Here’s a look at whose stock improved or declined after the Broncos’ 38-6 win over the Falcons on Sunday.
Stock Up
WR Marvin Mims Jr.: Denver’s second-year wideout only played 14 offensive snaps but he made them count. Mims had two catches for 49 yards and recorded his first touchdown of the season. The Broncos had Mims lined up in the backfield quite a bit for the second straight week, and even though he only had four yards on three carries, he was deceptive. In the third quarter, Mims lined up next to Nix in a shotgun formation, and took advantage of busted coverage, securing a 37-yard reception on a wheel route. Sean Payton is starting to get creative with his use of Mims, and it’s working.
DT Malcolm Roach: The former Saints defensive tackle has proven to be a solid offseason addition for the Broncos. In the second quarter, Roach easily beat Falcons left guard Matthew Bergeron before sacking Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Roach had three tackles and a run stuff in Denver’s sixth win and has three tackles for loss combined in the team’s last three games.
OLB Nik Bonitto: Denver’s third-year edge rusher is making a strong case for his first Pro Bowl selection. Bonitto recorded seven tackles and two sacks against the Falcons. His season sack total now sits at nine, tied for second-most in the league with Giants star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The Broncos haven’t had a player record double-digit sacks in a season since 2018. Bonitto is on the verge of ending that drought.
Guard Quinn Meinerz: Meinerz highlighted a strong day for Denver’s offensive line. The starting right guard allowed one pressure on 35 pass block snaps, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. He showcased his immense strength during Troy Franklin’s touchdown reception in the third quarter. Meinerz held off inside linebacker Nate Landman before knocking down safety Jessie Bates III while Denver’s rookie wide receiver crossed the goal line.
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PHOTOS: Denver Broncos control Atlanta Falcons 38-6 in NFL Week 11
Broncos’ postseason chances: At 6-5, the Broncos are in the thick of the playoff race. They are the seventh seed and have a 65% chance of making the postseason, according to Next Gen Stats’ Playoff Probability model. Denver will have a chance to increase its odds in the next three weeks. The Broncos play at the Raiders (2-8) before taking on the Browns (2-8) and the Colts (5-6) at home. There’s still plenty of football to be played, but Denver is trending up.
Stock Down
CB Ja’Quan McMillian: Denver’s nickel cornerback has been up and down in recent weeks. McMillian has given up 13 catches for 145 yards and two touchdowns on 17 targets. Against the Falcons, McMillian was targeted eight times, allowing six catches for 65 yards — the most he has given up this season. McMillian gave up a 26-yard reception to wide receiver Drake London in the second quarter.
OLB Jonathon Cooper: The starting edge rusher didn’t record a pressure on 24 pass rush snaps, according to Next Gen Stats. That was the first time Cooper didn’t record a pressure in a game all season, and he hasn’t recorded a sack in two of the last three games. Better days are likely ahead, but Cooper is in a bit of a slump.
RB Audric Estime: Denver’s rookie running back took a step back on Sunday. After recording 51 yards on the ground last week in Kansas City, he had six carries for 16 yards and averaged 2.7 yards per attempt in the win. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams stole the show, totaling 57 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts.
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