The Broncos keep finding ways to win games — especially close games.
Denver has won 16 straight games decided by one score or less. Quarterback Bo Nix has been the starter in each of the games.
Via NBC Sports research, the streak ties the 2023-24 Chiefs (with starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes) for the longest streak since 1950.
The Broncos last lost a one-score game in Week 3 of the 2025 season, 23-20 at the Chargers. Since then, the Broncos have won every one-score game in which they have played.
This year, they’re doing it despite being routinely outgained. For the season, they have a yardage differential of minus-658 — third worst in the NFL. And the Broncos have won three games in 2026 despite being outgained by 100 or more yards.
The record for any season is four wins, accomplished by eight different teams. With two more this year, the Broncos will have the record to themselves.
The next opportunity to win a one-score game comes on Sunday, at the Panthers in a rematch of Super Bowl 50.
The Broncos have wide receiver Pat Bryant back for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.
Bryant was activated from injured reserve on Saturday afternoon. He missed four games with an ankle injury and was designated for return when he resumed practicing with the team this week.
Bryant had nine catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in four games before his injury.
The Broncos also signed cornerback Sean Fresch off of the practice squad and placed defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike on injured reserve. Uwazurike was ruled out for Sunday with a shoulder injury.
Safety Taylor Rapp and running back Cody Schrader were elevated from the practice squad in other moves.
Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.
Hufanga had a second consecutive limited practice on Friday after missing Wednesday’s session. Until Thursday, he had played or practiced since his injury in Week 5 against the Chargers.
Wide receiver Pat Bryant (ankle) is also listed as questionable, but he was listed as a full participant for the third consecutive day. Bryant had his 21-day return-to-practice window opened this week.
The Broncos will have to activate him from injured reserve on Saturday to make him eligible to play this week.
He has not played since Week 4 against the 49ers.
Outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman (hip) was added to the team’s practice report on Friday as a full participant. He is also questionable for the game.
Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (ankle), safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike (shoulder) were all ruled out after they missed practice all week.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) was a full participant Friday, and he did not receive a game status.
The Panthers ruled four players out for Sunday’s game against the Broncos.
The team will be without outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), left guard Damien Lewis (knee), linebacker Bobby Okereke (foot), and rookie cornerback Will Lee III (hamstring). None of those four starters practiced this week.
Complicating matters in the offensive line, offensive tackle Corey Bullock (quadriceps) and offensive guard Torricelli Simpkins III (ankle) are questionable, though both were full participants on Friday.
Otherwise, the only other player on the roster with an injury designation is offensive lineman Brady Christensen (hamstring).
Christensen’s 21-day return-to-practice window opened this week, but he has to be activated to the roster first.
The Broncos got a starting safety back on the practice field Thursday.
Talanoa Hufanga took part in practice as a limited participant. Hufanga has missed the last three games with an ankle injury and the Broncos will issue any injury designation for Sunday’s game against the Panthers on Friday.
Hufanga had 23 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, an interception return for a touchdown and a forced fumble in the first five weeks of the season.
Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (ankle), safety Brandon Jones (hamstring), and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike (shoulder) remained out of practice. Defensive lineman Zach Allen (rest), wide receiver Pat Bryant (ankle), wide receiver Courtland Sutton (rest), and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) were all full participants.
