Games like that don’t happen often! Trailing 19-0 in the fourth quarter, the Denver Broncos staged a dramatic comeback to win 33-32, capped off by a game-winning field goal. Not only did they rally, but they also vaulted into first place in the AFC West. Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its Week 7 player grades, highlighting the best and worst individual performances.

Offense

Best offensive players

  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 85.3
  • OL Quinn Meinerz: 76.8
  • WR Marvin Mims Jr: 76.1
  • OT Garett Bolles: 73.8
  • QB Bo Nix: 68.1

Mims Jr. delivered a standout performance, hauling in six receptions for 85 yards. With just 2:14 remaining and the Broncos facing 3rd and 11, he came through in the clutch with a 31-yard catch that set up an 18-yard touchdown — giving Denver its first lead of the game. However, he didn’t stop there. With only 33 seconds left, Mims Jr. made another huge play, snagging a 29-yard reception that set up the game-winning field goal.

Worst offensive players

  • TE Adam Trautman: 44.4
  • WR Pat Bryant: 44.4
  • TE Evan Engram: 44.6
  • RB RJ Harvey: 52.8
  • WR Trent Sherfield: 55.9

There was plenty of preseason debate over who would emerge as the team’s No. 1 running back. Seven weeks in, J.K. Dobbins (67.8) has clearly claimed that spot, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Even so, Harvey has carved out a role for himself in the offense thanks to his contributions in the passing game. Though his rushing performance against the Giants was underwhelming — recording zero yards on four carries — he still made an impact with a two-yard touchdown reception.

Defense

Best defensive players

  • LB Justin Strnad: 83.2
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 72.2
  • DL D.J. Jones: 70.6
  • CB Pat Surtain II: 70.5
  • DL Zach Allen: 70.0

There’s no doubt Strnad deserves to remain in the starting lineup. His fourth-quarter interception was pivotal—without it, Denver likely doesn’t win. Filling in for the injured Dre Greenlaw (66.3), Strnad stepped up in a big way, recording 3.5 sacks. With Greenlaw’s return (though he’ll miss Week 8 due to a one-game suspension), Strnad should stay in the starting role over Singleton, as he’s consistently outperformed him all season.

Worst defensive grades

  • CB Jahdae Barron: 27.8
  • CB Ja’Quan McMaillian: 29.9
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 43.5
  • DB Brandon Jones: 44.3
  • OLB Jonathon Cooper: 44.7

It was a noisy week off the field for Bonitto, who exchanged words with several fans on social media. On the field, however, things were much quieter as the linebacker’s four-game streak with at least one sack came to an end. His Defensive Player of the Year odds have slipped to No. 3, but he’ll look to bounce back with a strong showing against the Cowboys — even though Dak Prescott has been one of the league’s most difficult quarterbacks to sack this year.

Special teams grades

  • OLB Devon Key: 83.1
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 64.5
  • KR Marvin Mims Jr.: 63.3
  • P Jeremy Crawshaw: 63.4
  • K Wil Lutz: 73.1 (FG) 63.4 (KO)

The memory of Lutz’s missed field goal against the Colts is now a distant one, as he delivered in the clutch on Sunday—nailing both of his PATs and sinking the game-winning field goal.

Looking ahead to Week 8, the Broncos aim to keep their momentum rolling. Denver will try to hold onto first place as they take on the Dallas Cowboys Sunday at 2:25 p.m. MST.