“Wicked” wasn’t the only performance with a broom last weekend, as the Denver Broncos swept their AFC West rivals on Sunday. Though it started a little rocky against the Las Vegas Raiders, they seized control in the second half and maintained the lead. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released grades for each player’s Week 12 performance.

Offense

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

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

Quinn Meinerz (94.0) is on fire! The Broncos’ guard has claimed the NFL’s highest overall grade for a second straight week. Denver’s offensive line has been a cornerstone of their success, effectively protecting the quarterback and creating opportunities for the offense. As a testament to their dominance, three of the team’s top five graded players from Week 12 are offensive linemen.

The chemistry between Bo Nix (75.5) and his top receivers, Courtland Sutton (67.8) and Devaughn Vele (77.5), has been a major catalyst for the Broncos’ offensive resurgence. Sutton, in particular, has been a force, currently ranking ninth in the NFL in receiving yards and on pace to achieve a 1,000-yard season for the first time since 2019. Vele’s target share has continued to grow, and his 80 receiving yards on Sunday marked a season-high.

Tight ends falling into the bottom five has become a pattern. With the recent release of Greg Dulcich, it’s evident that addressing this need is crucial for the team’s future. The current roster lacks a dynamic playmaker at the position, highlighting the importance of acquiring a talented tight end in the upcoming offseason.

Defense

Best Defensive Players 

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

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

Broncos Country can rejoice as Riley Moss’s knee injury isn’t as severe as initially feared. Coach Sean Payton confirmed it’s a minor MCL sprain, avoiding a major setback. As the team’s second-leading tackler, his loss would have been devastating to Denver’s playoff aspirations.

Despite playing through illness, Brandon Jones (76.9) managed to deliver a game-changing performance. His 37-yard interception in the third quarter not only set up the Broncos’ first touchdown but also marked the turning point of the game. Denver never relinquished the lead after that.

Though Jonah Elliss (35.4) received the second-lowest grade, his sack in the red zone at the end of the game secured the win for Denver. PFF graded Ja’Quan McMillian’s strong tackling (80.8) and run defense (65.4) were highlighted by PFF. However, his coverage (34.9) was a weakness, as he allowed seven receptions for 109 yards, the most on the team.

Special Teams 

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

Wil Lutz was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 12. The Broncos’ kicker went 5-for-5 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points. Lutz’s near-perfect season has been a significant boost to the team’s offense.

The Denver Broncos are poised to bolster their playoff chances with a primetime victory over the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football. A win would elevate their playoff probability from 73% to 77%. On a primetime stage, the Broncos have an opportunity to silence the doubters and solidify their recent top 10 ranking.