Here’s a look at whose stock improved or declined after the Broncos’ 38-0 win to the Chiefs on Sunday.
Stock Up
Sean Payton: After two straight weeks of questionable decisions and play-calling, Denver’s head coach left no stone unturned against Kansas City. The Broncos were aggressive offensively against the Chiefs and didn’t let up until Payton finally took starting quarterback Bo Nix out of the game in the fourth quarter. The Broncos are back in the playoffs, and credit goes to Payton. Getting rid of Russell Wilson was costly, but Payton got the quarterback he wanted — and that has made all the difference. In two seasons with Denver, Payton is 18-16 and has clinched a postseason berth despite $89 million in total dead cap this season. Payton has done more with less.
Pass protection: One of the keys to the Broncos pulling off an upset against Buffalo will be their ability to protect Nix. Against the Chiefs, Denver’s offensive line did just that, allowing no sacks and three pressures — the fewest in a game by the Broncos this season. Yes, the Broncos played Kansas City’s backups, but Denver’s offensive line has been productive throughout the 2024 campaign. The unit gave up the fourth-fewest sacks (24) and the lowest pressure rate (24.9%) in the league, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
WR Devaughn Vele: The former Utah standout finished his rookie season on a high note. Vele caught four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Nix had a passer rating of 158.3 when targeting the seventh-round pick. Vele has been a pleasant surprise. In 13 games, he’s had 41 catches for 475 yards and three touchdowns.
DE John Franklin-Myers: Denver’s starting defensive end, who was traded from the Jets in the offseason, racked up another strong performance. He notched a sack and three pressures — two of those coming coming in less than three seconds, according to Next Gen Stats. Franklin-Myers is one of four Bronco players with at least seven sacks.
Third down offense: The Broncos executed well on third down against Kansas City. Denver went 10 for 14 (71%) in those situations. Nix played lights-out on third down, going 6 for 6 for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Stock Down
Offensive line discipline: Despite all the good Denver’s offensive line has done, the unit still struggles with penalties. Near the end of the second quarter, right guard Quinn Meinerz was flagged for offensive holding, negating Nix’s 29-yard scramble to the Chiefs’ 8-yard line. Denver was forced to settle for a field goal and take a 24-0 lead at halftime. The Broncos’ offensive line has committed 42 penalties this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Bolles has the most on the team with 16. Center Luke Wattenberg has seven penalties, while right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers each have six. Meinerz has been flagged five times in 17 games.
TE Adam Trautman: Denver’s tight end has been nonexistent on offense in recent weeks. Since Week 16, Trautman has two catches for 10 yards. He didn’t have a single target in the win over the Chiefs. The former Saints tight end has had some good moments. But his pass-catching production, along with that of Denver’s other tight ends, has been a clear sign that the Broncos will need to make an upgrade at the position this offseason.
WR Troy Franklin: Franklin had two catches for 12 yards to end an underwhelming regular season. In the last four games, the former Oregon wide receiver had 45 yards on seven receptions. Franklin has the talent to be a threat, but it’s going to take time.
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