The Broncos signed off on their Week 16 game against the Chargers being flexed to ‘Thursday Night Football.’ So, why did they agree to it?
For the first time in NFL history, the league announced a Thursday Night Football flex on Friday.
Flex scheduling for TNF was approved last year, but it hadn’t been utilized until the NFL announced that the Denver Broncos‘ game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 would be flexed from Sunday to Thursday.
Because the Broncos already played a road TNF game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, they had to sign off on being flexed into a second road TNF game this season, and they did. So, why’d they agree to it?
One possible reason for agreeing to the flex might be so they get more rest ahead of their Week 17 road game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Denver will have a short week after hosting the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 15 and they going on the road to play the Chargers on Dec. 19, but the Broncos will now get a mini bye before playing the Bengals on Dec. 28 or 29.
Cincinnati was originally scheduled to host the Cleveland Browns on TNF in Week 16, which would have given the Bengals extra rest going into the Denver game. Following the flex, the Broncos will now have extra rest.
That Denver-Cincinnati game could have huge playoff implications in the AFC, and it might be a candidate to get flexed to Saturday. If it is set for Dec. 28, that would give the Bengals another rest disadvantage.
Since we’re on the topic of scheduling…
Three of the Week 17 games below will be played on Saturday, Dec. 28.
We’ll see how it shakes out, but I personally think Broncos-Bengals is compelling enough to earn one of the Saturday slots. pic.twitter.com/KHnFb6QWWF
The NFL might not be done flexing Broncos games this season.
When the NFL announced the 2024 schedule earlier this year, the Denver Broncos were only given two initially-scheduled prime-time games: Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 and Monday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13.
Since then, the Broncos have been flexed into a third prime-time window. Denver’s road game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 was moved from Sunday afternoon to a Thursday Night Football slot.
That might not be the Broncos’ last game in prime time this season.
After the Chargers game, Denver will go on the road to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. If the Bengals can secure a few wins and stay alive in the playoff hunt, that game would be a perfect candidate for a national spotlight. In addition to the possibility of a Sunday Night Football flex, the Broncos-Bengals game could also be a candidate for a nationally-televised Saturday window.
And if Denver needs to win in Week 18 to make the NFL playoffs, a home game against the Kansas City Chiefs could also be an intriguing candidate for either SNF or one of two Saturday windows that weekend.
As things stand now, the Broncos have a MNF game in Week 13 and a TNF game in Week 16. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the NFL add a SNF or Saturday game to Denver’s schedule before the end of the year.
For the first time in NFL history, a game has been flexed to Thursday Night Football. The Broncos will now face the Chargers in primetime.
For the first time in NFL history, a Sunday afternoon game has been flexed to Thursday Night Football.
The Denver Broncos‘ road game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 has been flexed from Sunday, Dec. 22 to Thursday, Dec. 19, the NFL announced Friday. The original TNF matchup was set to see the Cincinnati Bengals host the Cleveland Browns. That game was moved to an afternoon slot on Dec. 22.
The Broncos previously played on TNF in Week 7 when they went on the road and defeated the New Orleans Saints 33-10. Denver is also scheduled to play on Monday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13.
NFL rules prevent a team from being given two TNF away games when the initial schedule is released in the spring, but in-season flexes are allowed. So after playing in New Orleans on a short week earlier this season, the Broncos will play in Los Angeles on a short week later this year.
It is perhaps less-than-ideal for Denver from a competitive perspective, but it’s a sign that the league views the Broncos as an entertaining team worthy of a national spotlight. That’s quite a change from recent seasons.
Thursday Night Football is available to stream on Prime Video.
From Tom Brady to Colin Cowherd, the NFL world reacted in a big way to QB Bo Nix’s impressive performance.
After Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a historic performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11, NFL pundits have offered their takes on the first-year signal caller. Here’s a recap of the reactions this week.
Tom Brady names Bo Nix one of his 3 stars of the week
The pair mentioned in the game against Atlanta, Nix had his highest yards-per-pass (9.8) of the season.
Chris Simms breaks down Bo Nix’s ‘surgically explosive’ performance
Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms has seen the difference for the Broncos offense. “I just love the look of Bo Nix, I really do,” said Simms. “I love the offense they’re running, too.”
Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson chime in on Bo Nix’s big game
The two former pass catchers reacted to Nix’s huge stat line from the Falcons game. “(Nix) was one of three Bronco rookie quarterbacks to ever throw four touchdowns in a game,” noted Sharpe.
Colin Cowherd says Bo Nix is a top-12 quarterback in the NFL
After Nix had his highest stats of the season, ESPN insider Adam Schefter marveled at the young quarterback. “Rookies don’t do that,” Schefter remarked on the Pat McAfee Show. “That’s over 80 percent completion rate, four touchdowns, no interceptions. Bo Nix is getting better and better and better.”
Jamie Erdahl says Bo Nix was the NFL’s big winner in Week 11
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky said that Nix is having a great season. “He’s got control and he has the answers,” said Orlovsky. “Control of everything they’re trying to do in Denver offensively.”
PFF reacts to Bo Nix’s play and Broncos’ impressive offensive line
Although the rest of the NFL is giving Nix all the love, PFF realized that the Broncos’ offensive line is a key part of the success Nix has been having throughout the season.
Tim Jenkins breaks down film of Bo Nix’s best game yet
Tim Jenkins called Nix’s historic performance “the best performance I’ve seen out of a rookie quarterback this season, and if I’m really being honest, the best performance I’ve seen from a Broncos quarterback in a long, long, long time.”
Kurt Benkert reviews Bo Nix’s great game vs. Falcons
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert broke down Nix’s incredible performance against Atlanta in an 18-minute video.
Doug Farrar breaks down Bo Nix’s recent rise
New All-22 video for @AthlonSports: Bo Nix’s ascent as the @Broncos‘ franchise QB after a long post-Peyton Manning search is happening. Sean Payton brought up two plays that speak to Nix’s recent development. Nix is taking one of the NFL’s most complex playbooks to the field. pic.twitter.com/w4qhzp9Eai
“Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season, and from 2016-2023, the Denver Broncos threw 13 different quarterbacks into the fire to try and replace him,” said Farrar. “But now with 2024 first-round draft pick Bo Nix, Denver may finally have a guy to mercifully end that quarterback curse.”
Chris Long reacts to Bo Nix’s impressive improvement this season
Super Bowl champion Chris Long praised Nix, as an older rookie quarterback who is hitting his stride with head coach Sean Payton.
Chase Daniel says Bo Nix should be Rookie of the Year
“In my opinion, (Nix is) right now neck and neck with (Commanders quarterback) Jayden Daniels in the Offensive Rookie of the Year category,” said the former QB.
Nix is certainly making a serious case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Can he continue this high-quality quarterback play through the rest of the season?
Broncos WR Devaughn Vele is emerging as a key receiver in Sean Payton’s offense. “His future is bright,” Courtland Sutton said.
Devaughn Vele is quietly emerging as a key wide receiver for the Denver Broncos.
Through seven games this season, the 26-year-old rookie out of Utah has totaled 26 receptions for 281 yards, 14 first downs and one touchdown. He has seemingly emerged as quarterback Bo Nix’s second-favorite target behind Courtland Sutton in recent weeks.
“I think part of what was holding Devaughn Vele back was us,” coach Sean Payton said after the team’s win against the Atlanta Falcons. “In other words, Josh [Reynolds] was getting a lot of reps. It’s sometimes just giving the player more opportunities. I think one of the things he does well for someone who’s 6-4, he’s low cut.
“He has these like 32-inch inseams and a long torso. So when he comes out of his breaks, you don’t feel a leggy player. You feel a sudden player, and that’s a good trait for a tall receiver. Then the other things is he has extremely strong hands in traffic. He just keeps improving, but part of that is he’s getting more opportunities.”
Devaughn Vele has been lights out for the Broncos on 3rd downs converting 8/9 targets into first downs. I’m excited to watch these two build on their chemistry for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/TyEZbu8gqB
Reynolds is eligible to return from injured reserve this week, but Vele seems poised to continue getting snaps after making the most of his opportunities while Reynolds was sidelined.
“I was just talking with Vele and I am so happy for him,” Sutton said. “When you see the young guys, especially a rookie, make that stride, you can see the writing on the wall of the opportunity being there. It’s all about stepping up to the challenge. Watching him these past couple of weeks step up to the challenge of becoming that guy on the other side, it’s been a lot of fun.
“His future is bright. It’s so early for him. We talk about it all the time, but for me, making my transition into this vet role in the room, it’s cool to be able to see the young guys step up to that role and have the success that he’s having right now.”
Denver’s top receivers have been Sutton, Vele and Lil’Jordan Humphrey during Reynolds’ absence. Following Vele’s emergence, Humphrey might be the odd man out in the rotation when Reynolds returns.
The Broncos will go on the road to face the Raiders in Week 12. Here are five things to watch for on Sunday.
The Denver Broncos (6-5) will go on the road to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a quick list of five storylines to watch for leading up to the AFC West showdown.
1. Denver’s running back rotation: It appeared that Audric Estime might be taking over as the new RB1, but Javonte Williams quickly put that notion to rest by leading the backfield in touches last week. So, what will the backfield rotation look like going forward? It’s tough to predict — especially if the Broncos ride the hot hand — but it seems that Williams is still the lead back with Jaleel McLaughlin and Estime rotating in behind him.
2. Brock Bowers vs. Broncos’ defense: When Denver played the Raiders in Week 5, rookie tight end Brock Bowers totaled eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Bowers has been a bright spot for a struggling Las Vegas squad in recent weeks, and he will be a tough test for the Broncos’ secondary. “You can see how they made it a point of emphasis to give him the ball in any spot and any position,” cornerback Pat Surtain said. “They even have him at ‘X’ [receiver] backside and at his tight end spot at the ‘Z.’ He is playing all positions, and they are utilizing him very well. It will be a good challenge for us.”
3. Maxx Crosby vs. Denver’s offensive line: The Broncos beat the Raiders 34-18 earlier this season, but Bowers and defensive lineman Maxx Crosby were both problems for Denver. Crosby ended the day with two sacks and he now has 15.5 sacks in 11 career games against the Broncos. “It’s important [to know where he is at],” quarterback Bo Nix said. “He’s a really good player. He played well last time we played him even though he was a little banged up. I’m sure he’s going to be fresh and ready to go this game. One thing about him is his motor never stops. He’s a hard-working player. He plays every snap really hard, and he tries to get in everyone’s head. That’s just the type of style he is and the player he is. He’s really good. One of the best in the league.”
4. Broncos QB Bo Nix chasing history: Denver’s quarterback has been setting multiple franchise rookie records this fall and he needs just one touchdown on Sunday to break the team’s rookie passing record of 14 (he’s currently tied with Marlin Briscoe). Going up against a Las Vegas defense that allows 327.8 yards and 28.5 points per game, Bo Nix might be poised to have another big performance in Week 12.
5. Denver’s seeking first-ever win in Las Vegas: Since moving to the desert in 2020, the Raiders are 4-0 against the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. “I’m excited to go [there for] a road divisional game,” Nix said. “They’re always a lot of fun. I know it’s an important game. It’s going to be an awesome atmosphere. It’s going to be a fun game. They’re going to have a good team. They’re going to be ready to go. Playing them again, I think it’s going to be a good game. I’m excited for the opportunity we have. Any divisional games are always important.”
The Denver Broncos are on pace to finish in the top three in yards allowed and points allowed, which is a good sign for the playoffs.
Eleven games into the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos rank third in yards allowed (289.4) and third in points allowed per game (16.6).
As NFL.com’s Kevin Patra pointed out on Twitter/X earlier this week, 44 teams have finished in the top three of both yards allowed and points allowed over the last 30 seasons. Of those teams, all 44 made the NFL playoffs and 19 of them made it at least to the conference championship game.
Vance Joseph’s unit certainly has the team on track to make some noise down the stretch.
“They’re playing great,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said of Denver’s defense. “They’re having a great year. They get us the ball back in a timely manner. They stop the offense. They keep it relatively low scoring. We have been good at certain points, and we haven’t at times on offense to parallel that. At the same time, they’re going to continue to play that way. We just have to continue to rely on them and know that they’re going to make plays. Then we kind of have to pick it up and match it when they do. We have to help them out and be there for them. They’ve done a spectacular job all year.”
After sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins three times on Sunday, the Broncos now rank first in the NFL with 39 sacks this season. Perhaps even more impressive was the team holding Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson to just 35 rushing yards on 12 carries.
“He’s explosive,” coach Sean Payton said of Robinson. “Their wide-zone scheme, they do a great job with him. If that gets going, then everything else falls in place for the quarterback. We felt like the primary key to winning this game was when the game ended, who won the rushing battle. We know that they were a good rushing team, but they’re a hard team to beat if you don’t have an answer for him. He’s an extremely talented player. They do a great job by design. That was really important.”
Denver remains on pace to make the NFL playoffs, and if the defense continues playing at this level, the Broncos could make some noise in the postseason.
“I’m in a really good spot,” Bo Nix said of being coached by Sean Payton while getting input from Peyton Manning and John Elway.
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been a hot topic this week after his impressive performance against the Atlanta Falcons last week.
Even Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway said “the sky’s a limit for him” when asked about Nix during an interview with Broncos Wire earlier this week.
“It looks like they found their guy … [who will] continue to grow and bring back that excitement and start to compete for those world championships again,” Elway told Broncos Wire’s Brandon Walker on Wednesday.
After Wednesday’s practice, Nix was asked about receiving praise from Elway and if he’d like to meet the former QB and GM.
“Yes, he’s a legend,” Nix said. “He’s a legend not only here for this organization, but for the entire NFL. So you do want to listen when a guy like that is talking, and you want to pay attention to it. It’s an honor to be in this spot to where people like that can speak about it. I think obviously like most guys, they would love to have a chat with John Elway, just pick his brain and see what it’s like. Guys like that just have a lot of knowledge that they can share.
“It’s just awesome that I’m even in that situation. Like you mentioned, I think Davis [Webb] and Coach [Sean Payton] done a great job of just every week teaching me and moving on, going to the next play. Learn from the good and learn from the bad. I just feel like I’m in a really good spot.”
Nix is getting daily feedback from Payton and Webb, and he’s spoken with Peyton Manning as well. Elway hasn’t met with the young QB yet, but he has endorsed him from afar. Denver’s QB is in good hands.
“I think at the beginning, you kind of make the NFL bigger than what it actually is,” Bo Nix said. Sean Payton has helped him adjust.
After struggling early in the season, Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has made huge strides in recent weeks and he has received several accolades along the way.
During his weekly media availability after Wednesday’s practice, Nix was asked about how he’s been able to take such a big leap in recent weeks.
“To be honest, I think at the beginning, you kind of make the NFL bigger than what it actually is,” Nix said. “These players are really good, but at the same time, you have really good players on your level. I think simplifying the game, trying to play as fast as possible and finding a completion, which is what we’ve been able to do here recently.
“I think as we’ve gone on, Coach [Sean Payton] and I have found a good rhythm of what we both like, what we can kind of put out there on the field and what we can execute. Then the guys have kind of adapted to it, found our roles within the offense and executed at a high level. It’s just all about slowing the game down, and processing things in a manner that you can handle. Just kind of see one or two things, and let those guys take you to where the ball is supposed to be.”
Payton has tailored the offense to Nix’s strengths, and the coach and quarterback have become more familiar with each other with each game. Now entering his 12th week playing in the NFL, Nix will look to take another step forward when the Broncos face the Las Vegas Raiders on the road in Week 12.
Kwon Alexander and Zach Cunningham are expected to both use up their three practice squad elevations before the Broncos make a decision.
After losing inside linebacker Alex Singleton to a season-ending knee injury in September, the Denver Broncos signed veterans Kwon Alexander and Zach Cunningham to their practice squad.
It took the players a few weeks to get up to speed and Justin Strnad started in Singleton’s place from Weeks 4-6. Denver then elevated Alexander from the practice squad to the game-day roster in Week 7.
Practice squad players can be elevated to the game-day rost three times during a season. Alexander’s three elevations were used from Weeks 7-9. After that, the Broncos elevated Cunningham in Weeks 10 and 11. He will likely be elevated a third and final time in Week 12.
Denver seems to be giving the two linebackers a trial run before potentially deciding who ends up on the 53-man roster. Alexander got three games and Cunningham is on the verge of making his third appearance this weekend. After that, one of them could end up on the active roster for the final stretch of the season.
Cunningham did not play in his first game. He totaled three tackles on 11 snaps last week. Alexander recorded eight tackles on 65 snaps in his three appearances, including two starts.
Right now, Alexander seems like the favorite to eventually end up on the 53-man roster, but Cunningham will (presumably) get one more opportunity to impress in Week 12.
