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Denver Broncos: Recalling the 5 best season-opening wins in team history

By Travis Wakeman

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 5: Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass during the third quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 5, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 5: Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass during the third quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 5, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, Brandon Stokley
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 12: Brandon Stokley #14 of the Denver Broncos reacts after he scored a 15-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 12, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The Ravens won 38-35 in 2 overtimes. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

45. 7. 56. Final. 12

No. 5: 2009 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The season opener in 2009 was far from a great game. In fact, it was a sloppy, low-scoring affair that helped usher in the Josh McDaniels era as Broncos head coach.

But it makes this list for the way the game ended.

Late in the fourth quarter, the Broncos only had two Matt Prater field goals to show for themselves. But trailing 7-6, they only needed to get into field goal range to win it.

The problem was they were on their own 13-yard line and the way the offense had looked, it seemed highly unlikely that they would get into field goal range. But then something incredibly amazing happened and led to what is this day still one of the craziest finishes in NFL history.

Just take a look.

The pass wasn’t even intended for Brandon Stokley, but he was definitely in the right place at the right time. This was the epitome of stealing a victory, but it jumpstarted what could have been a great season for the Broncos, who started 6-0 that year.

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