The Denver Broncos somehow bent but didn’t break, winning yet another one-score game in 2025, this one a heart-stopping 27-26 overtime victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football. It surely wasn’t pretty, but we’re going to break down the studs and duds from a wild primetime win.
Stud: Dre Greenlaw
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw has given the Broncos a massive spark since being inserted into the lineup, and he came up with a huge interception inside the red zone to deny Washington a score. Greenlaw is becoming a backbone of the team and defense when they need him.
Dud: Bye week blues
It wasn’t pretty at all, as the defense — which has looked unstoppable in weeks past — missed tackles, gave up big plays, and bent to the point of nearly breaking. In a Battle of the Bulge-type performance, the defense was on the field a lot, because the offense had a difficult time getting started in the second half.
Stud: RJ Harvey
The Broncos‘ run game wasn’t great, but Denver got big runs when they needed them. RJ Harvey had his second multi-touchdown rushing game of the season, and scored the go-ahead touchdown in overtime. Harvey led all Bronco backs with 12 carries for 35 yards and two scores.
Dud: Untimely penalties
A fourth-down interception in overtime was negated by a Talanoa Hufanga pass interference foul, Pat Surtain had multiple penalties in the game, and a few offensive penalties put the team behind the 8-ball. On the bright side, Riley Moss? NO PENALTIES!
Stud: 5th quarter Bo Nix??
Fourth quarter Bo Nix took an extra 15 minutes to show up. He must have been working on Washington time! In the extra period, Nix went 4-for-4 passing and brought the Broncos to the four-yard line before the aforementioned Harvey go-ahead score. Nix finished the night 29-of-45 for 325 yards, one touchdown and one bad interception. Nix handled business before it was too late. But for all our hearts’ sakes, can we please win a close game without having a dang heart attack??
Stud: Nik Bonitto
Well, we wouldn’t be writing this without Nik Bonitto. Bonitto had a quiet night by all accounts, with three total tackles (two solo), one sack, and one pass deflection. However, that pass deflection sent the Broncos to 10-2, securing back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 2014-15. Bonitto’s breakup left Washington stunned, and the Broncos heading back to Colorado with beating hearts and, at least for 24 hours, the No. 1 seed in the AFC!
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