The Denver Broncos outlasted the Cleveland Browns in an epic Monday night shootout at home to inch themselves closer to punching their ticket to the 2024 NFL postseason. Now, a win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday would nearly cement that ultimate destination.
So, with their playoff destiny firmly in their own hands let’s take some time to talk about the players who are leading the way for this team.
Top 10 Denver Broncos Power Rankings
10. Jonathon Cooper, OLB
Jonathan Cooper continues to be a reliable presence on the Broncos’ defensive line. With seven sacks, 37 quarterback pressures, and a 12.5% pressure rate, Cooper complements Nik Bonitto perfectly. Plus, Cooper’s 8 tackles for loss and ability to disrupt running lanes make him one of Denver’s most versatile defenders.
9. Courtland Sutton, WR
Courtland Sutton has reclaimed his status as Denver’s go-to receiver. With 744 receiving yards and five touchdowns on the season, he’s been a consistent target for Bo Nix, and, as a result, is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season since 2019.
He’s also been the epitome of reliable. Sutton’s three game-winning touchdowns this season demonstrate his clutch gene, as do his 13 contested catches (fifth in the league), which have been crucial to converting key downs.
8. Quinn Meinerz, OG
Quinn Meinerz has anchored the Denver Broncos’ offensive line with elite pass protection. Ranking fourth among guards in pass-block win rate (95%), Meinerz has only allowed one sack in 454 pass-blocking snaps this season. His power and consistency have been vital in keeping Nix upright and giving Denver’s offense a chance to thrive.
7. Brandon Jones, S
The Denver Broncos secondary had an ugly game against the Cleveland Browns, but don’t let that distract from Brandon Jones’ incredible season. What he adds to this team cannot be understated.
Replacing Justin Simmons was a tall order, but he has risen to the challenge. Jones leads the team with 3 forced fumbles and has 2 interceptions to his name. His 64.2 passer rating allowed when targeted ranks second-best on the team and demonstrates considerable growth from his Miami tenure. This ability to deliver game-changing plays in the biggest moments has quickly made him indispensable to the Broncos’ secondary.
6. Garett Bolles, LT
This past week against the Cleveland Browns, Bolles faced the most difficult task any modern NFL lineman has to face – protecting the quarterback’s blindside, on an island, against Myles Garrett.
Not only did he meet that challenge, but he dominated. Bolles found himself isolated against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on 14 of his 26 pass rushes he limited him to just one quarterback pressure – a season-low.
5. Bo Nix, QB
Bo Nix’s performance vs. Cleveland is a great example of why social media “box score” takes are deeply flawed. On the surface, it was a rough game for the rookie. He threw two picks for the first time since Week 2 and posted his lowest completion percentage since Week 4. However, the tape reveals the potential that Sean Payton fell in love with.
Highlighted by a 93-yard touchdown to Marvin Mims, Nix showed an ability to fit a ball in the tightest of windows with pinpoint accuracy and surprising zip on the ball. Bo Nix hasn’t just been a passenger in games; he’s routinely been the reason they won.
We were told he was too old, too stiff, too antsy, that he had a weak arm and bad habits. Now it’s time to hear the truth: Bo Nix is for real.
4. Riley Moss, CB
Losing something is a great way to learn how much you should appreciate it. With Moss out of the lineup, veteran Levi Wallace lined up opposite Patrick Surtain and he got torched. On 10 targets Wallace allowed 6 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. It could have been an even worse day had Jameis Winston not missed a wide-open Jerry Jeudy for what would’ve likely been two more long touchdowns.
It’s now painfully obvious how vital Moss is to this defense.
3. Nik Bonitto, OLB
Bonitto has already put together a career year and the breakout continued Monday night as he added another sack to bring him to 11 on the season.
The highlight of the night though was Bonitto picking off Jameis Winston and returning it 70 yards for his first career touchdown.
2. Zach Allen, DT
While the defense was torched through the air, Allen continues to anchor an underrated rush defense. According to NextGen Stats, the unit currently ranks fourth in EPA allowed per rushing attempt second in run-stuff rate, fourth in rushing yards allowed over expectation, fourth in yards before contact allowed per attempt, and fifth in yards after contact allowed per attempt, making it one of the best run-stopping units in the league.
1. Patrick Surtain II, CB
Another week, another masterclass from the best cornerback in football. Despite putting up an all-time performance, Jerry Jeudy was completely shut down when PS2 was in man against him, managing just two catches for 20 yards against Surtain. Patrick Surtains’ ability to routinely take a team’s No. 1 out of the game is invaluable, which is why he is No. 1 on our list.
Honorable Mentions: Cody Barton, Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers
