DENVER — The Broncos are back in the win column.
Denver (6-5) rode a career day from rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a stifling performance from the defense to earn a 38-6 win over the Falcons.
Nix threw for an impressive 307 yards and four touchdowns while completing nearly 85 percent of his passes, and he was able to watch the final minutes from the sideline as both teams played their reserve quarterbacks in the fourth quarter.
Jump-started by a touchdown on their first possession, the Broncos later scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions to build a big lead over the Falcons.
Denver's defense, meanwhile, buckled down after the Falcons scored a field goal on their initial drive. Atlanta scored just three more points over the remainder of the game as Kirk Cousins threw for 173 yards, an interception and a 68.9 passer rating before being replaced by Michael Penix Jr. in the fourth quarter.
With the win, the Broncos earned their second consecutive home win and responded from a tough loss in Kansas City. According to Next Gen Stats, the Broncos' playoff odds improved to 62 percent with the win.
These were the players and plays that made the difference in the Broncos' Week 11 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
GAME-CHANGING MOMENT
Already holding a 15-point lead, the Broncos forced a three-and-out to start the second half, and Marvin Mims Jr. tacked on a 37-yard return to set the Broncos up at the Atlanta 45-yard line. The Broncos picked up seven yards before facing a fourth-and-3 at the Falcons' 38-yard line, and Denver benefited from an ensuing review. While Nix's fourth-down pass to Lil'Jordan Humphrey was initially ruled an incomplete pass, a replay review changed the call to a catch, fumble and recovery by Humphrey. The conversion allowed the Broncos to continue the drive and deliver a knockout blow several plays later as Nix found Troy Franklin for a 7-yard touchdown. With a 28-6 lead midway through the third quarter, the Broncos were able to cruise to an important win.
DEFINING STATISTIC
125-37.
The Broncos' win over the Falcons capped a successful run against the NFC South in 2024. In four games against the Falcons, Buccaneers, Saints and Panthers, the Broncos outscored their inter-conference foes 125-37. The Broncos won all four of their games against NFC South opponents, and they capped the schedule with their largest margin of victory of the season. Denver averaged 31.3 points on offense in the four matchups while allowing just 9.3 points per game.
MEMORABLE HIGHLIGHT
Inside linebacker Cody Barton's interception is worthy of recognition here, but it was Bo Nix's second-quarter pass that ultimately gets the nod here. Leading 14-6 late in the first half, Nix ripped a pass down the seam to Devaughn Vele for a gain of 33 yards. The play set up the Broncos' third touchdown of the first half and was perhaps the signature play of Nix's stellar first-half performance in which he completed 17-of-19 passes for 192 yards, two touchdowns and a 143.9 rating.
BOX-SCORE STANDOUTS
Bo Nix joined Peyton Manning as the only rookies in NFL history to throw for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns in four consecutive home games. Nix finished the game with a career-high 307 yards, four passing touchdowns and 145.0 passer rating. The Oregon product is the first Broncos quarterback to throw for 300 yards and four touchdowns in a game since Trevor Siemian in 2016.
Nik Bonitto recorded a pair of sacks to set a new career high, while Jonah Elliss notched a quarterback takedown in a battle against his brother Kaden's team.
Marvin Mims Jr. finished with 110 all-purpose yards and a touchdown, which was his first of the 2024 season.
