The Denver Broncos secured a thrilling 27-26 overtime victory against the Washington Commanders on December 1, 2025, improving their record to 10-2 and solidifying their position at the top of the AFC. Despite this impressive run, which includes nine consecutive wins, former two-time Super Bowl champion Damien Woody remains skeptical about the team’s championship potential, primarily due to concerns regarding quarterback Bo Nix.
After a rocky start to the season at 1-2, the Broncos have bounced back with an incredible series of clutch performances. Notably, seven of their nine recent victories have been by a single score, elevating their overall one-score record this season to 8-2. This resilience highlights their capability under pressure, yet questions about Nix’s consistency loom large.
Nix has thrown for 19 touchdown passes and accumulated 2,742 yards this season. However, his performance metrics, including completion percentage and quarterback rating (QBR), have declined compared to his rookie season. According to Woody, these inconsistencies are significant enough to prevent him from viewing the Broncos as the best team in the AFC.
During an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Woody stated, “No, they’re not [the best team in the AFC] because I don’t trust the quarterback. We know how great the defense is in Denver. They can rush the passer, all those types of things.”
The Broncos’ defense has not only performed well but has also set a historic pace. The team could potentially break the all-time record for sacks in a single season and currently leads various defensive categories, including red zone and third-down efficiency.
Despite these achievements, Woody emphasized his doubts about Nix. “Bo Nix, it’s like being on a roller coaster. You’re going to get some great moments from Bo Nix. You’re also going to get some head-scratching moments from Bo Nix,” he explained. “I think if he’s more consistent, then I can absolutely say yes. But until then, I’m still a big question mark on Denver.”
While opinions may differ on Nix’s performance, he continues to find ways to lead his team to victory. As he navigates his second season as a starting quarterback, fluctuations in play are somewhat expected. Nonetheless, Nix has delivered impressive moments that have caught the attention of head coach Sean Payton.
Payton expressed confidence in Nix’s development, stating, “He’s just getting better and better, and we’re operating better.” This sentiment reflects a belief that the young quarterback is still evolving as the season progresses.
The Broncos’ defense, regarded as one of the best in NFL history, is a critical part of their success. However, upcoming challenges loom large as they prepare for their final five games of the year, with four of those matches against playoff contenders.
If the Broncos aim to prove themselves as true championship contenders, maintaining their momentum will be essential in these critical matchups. As the season unfolds, the spotlight will remain on both Nix and the defense to see if they can rise to the occasion and silence the skeptics.