In one of the most heartbreaking losses of the year, the Denver Broncos fell short against the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime. The Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in an all but must-win situation. Pro Football Focus has released their Week 17 grades, which highlight many keys the Broncos should focus on in Week 18.
Offense
Best Offensive Players
- WR Marvin Mims Jr.: 88.5
- OT Garett Bolles: 79.7
- OT Mike McGlinchey: 79.3
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 74.0
- OL Quinn Meinerz: 72.2
Worst Offensive Players
- TE Adam Trautman: 47.6
- TE Lucas Krull: 48.0
- WR Troy Franklin: 52.4
- RB Audric Estime: 52.6
- FB Michael Burton: 53.4
The Broncos’ overtime loss to the Bengals overshadowed a stellar performance from second-year wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (88.5). The second-year wideout recorded eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns, including a late, game-tying 51-yard score. Mims, who just earned his second Pro Bowl berth, has solidified himself as Denver’s most reliable and impactful receiver, particularly in crucial moments. This makes the final throw to Troy Franklin (52.4) even more puzzling.
Star: Bo Nix's 51-yard touchdown to Marvin Mims Jr. was the longest completion in air yards (67) in the entire NFL this season.
It was also the second-longest completion in air yards in the NFL since 2016.
The #Broncos future 📈
(h/t @ZacStevensDNVR)pic.twitter.com/U28O8bBObi
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 1, 2025
The Denver Broncos’ offense continues to face criticism for its inconsistent running game. While the team continues to spread the ball among its backs, this strategy often hinders the development of a hot hand. Jaleel McLaughlin (74.0), despite averaging 6.9 yards per carry (four runs of 10+ yards), received only ten carries, totaling 69 yards. Similarly, Audric Estime (52.6) managed only 24 yards on nine carries.
Defense
Best Defensive Players
- OLB Dondrea Tillman: 91.3
- DL John Franklin-Myers: 91.1
- CB Pat Surtain II: 75.9
- ILB Cody Barton: 74.9
- DL Malcolm Roach: 69.4
Worst Defensive Players
- CB Riley Moss: 32.3
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 32.4
- CB Damarri Mathis: 39.2
- LB Drew Sanders: 45.4
- OLB Nik Bonitto: 45.6
Pat Surtain II (75.9) delivered a masterclass against the Bengals, effectively shutting down superstar receiver Ja’Marr Chase. He limited Chase to just three catches for 27 yards. Surtain also forced a crucial fumble from Tee Higgins, giving the Broncos a chance to take the lead. This dominant performance propelled him to the top of the Defensive Player of the Year odds, surpassing T.J. Watt for the first time all season.
Two extremely related stats, both via @NextGenStats:
Patrick Surtain was over Ja'Marr Chase on 43 of 56 coverage snaps (77%). Chase was 3 for 27 on 6 targets when covered by Surtain
Tee Higgins against Riley Moss (25 snaps): 8 targets, 7 catches, 101 yards, 2 scores
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) December 29, 2024
Riley Moss (32.3) unfortunately struggled in his return to action. He allowed seven receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns to Tee Higgins, including the game-winning score. Higgins became a primary target for Joe Burrow whenever Surtain shadowed Chase. With a rusty performance after an extended absence, expect a stronger showing from Moss against the Chiefs.
Special Teams
- ST Drew Sanders: 87.4
- R Marvin Mims Jr.: 58.8
- K Wil Lutz: 64.3 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
- P Riley Dixon: 52.8
It was an unfortunate week for Riley Dixon (52.8) to have his worst punting performance of the season. His final punt was for only 38 yards, which set up the Bengals for an easy game-winning touchdown.
While the two-week losing streak has been hard to watch, the good news for the Broncos is that they are in control of their own destiny by simply winning. On Sunday, they face a Kansas City Chiefs team that will be sitting Patrick Mahomes and likely many other starters. Three weeks ago, a playoff berth seemed assured with a 91% probability. If they lose and miss the playoffs, it will go down as one of the biggest collapses in team history.
