It was an incredible run. Before the season, the Denver Broncos were projected only to win five games and placed near the bottom of many analysts’ rankings. Instead, they finished 10-7 and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. While it didn’t end the way fans had hoped, the team has given many reasons to feel hopeful going into the 2025 season. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released their final weekly grades of the season.

Offense

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

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

Despite the final score, this was arguably one of Nix’s best performances of the season. His 43-yard touchdown pass to Franklin – the first rookie-to-rookie touchdown connection in NFL playoff history – showcased his impressive development. This game could have ended differently if not for a few untimely drops by his receivers. Nix has come a long way since receiving a 44.6 score in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Mims’ (50.8) utilization was the catalyst the Broncos desperately needed to secure a playoff berth. Against the Bills, he only had two receptions on four targets for 12 yards. Mims, who recently earned Pro Bowl and First All-Pro accolades, finished the 2024 regular season with 503 yards and six touchdowns, a huge increase from 2023. Expect an even larger dose of Mims in 2025.

Defense

Best Offensive 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

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

Allen (77.2) was arguably the most underrated player on the Broncos this season. Despite being overlooked for a Pro Bowl nod, he earned a well-deserved All-Pro Team selection. Against the Bills, Allen showcased his impact with five total tackles, including two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and a crucial sack that forced Buffalo’s lone punt. His exceptional performance solidifies him as a top priority for an extension this offseason.

Though they kept it close in the first half, this was arguably the defense’s worst overall game of the season, according to PFF. The struggles were particularly evident for Locke (28.4), who surrendered five receptions on six targets for 92 yards and a touchdown. Even Surtain (54.6), a typically dominant force, had a subpar outing, allowing 79 yards and a touchdown. This game clearly exposed defensive weaknesses that will require immediate attention and improvement during the offseason.

Special Teams 

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

Dixon’s days playing as a high-school quarterback came in handy on a fake punt, resulting in a first down. Lutz missed his only field goal attempt of the day, which would have tied the game to end the first half.

Looking ahead to 2025, the team has a strong foundation for significant improvement. Increased financial flexibility, a more experienced quarterback, and an offseason free from the distractions of coaching and quarterback searches will allow for focused development and strategic acquisitions. This combination of factors positions the team for a successful and competitive 2025 season. I have no doubt they won’t be at the bottom of anyone’s preseason rankings come August.