It’s hard to distill a season down to a top 10 Denver Broncos plays from such an unforgettable year.

Rewind to August, and it looked like it would be another long, losing season in the Mile High City. Denver even started the season off 0-2, and their rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw four interceptions in those games.

But along the way, the Broncos found their identity as a destructive defense and the most explosive offense we’ve seen in Denver since 2014.

Top 10 Denver Broncos plays include incredible highlights

One thing Broncos Country missed for eight years while the Broncos weren’t competitive was the fun of big, game-changing plays.

Sure, there were big plays when the Broncos were down. But if a big play happens while the team is trailing by double-digits, it’s much less meaningful. Especially if the team ends up losing the game.

This 2024 season has been filled with unbelievable plays from the Broncos. Let’s explore the top 10 Denver Broncos plays of the 2024 regular season.

10. Tip drill touchdown vs. Chiefs

Leading 14-0, Bo Nix fired the ball into Adam Trautman, and it bounced off of two Chiefs before Devaugn Vele hauled it in for the score.

9. Bo Nix TD reception vs. Ravens
This one makes the list just because it’s an added, “oh, he can do that?” play for Nix. We know he can throw, we know he can run, and Nix can even catch touchdowns if need be. Shades of a very young John Elway.

8. Bo Nix designed run against New Orleans
We got glimpses of Nix’s escapability in the first few weeks of the season. But Sean Payton unleashed him with this designed run that went for 32 yards. It was his longest run of the year and set the Broncos up for a touchdown on the next play.

7. Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton, one-handed catch
The Broncos-Chargers first game in Denver was a one-way affair for most of the contest. Finally, Denver charged back, including Sutton’s one-handed catch in the back of the end zone. That brought it to 23-14, but Denver ended up losing.

6. Nick Bonitto Pick-6 vs. Browns
None of Bonitto’s 13.5 sacks made the list, but he still did twice. His first is the pick-6 that went 71 yards against the Cleveland Browns. Denver led 14-10 at the time but it was a crucial play in the shootout win over Cleveland.

Top 5 moments of the season

5. Mims 61-yard punt return vs. Colts
The Colts game is chock full of incredible plays, including Jonathan Taylor’s fumble at the goal line, and Pat Surtain’s pick. But Mims’ 61-yard punt return was special. It was his longest of the year and the sixth-longest in the NFL this season. It set Denver up with a short field to score and take the lead they’d never relinquish.

4. Marvin Mims touchdown to tie the Bengals late
Speaking of Mims, who had a breakout season, his catch to send the Broncos-Bengals game into overtime was incredible. It was one of the greatest catches in Broncos history. Not only did he have to fight two guys to bring it down, but it was fourth down as the time was running out.

3. Pat Surtain Pick-6 100 yards vs. Raiders
Pat Surtain is the odds-on favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year. And this insane, 100-yard pick-6 is a big reason why. Not only did he take the ball to the house, but it helped keep the Broncos in the game. Denver was already down by a touchdown, and if the Raiders scored another the good guys would’ve been down two scores. Instead, it flipped the momentum and Denver cruised to the win.

2. Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton 3rd and 6 vs. Chiefs
The Broncos lost a heartbreaker to the Chiefs in Kansas City in November. But Nix got the team in position to win the game, connecting with Sutton for a 13-yard gain on a crucial 3rd and 6. That allowed the Broncos to milk the clock, kick the FG, and almost beat the Chiefs in KC.

1. Nick Bonitto Fumble-6 vs. Colts
Bonitto was arguably the defensive MVP this year, even with Surtain and Zach Allen balling out on that side of the ball. He made a second showstopping play with his incredible fumble-6 against the Colts. Not only was it enough to nearly bring Mile High Stadium down with all the excitement, it extended the team’s lead to 11 points.

Honorable mention top Denver Broncos plays:

  • Bo Nix to Marvin Mims for 93-yard touchdown against the Browns.
  • Zach Allen’s safety against the Seahawks.
  • Cody Barton’s 55-yard touchdown fumble return vs. the Saints.
  • Bo Nix to Marvin Mims, a 51-yard touchdown against the Bengals.
  • Ja’Quan McMillian’s pick-6 to seal the Broncos win over the Browns.

Crucial play by many players led to first playoff berth in eight years

Outside of the highlight reel plays, there were many Broncos players who had career years. They all led to Denver going 10-7 and finally making it back to the postseason.

Mims had a breakout season at receiver, finishing with 503 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. Each of those marks were second on the team and he’s a valuable addition as a deep threat, on a screen, or out of the backfield.

Speaking of receivers, Sutton had a career year too. His receptions (81) and touchdowns (8) were highs, while he went over 1,000 yards for only the second time as a pro.

Bonitto ended the year third in the NFL in sacks with 13.5. His 23 sacks in his first three years passed Karl Mecklenburg and put him in a tie for fourth-most among Broncos players in that timespan with Rulon Jones. He scored twice, and had 16 tackles for a loss. He should have received more recognition for Defensive Player of the Year.

Speaking of, Surtain looks like he’s going to take that honor home this year. And Zach Allen was phenomenal. Allen’s 8.5 sacks and 15 TFLs were each career-highs, plus he had the safety in Week 1.

Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian played well in the secondary, and Vele was a pleasant surprise at wideout, too.

But this 2024 season isn’t over yet. Denver (10-7) plays Buffalo (13-4) at 11 a.m. MT on Sunday, Jan. 12 in Orchard Park.