They actually did it! After facing doubts and skepticism all season, the Denver Broncos didn’t just win the AFC West—they secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC. With a 19–3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Denver also locked up a first-round bye in the playoffs. Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its Week 18 player grades, highlighting the best and worst individual performances.
Offense
Best Players
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 90.8
- OT Frank Crum: 80.5
- WR Pat Bryant: 70.6
- OG Quinn Meinerz: 70.1
- RB Tyler Badie: 70.0
Despite Denver’s limited offensive output, McLaughlin stood out. He paced the backfield at 6.8 yards per carry (YPC), totaling 41 yards on six rushes. Based on his recent play, it’s difficult to imagine the Broncos not significantly increasing his workload when they return from their bye to open the playoffs.
Worst Players
- C Alex Forsyth: 45.9
- RB RJ Harvey: 48.9
- FB Adam Prentice: 50.0
- TE Nate Adkins: 50.2
- WR Troy Franklin: 50.9
While McLaughlin excelled, Harvey had a rough outing. Despite seeing more than double the carries with 15 rush attempts, he managed just 28 yards. His 1.9 yards per carry marked his worst performance since taking over the starting role from J.K. Dobbins. It was also the end of a five-game touchdown streak. The hope is that he regains the form he showed against the Jaguars once the playoffs begin.
Defense
Best Players
- OLB Nik Bonitto: 91.7
- LB Justin Strnad: 90.7
- DL Zach Allen: 86.9
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 85.6
- CB Riley Moss: 79.4
While the offense struggled, the defense was booming. Bonitto was a star, finishing with 1.5 sacks, including one that forced a fumble. Strnad added a sack of his own as well as seven total tackles. McMillian delivered the game’s biggest moment, scoring the game’s lone touchdown with a pick-six.
Worst Players
- CB Jahdae Barron: 46.5
- CB Kris Abrams-Draine: 54.0
- DL Jordan Jackson: 54.7
- DL Sai’vion Jones: 54.8
- DL D.J. Jones: 55.9
PFF offered a tough evaluation of Barron, particularly in tackling (27.3). While he was credited with four total tackles, the publication charged him with two missed tackles. According to the outlet, he also gave up three receptions on four targets for 31 yards.
Special Teams
- ST Justin Strnad: 78.6
- LS Mitchell Fraboni: 61.0
- KR Marvin Mims Jr.: 66.3
- P Jeremy Crawshaw: 60.8
- K Wil Lutz: 64.8 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
Lutz scored 13 of the team’s 16 points. He delivered a flawless performance with four made field goals and a converted extra point.
The Denver Broncos won’t know their next opponent until the Wild Card round is complete. No matter who it is, they’ll host the game at home and enjoy the added benefit of a week of rest.