th
Red Zone Touchdowns 34/59 (.576) 22nd
Third down efficiency 67/202 (.332) 2nd
Fourth down efficiency 16/34 (.471) 12th
First downs per game 20.5 26th
Sacks 42 T–21st
Takeaways 26 T–12th
Fewest penalties 99 T–16th
Least penalty yardage 965 31st
Special teams
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Gross punting 46.3 YPP 22nd
Net punting 41.5 YPP 16th
Kickoffs 63.3 YPK 16th
Punt returns 16.3 YPR 1st
Kick returns 24.9 YPR 8th
Punt coverage 6.3 YPR 2nd
Kick coverage 21.5 9th

Source for this section: Pro-Football Reference.[158]

Awards and honors

Recipient Award(s)
Justin Simmons Week 8: AFC Defensive Player of the Week[159]
Marvin Mims Week 10: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week[160]
Wil Lutz November: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month[161]

Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections

On January 3, 2024, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, safety Justin Simmons and return specialist Marvin Mims were named starters for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games.[162] On January 9, fullback Michael Burton was named as a PFF first-team All-Pro selection,[163] and one day later (January 10), Surtain was selected to the second annual NFLPA Players' All-Pro team.[164] On January 12, Mims and Simmons were selected as second-team All-Pros.[165]

References

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  154. ^ Gabriel, Parker (December 24, 2023). "Broncos' playoff hopes go bust on Christmas Eve after comeback falls short against Patriots: "Our margin for error right now is not where it needs to be"". The Denver Post. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
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  156. ^ Gabriel, Parker (January 7, 2024). "Broncos' flat finale brings one note of clarity: The offensive offseason to-do list is as critical as it is long". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
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  160. ^ DiLalla, Aric (November 15, 2023). "WR Marvin Mims Jr. named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after win over Bills". Denver Broncos. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  161. ^ Swanson, Ben (November 30, 2023). "K Wil Lutz named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November". Denver Broncos. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  162. ^ DiLalla, Aric (January 3, 2024). "CB Pat Surtain II, S Justin Simmons, RS Marvin Mims Jr. named starters for 2024 Pro Bowl Games". Denver Broncos. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  163. ^ Riker, John (January 9, 2024). "Mile High Morning: FB Michael Burton selected to PFF's 2023 All-Pro team". Denver Broncos. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
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  165. ^ DiLalla, Aric (January 12, 2024). "S Justin Simmons, KR Marvin Mims Jr. named AP second-team All-Pros". Denver Broncos. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
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