Tag: Grade

Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 31-7 loss to Bills

QB Bo Nix (85.2) did his part, but the Broncos need to add playmakers on offense. View more of the team’s PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL playoffs, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst from the Wild Card game below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • QB Bo Nix: 85.2
  • OT Garett Bolles: 79.6
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 77.1
  • P Riley Dixon: 73.1
  • C Luke Wattenberg: 69.3

Nix did his part, but it’s clear that Denver needs to add playmakers around him. Dixon’s fake punt landed him among the top offensive players. G Ben Powers (68.7) receiving the sixth-best grade on offense.

Best Defensive Players 

  • DL D.J. Jones: 79.4
  • DL Zach Allen: 77.2
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 76.4
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 67.0
  • DB Devon Key: 60.0

Jones is scheduled to become a free agent, so interior defensive line could quietly emerge as a key position of need for the Broncos in 2025.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • WR Devaughn Vele: 34.9
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 47.8
  • WR Marvin Mims: 50.8
  • TE Lucas Krull: 51.6
  • WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 52.3

Denver’s front office needs to add a dynamic receiver and a pass-catching tight end this spring. Nix needs help.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • LB Drew Sanders: 27.1
  • LB Justin Strnad: 28.1
  • DB P.J. Locke: 28.4
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 32.7
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 37.4

On defense, the Broncos will need at least one starting inside linebacker and a starting-caliber safety to push or replace Locke across from Brandon Jones.

Special Teams 

  • ST Adam Trautman: 74.4
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 63.6
  • R Marvin Mims: 59.5
  • K Wil Lutz: 48.9 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 64.5

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 38-0 win over Chiefs

Broncos QB Bo Nix (90.3) had a huge game against the Chiefs. View more of the team’s PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 38-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 18 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 18 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • QB Bo Nix: 90.3
  • G Quinn Meinerz: 87.3
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 83.7
  • WR Marvin Mims: 77.2
  • WR Devaughn Vele: 73.3

A brilliant record-setting performance from Nix and a strong showing from a trio of the team’s receivers. Denver’s offense is hot going into the playoffs.

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Dondrea Tillman: 88.4
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 87.3
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 81.4
  • LB Zach Cunningham: 78.1
  • OLB Jonah Elliss: 72.1

Tillman and Elliss were excellent backup rotational pass rushers this season with the two players combining to total 10 sacks behind starters Bonitto (13.5 sacks) and Jonathon Cooper (10.5 sacks). The Broncos’ outside linebacker room is in great shape going into 2025.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • OL Alex Palczewski: 47.7
  • TE Lucas Krull: 50.0
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 54.5
  • OL Alex Forsyth: 55.6
  • FB Michael Burton: 59.2

Palczewski and Forysth both had a small sample size of nine snaps and PFF apparently did not like their performances. TE, meanwhile, remains a position of need.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DL D.J. Jones: 29.9
  • DL Jordan Jackson: 54.5
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 55.8
  • DB Brandon Jones: 58.2
  • LB Drew Sanders: 58.2

The Chiefs only managed 98 net yards of offense, including just 27 rushing yards, so it’s curious to see the defensive line graded so harshly. KC was 1-of-9 on third down and only had the ball for 18:11 compared to Denver’s 41:49.

Special Teams 

  • ST Michael Burton: 80.6
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 64.3
  • R Marvin Mims: 61.6
  • K Wil Lutz: 65.9 (FG) 56.9 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 59.2

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 30-24 loss to Bengals

Riley Moss (32.3) had a nightmare game on defense while Marvin Mims (88.5) stood out on offense. View more Broncos PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 17 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 17 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • WR Marvin Mims: 88.5
  • OT Garett Bolles: 79.7
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 79.3
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 74.0
  • OL Quinn Meinerz: 72.2

QB BO Nix (71.4) was the sixth-best player on offense, followed by offensive linemen Ben Powers (67.9) and Luke Wattenberg (66.9) and receiver Courtland Sutton (66.4).

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Dondrea Tillman: 91.3
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 91.1
  • CB Pat Surtain: 75.9
  • ILB Cody Barton: 74.9
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 69.4

Surtain limited Ja’Marr Chase to three receptions for 27 yards, and the cornerback forced a Tee Higgins fumble that gave the Broncos an opportunity to take a go-ahead lead. PS2 should be considered the clear frontrunner to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • TE Adam Trautman: 47.6
  • TE Lucas Krull: 48.0
  • WR Troy Franklin: 52.4
  • RB Audric Estime: 52.6
  • FB Michael Burton: 53.4

We’re beating a dead horse at this point, but tight end remains one of Denver’s biggest positions of need going into 2025.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • CB Riley Moss: 32.3
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 32.4
  • CB Damarri Mathis: 39.2
  • LB Drew Sanders: 45.4
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 45.6

Moss had a nightmare game in his first game back from a knee injury, allowing Higgins to haul in seven receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos will need Moss to bounce back next week.

Special Teams 

  • ST Drew Sanders: 87.4
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 53.8
  • R Marvin Mims: 58.8
  • K Wil Lutz: 64.3 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 52.8

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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PFF: Justin Reid was Chiefs’ highest-graded player in Week 17 win over Steelers

Veteran DB Justin Reid was the #Chiefs’ highest-graded player in Kansas City’s Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh #Steelers on Christmas Day.

The Kansas City Chiefs officially clinched the No. 1 seed for the AFC playoffs after their Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

The Chiefs’ defense put together an exceptional outing against Pittsburgh, limiting Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson to just 205 passing yards and keeping star running back Najee Harris from scoring a touchdown.

Veteran safety Justin Reid was among Kansas City’s most productive defenders in Week 17, tallying five combined tackles and the Chiefs’ only interception.

When the experts at Pro Football Focus evaluated Kansas City’s performance, they took notice of Reid’s outstanding efforts and gave him a grade of 89.8, which was the Chiefs’ highest mark in the game.

Though Reid is expected to get some rest in Week 18, fans should expect to see him put together more standout performances in the playoffs as the Chiefs make their push to win a third consecutive Super Bowl for the first time in NFL history.

PFF: Patrick Mahomes was Chiefs’ highest-graded player in win over Texans

Patrick Mahomes was the #Chiefs’ highest-graded player in Kansas City’s Week 16 win over the Houston #Texans.

The Kansas City Chiefs need one more win to earn the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed after defeating the Houston Texans in Week 16 on Saturday.

Kansas City’s offense relied on a balanced approach led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and veteran running back Kareem Hunt to wear down Houston’s defense.

Though Mahomes’ passing output wasn’t particularly outstanding, his efficiency kept pressure on the Texans’ secondary, and with Hunt’s help in the running game, the Chiefs were able to keep the sticks moving and methodically maneuver downfield.

The experts at Pro Football Focus took notice of Mahomes’ performance and awarded him a grade of 90.2, the highest among Kansas City’s players in the Chiefs’ win over Houston.

Though Mahomes appeared to be nursing an ankle injury in Week 16, he still managed to put Kansas City in a position to earn the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 34-27 loss to Chargers

Broncos CB Kris Abrams-Draine (75.6) impressed again while LB Justin Strnad (28.7) had a night to forget. View more PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 34-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 16 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 16 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • TE/FB Nate Adkins: 79.7
  • FB Michael Burton: 75.3
  • RB Audric Estime: 74.1
  • G Quinn Meinerz: 73. 6
  • RB Blake Watson: 70.6

Adkins and Burton did a good job opening up running lanes and Estime impressed, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. RB Javonte Williams (67.3) received the sixth-best grade on offense after averaging 6.0 yards per tote. Denver should have been more committed to the run.

Best Defensive Players 

  • DL Malcolm Roach 84.9
  • CB Kris Abrams-Draine: 75.6
  • DL Eyioma Uwazurike: 75.5
  • DL D.J. Jones: 74.6
  • LB Drew Sanders: 73.4

One defensive snap, one sack for Sanders. Perhaps we’ll see more of him in the final two games of the regular season. Abrams-Draine, meanwhile, continues to look like a fifth-round gem.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • G Ben Powers: 42.3
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 47.2
  • OL Matt Peart: 50.3
  • TE Adam Trautman: 52.2
  • WR Troy Franklin: 56.1

Franklin continues to struggle to make an impact. QB Bo Nix (62.6) ranked 11th among Denver’s 19 graded players on offense.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • LB Justin Strnad: 28.7
  • LB Cody Barton: 34.6
  • DB P.J. Locke: 43.7
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 45.4
  • OLB Jonathan Cooper: 47.5

Strnad had a night to forget. In addition to his foul against a sliding Justin Herbert, the linebacker also allowed seven catches for 103 yards on eight coverage targets. The Broncos will need to make upgrading the inside linebacker position a priority in 2025.

Special Teams 

  • ST JL Skinner: 71.9
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 64.8
  • R Marvin Mims: 61.2
  • K Wil Lutz: 73.5 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 67.5

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 31-13 win vs. Colts

Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto (92.2) did it again and CB Kris Abrams-Draine (79.4) looks like a gem. View more PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 15 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 15 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • TE/FB Nate Adkins: 85.9
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 81.3
  • G Ben Powers: 78.1
  • G Quinn Meinerz: 77.6
  • OL Matt Peart: 75.3

A brilliant performance from the offensive line. Peart only played five snaps, but the sixth- and seventh-best players on offense were WR Marvin Mims (71.3) and tackle Garett Bolles (70.8).

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 92.2
  • DB Brandon Jones: 92.0
  • CB Kris Abrams-Draine: 79.4
  • DB P.J. Locke: 78.7
  • CB Pat Surtain: 76.0

Another Defensive Player of the Year performance from Bonitto. Meanwhile, Abrams-Draine looks like another cornerback gem uncovered by Denver’s staff.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • WR Devaughn Vele: 45.2
  • WR Troy Franklin: 45.8
  • WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 49.4
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 49.9
  • RB Javonte Williams: 51.5

The sixth-worst player on offense was running back Jaleel McLaughlin (53.9). Adding weapons for QB Bo Nix should be a top priority in 2025.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DL Jordan Jackson: 45.0
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 53.7
  • DL Zach Allen: 55.9
  • CB Damarri Mathis: 56.0
  • ILB Cody Barton: 57.0

Watching the game live, it didn’t seem like McMillian played as poorly as his grade indicates. Broncos coach Sean Payton also praised Mathis, so these harsh grades on defense should perhaps be taken with a grain of salt.

Special Teams 

  • ST Jonah Elliss: 70.4
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 73.0
  • R Marvin Mims: 86.2
  • K Wil Lutz: 70.3 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 62.9

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 41-32 win vs. Browns

Nik Bonitto (92.3) had a huge game and Levi Wallace (32.0) had a night to forget. View more Broncos PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 41-32 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 13 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 13 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • TE/FB Nate Adkins: 89.2
  • G Quinn Meinerz: 82.2
  • QB Bo Nix: 76.5
  • WR Marvin Mims: 76.0
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 74.2

Sutton remains Mr. Reliable for Nix, and that 93-yard touchdown catch from Mims was huge. It’s been a long time since Denver had an offense this fun to watch.

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 92.3
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 91.6
  • CB Damarri Mathis: 77.6
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 76.5
  • OLB Jonathon Cooper: 76.3

Bonitto continues to make his case for Defensive Player of the Year while McMillian stars in the slot. Mathis might deserve more snaps going forward, too.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • RB Javonte Williams: 45.2
  • TE Adam Trautman: 50.3
  • OL Matt Peart: 55.1
  • OT Garett Bolles: 55.6
  • OL Luke Wattenberg: 57.9

PFF must grade penalties very harshly because Bolles held up mostly well against Myles Garrett, who finished the day without any sacks. Williams has posted a dud in back-to-back games.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • CB Levi Wallace: 32.0
  • DB Brandon Jones: 35.8
  • CB Kris Abrams-Draine: 37.6
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 47.5
  • DB P.J. Locke: 53.4

A night to forget for the secondary, particularly Wallace. Abrams-Draine was dinged by PFF for a penalty, but he appeared to be an upgrade over Wallace. The Broncos will hope Riley Moss (knee) is able to return after the bye.

Special Teams 

  • ST Jonah Elliss: 73.6
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 65.3
  • R Marvin Mims: 60.6
  • K Wil Lutz: 66.3 (FG) 52.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 69.9

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 29-19 win over Raiders

Quinn Meinerz (94.0) was the Broncos’ best player on Sunday, followed by CB Riley Moss (90.5). View more PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 12 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 12 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • OL Quinn Meinerz: 94.0
  • OT Garett Bolles: 79.8
  • WR Devaughn Vele: 77.5
  • QB Bo Nix: 75.5
  • C Luke Wattenberg: 70.0

A good day overall for the offensive line and another solid performance from QB Bo Nix and WR Devaughn Vele. WR Courtland Sutton (67.8) received the sixth-best grade on offense, followed by tackle Mike McGlinchey (65.5).

Best Defensive Players 

  • CB Riley Moss: 90.5
  • CB Pat Surtain: 83.0
  • DB Brandon Jones: 76.9
  • DB P.J. Locke: 72.3
  • CB Damarri Mathis: 71.1

Riley Moss left with a knee injury but played well before that. Brandon Jones had a game-changing interception. If you don’t count Mathis, who played just two defensive snaps, the fifth-best defender on the day was pass rusher Nik Bonitto (71.0).

Worst Offensive Players 

  • TE Adam Trautman: 43.5
  • OL Matt Peart: 50.3
  • RB Javonte Williams: 50.3
  • TE/FB Nate Adkins: 50.3
  • G Ben Powers: 51.9

TE Lucas Krull (52.9) received the sixth-worst grade on offense. Denver would be wise to have TE and RB listed among the team’s top needs on offense in the offseason.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DL Jordan Jackson: 33.6
  • OLB Jonah Elliss: 35.4
  • LB Levelle Bailey: 37.0
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 37.8
  • LB Justin Strnad: 43.5

With Alex Singleton coming back from a torn ACL at 30 years old, the Broncos should target an inside linebacker in 2025 as well.

Special Teams 

  • ST Jonah Elliss: 72.6
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 65.1
  • R Marvin Mims: 60.5
  • K Wil Lutz: 76.5 (FG) 53.9 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 67.9

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from win over Falcons

Nik Bonitto (90.0) was the Broncos’ best player vs. the Falcons, followed by Quinn Meinerz (92.1) and Bo Nix (83.3). View more PFF grades.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 38-6 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 11 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 11 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • G Quinn Meinerz: 92.1
  • QB Bo Nix: 83.3
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 77.4
  • WR Devaughn Vele: 75.5
  • RB Javonte Williams: 73.8

Bo Nix had the best game of his career in a record-breaking performance. Denver has also found creative ways to get WR Marvin Mims (73.2) involved, and he ended the day with the sixth-best grade on offense.

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 90.0
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 77.4
  • DB Devon Key: 75.3
  • CB Pat Surtain: 70.1
  • DL Zach Allen: 65.6

Nik Bonitto has now topped his 2023 sack total and he’s just one sack away from the first double-digit sack season of his career. Bonitto’s nine sacks are tied for second-most in the NFL this season.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • G Ben Powers: 51.1
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 54.6
  • C Luke Wattenberg: 59.0
  • TE Adam Trautman: 59.0
  • TE Lucas Krull: 59.3

Tight end needs to be a priority position for the Broncos in the offseason. Tyler Warren would be a dream draft target.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DL Jordan Jackson: 29.5
  • LB Levelle Bailey: 41.9
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 45.7
  • OLB Jonathon Cooper: 46.3
  • CB Riley Moss: 48.2

The Cooper and Moss grades seem a bit harsh.

Special Teams 

  • ST Devon Key: 86.2
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 77.8
  • R Marvin Mims: 61.3
  • K Wil Lutz: 68.0 (FG) 55.2 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 55.9

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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