The Denver Broncos have yet again won another game on primetime improving their win streak to four straight putting their record at 5-5 on the season. Head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Russell Wilson have found serious rhythm in late-game situations and have come up clutch in back-to-back games on national television.
As for the defense, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has the unit playing at a fringe elite level, despite the run defense remaining a lingering issue. As the Broncos continue to make a strong push for a playoff spot down the stretch of their final seven games, they'll have to clean up a mixture of minor details on both sides of the ball. However, for the time being, this team looks as good as any wild-card contender in the AFC.
Denver Broncos Stock Up following big victory over Vikings:
RB Samaje Perine
It is becoming a common theme for running back Samaje Perine to come up clutch in the passing game late in the fourth quarter for the Broncos. The veteran tailback totaled seven receptions (led all players) for 60 yards in Denver's win Sunday night and was phenomenal from a pass protection standpoint as well. He has proven to be worth every last penny the front office awarded to him in the offseason.
WR Courtland Sutton
Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton on the stock-up report is a no-brainer. The sixth-year receiver was Denver's most dominant receiver on the night and accumulated 66 receiving yards on four receptions and the game-winning touchdown. Sutton has truly changed the dynamic of Denver's red zone offense this season and is arguably the league's most talented threat inside the 20-yard line.
CB Ja'Quan McMillian
Nickel cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian is the true definition of a playmaker at his position. The second-year corner intercepted Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs early in the fourth quarter putting the Broncos in prime field position inside the 10-yard line eventually shifting the momentum of the entire game. McMillian totaled two tackles, one pass breakup, one fumble recovery, and an interception in the win.
LB Josey Jewell
Veteran inside linebacker Josey Jewell proved yet again that he is the glue to Denver's defense and is far and away the best at his position on the team. The sixth-year defender made strong tackles all night and was also responsible for the interception that was thrown to his teammate Ja'Quan McMillian early in the fourth quarter. On top of that, Jewell also had a fumble recovery late in the third quarter that gave the Broncos offense the ball in a favorable field position. If he continues to play this well, a third contract to stay in Denver may not be completely out of the picture.
S Justin Simmons
On his 30th birthday, All-Pro safety Justin Simmons came ready to play. The star defensive back had four tackles along with three extremely clutch pass breakups that essentially won the game for the Broncos late in the fourth quarter. Minnesota was in desperation mode to enter field goal territory to win the game on the final drive however, Simmons had different plans. He completely clamped star tight end T.J. Hockenson on multiple occasions and was a big reason why the Broncos came out on top with the victory.
K Wil Lutz
In his first season with the Broncos, kicker Wil Lutz has been nearly automatic on field goal attempts and was especially so on Sunday night in the win over Minnesota. Lutz converted all five of his field goal attempts totaling 15 points alone. One missed kick and the Broncos would have likely lost this game -- big props to the vet.
Denver Broncos Stock Down:
LB Alex Singleton
Tackling just continues to become a massive issue for the newly paid linebacker Alex Singleton. Dating back to Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins, the veteran defender has struggled to stop the run and complete basic routine tackles that he was so skilled at in 2022. Singleton missed a handful of tackles on Sunday night and is becoming a bit of a liability in Denver's run defense. With seven games remaining, tackling will need to be a main focus of improvement for the once-tackling machine.
P Riley Dixon
It definitely was not punter Riley Dixon's night on Sunday. Dixon punted four times for 217 yards while having net yardage of 37 and 39 yards on his first two punts which is certainly not ideal. Later in the game, the vet had a punt travel 68 yards but bounced into the endzone for a touchback wasting an opportunity for poor opponent starting field position.