The Denver Broncos extended their winning streak to three games with a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. After a slow start, the Broncos dominated the game, outscoring the Raiders 34-18, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) released player grades for Week 5 that reflected that performance.
Offense
Best Offensive Players
- OT Garett Bolles: 79.5
- RB Javonte Williams: 78.6
- WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 70.2
- WR Marvin Mims: 68.9
- TE Adam Trautman: 68.5
Worst Offensive Players
- TE/FB Nate Adkins: 44.7
- C Alex Forsyth: 48.0
- TE Lucas Krull: 53.1
- WR Troy Franklin: 54.8
- FB Michael Burton: 58.8
Garett Bolles (79.5) continues to play at an elite level, opening up Denver’s rushing attack, which was lacking in the first three weeks. Javonte Williams (78.6) has looked more decisive and explosive, averaging 4.8 yards a carry over the last two weeks.
Bo Nix (66.5) was the seventh-highest-rated offensive player on the Broncos. He had his best game of the season against the Raiders, throwing for two touchdowns, rushing in another, and avoiding any turnovers. Notably, this was the first time this season that PFF gave him a higher passing grade (67.3) than his rushing grade (63.4).
Troy Franklin (54.8) had his most receiving yards this season but was penalized for a dropped touchdown. Alex Forsyth’s (48.0) low grade is unexpected, considering his solid performance after replacing Luke Wattenberg (65.7) due to injury. Forsyth has a chance to redeem himself against the Chargers next week, as he’s expected to start.
Defense
Best Defensive Players
- CB Pat Surtain: 92.0
- DL D.J. Jones: 84.3
- DL Malcolm Roach: 80.8
- CB Riley Moss: 80.1
- OLB Jonathon Cooper: 74.3
Worst Defensive Players
- OLB Dondrea Tillman: 44.1
- DL Jordan Jackson: 49.4
- OLB Jonah Elliss: 52.1
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 53.3
- DB P.J. Locke: 54.7
To the surprise of no one, Pat Surtain II (92.0) received the highest grade on defense. After laughably low grades through the first four weeks, Surtain’s two interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six, earned him PFF’s highest grade of any cornerback in the league in Week 5.
Riley Moss (80.1) has exceeded all expectations placed on him in the preseason. His third-quarter interception solidified himself as a part of a dynamic cornerback duo alongside Surtain.
Riley Moss among CBs over the past three weeks:
🔒 90.4 PFF grade (2nd)
🔒 90.3 coverage grade (2nd)
🔒 4 INTs + forced incompletions (T-5th) pic.twitter.com/u7Fa8broNb— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) October 8, 2024
Unfortunately, P.J, Locke (54.7) failed to break up a pass on the opening drive, leading to a Brock Bowers touchdown. Jonah Elliss’ (52.1) low grade is surprising, given his tight coverage that forced Gardner Minshew to throw an interception to Surtain in the end zone.
Special Teams
- ST Levelle Bailey: 73.4
- K Wil Lutz: 64.4 (FG), 60.0 (KO)
- P Riley Dixon: 73.5 (PUNT)
Riley Dixon (73.5) earned his best punting grade from PFF of the season. Will Lutz (64.4) made both field goal attempts, although he was fortunate enough to have a do-over due to a Raiders’ penalty after initially missing.
The suddenly-hot Broncos have won three consecutive games, and have an opportunity to extend it to four this weekend against the division rival Chargers on Sunday.