2013 Denver Broncos season

2013 Denver Broncos season
Head coach John Fox
Jack Del Rio (interim from Weeks 10–13 while John Fox recovered from heart surgery)
General manager John Elway
Owner Pat Bowlen
Home field Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Results
Record 13–3
Division place 1st AFC West
Playoff finish Won Divisional Playoffs (Chargers) 24–17
Won AFC Championship (Patriots) 26–16
Lost Super Bowl XLVIII (Seahawks) 43–8
Pro Bowlers 5 (see Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections)
AP All-Pros 4 (see Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections)
Uniform

The 2013 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 44th season in the National Football League and the 54th overall. It also marked the 30th under the ownership of Pat Bowlen, the second with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback and the third under head coach John Fox.

Following a heartbreaking loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the 2012 playoffs, the Broncos entered the 2013 season as favorites to win Super Bowl XLVIII. However, the team underwent a tumultuous offseason that was dominated by the suspension of All-Pro linebacker Von Miller as well as several injuries to the offensive line. Notable offseason additions include the free agent acquisitions of wide receiver Wes Welker, linebacker Shaun Phillips, safety Quentin Jammer and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Roster departures include wide receiver Brandon Stokley, linebackers Elvis Dumervil and D. J. Williams, and running back Willis McGahee.

Throughout the regular season, numerous individual, league and franchise records were set, including Peyton Manning setting new NFL records for passing touchdowns and passing yardage, as well as the team setting new NFL records for touchdowns and points scored in a single season. During the team's mid-season bye week, head coach John Fox received a health scare that resulted in Fox missing four games due to recuperation from heart surgery. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio served as the team's interim head coach during Fox's absence.

The Broncos won their third consecutive AFC West division title, as well as earning a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The Broncos defeated the San Diego Chargers 24–17 in the Divisional round, the New England Patriots 26–16 in the AFC championship game, and faced the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII — the Broncos' first Super Bowl berth since winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998. However, the Broncos were unable to recover from a 22–0 halftime deficit, and the Seahawks' No. 1 ranked defense held the Broncos' No. 1 ranked offense to their lowest scoring output of the season, routing the Broncos by a score of 43–8.

Coaching and front-office changes

Absence of John Fox

On November 2, 2013, during the Broncos' bye week, head coach John Fox was hospitalized after experiencing light-headedness while playing golf in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fox was held in a Charlotte-area hospital for further testing, however, doctors indicated that Fox would need aortic valve replacement surgery and would be out for up to two months.[10] Fox knew of his pre-existing heart condition, and had initially hoped to postpone his surgery until after the season, however, two days later (November 4), Fox underwent the successful surgery.[11] Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was named the interim head coach during Fox's absence. Del Rio previously served as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003–2011, as well as a defensive coordinator on John Fox's staff with the Carolina Panthers in 2002.[12] On December 2, Fox returned to the Broncos' training camp facility at Dove Valley, in preparation for the team's Week 14 game against the Tennessee Titans.[13]

Roster changes

Free agents

Position Player Tag 2013 Team Notes
RB Lance Ball RFA None assigned tender on March 8,[14] re-signed April 8,[15] released August 31[16]
DT Justin Bannan UFA Detroit Lions signed with the Lions on August 15[17]
LB Keith Brooking UFA None
S David Bruton UFA Denver Broncos re-signed March 11[18]
CB Tony Carter ERFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 8,[14] re-signed April 15[19]
OT Ryan Clady FT Denver Broncos assigned franchise tag on March 1,[20] re-signed July 14,[21]
placed on injured reserve September 18[22]
OT Chris Clark RFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 8,[14] re-signed April 10[23]
P Britton Colquitt RFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 8,[14] re-signed April 23[24]
FB/TE Chris Gronkowski RFA None
DE Jason Hunter UFA Oakland Raiders signed with the Raiders on March 13[25]
C Dan Koppen UFA None re-signed June 20,[26] placed on injured reserve July 30[27]
S Jim Leonhard UFA Buffalo Bills signed with the Bills on September 5[28]
CB Tracy Porter UFA Oakland Raiders signed with the Raiders on April 2[29]
WR Brandon Stokley UFA Baltimore Ravens signed with the Ravens on August 11[30]
DT Mitch Unrein ERFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 8,[14] re-signed April 11[31]
DT Kevin Vickerson UFA Denver Broncos re-signed March 12[32]
DT Ty Warren UFA None
WR Matthew Willis UFA None

Signings

Position Player 2012 Team Notes
LB Stewart Bradley Arizona Cardinals signed March 13,[32] placed on injured reserve August 31[16]
CB Marquice Cole New England Patriots signed January 14, 2014,[33] on final roster
DT Sione Fua Carolina Panthers signed November 27,[34] on final roster
S Michael Huff Baltimore Ravens signed November 19,[35] on final roster
CB/S Quentin Jammer San Diego Chargers signed May 29,[36] on final roster
OT Winston Justice Indianapolis Colts signed September 18,[22] on final roster
DT Terrance Knighton Jacksonville Jaguars signed March 13,[32] on final roster
LB Paris Lenon Arizona Cardinals signed August 20,[37] on final roster
C Ryan Lilja Kansas City Chiefs signed July 31,[38] released August 31[16]
CB Nigel Malone Pittsburgh Steelers signed August 1,[39] waived August 25[40]
LB Brandon Marshall Jacksonville Jaguars promoted from the Broncos' practice squad on December 24,[41] on final roster
DE Jeremy Mincey Jacksonville Jaguars signed December 17,[42] on final roster
TE Jake O'Connell Kansas City Chiefs signed July 27,[43] released August 31[16]
TE DeAngelo Peterson Washington Redskins signed August 6,[44] waived August 25[40]
LB Shaun Phillips San Diego Chargers signed April 27,[45] on final roster
LB Adrian Robinson Pittsburgh Steelers signed September 1,[46] waived October 15[47]
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Philadelphia Eagles signed March 13,[32] on final roster
C Steve Vallos Jacksonville Jaguars signed July 28,[48] on final roster
G Louis Vasquez San Diego Chargers signed March 12,[32] on final roster
WR Wes Welker New England Patriots signed March 13,[32] on final roster
Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2012 season.

Departures

Position Player Notes
C/G Philip Blake waived August 31[16]
G Justin Boren waived August 7[49]
C/G C. J. Davis released August 31[16]
DE Elvis Dumervil released March 15[50]
RB Mario Fannin waived May 22[51]
S Blake Gideon designated as reserve/retired on May 22[51]
QB Caleb Hanie released March 11[52]
FB Jacob Hester released September 1[46]
RB Willis McGahee released June 13[53]
LB Joe Mays released July 23[54]
C J. D. Walton waived December 17[42]
LB D. J. Williams released March 11[52]

Trades

On August 20, defensive tackle Sealver Siliga was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for guard John Moffitt.[55] On November 5, Moffitt was placed on the reserve/left squad list.[56]

Draft

Main article: 2013 NFL draft
2013 Denver Broncos Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 28 Sylvester Williams DT North Carolina signed July 25[57]
2 58 Montee Ball RB Wisconsin signed June 13[58]
3 90 Kayvon Webster CB South Florida signed June 13[58]
4 None — see draft trades below
5 146 Quanterus Smith DE Western Kentucky signed May 10,[59]
placed on injured reserve August 31[60]
161 Tavarres King WR Georgia signed May 10,[59] waived August 31,[16]
promoted to the active roster on October 15[47]
6 173 Vinston Painter OT Virginia Tech signed May 9,[61] waived August 31,[16]
promoted to the active roster on January 14, 2014.[33]
7 234 Zac Dysert QB Miami (Ohio) signed May 13[62]
Draft trades

Undrafted free agents

All undrafted free agents were signed just after the 2013 NFL draft concluded on April 27,[65] unless noted otherwise.

Position Player College Notes
RB C. J. Anderson California on final roster
WR Kemonte' Bateman New Mexico State waived August 25[40]
P Ryan Doerr Kansas State designated as waived/injured on August 14[66]
OT Manase Foketi West Texas A&M waived August 25[40]
DT Romney Fuga BYU signed April 30,[67] waived August 31[16]
CB Aaron Hester UCLA waived August 31[16]
LB Damien Holmes UCLA signed May 13,[8] waived August 31[16]
QB Ryan Katz San Diego State waived August 25[40]
LB Uona Kaveinga BYU waived August 25[40]
DE Gary Mason Jr. Baylor released May 12, following a failed physical exam[68]
LB Lerentee McCray Florida placed on injured reserve August 31[16]
WR Quincy McDuffie Central Florida designated as waived/injured on August 25[40]
S Ross Rasner Arkansas waived August 31[16]
TE Lucas Reed New Mexico designated as waived/injured on July 28[43]
LB Douglas Rippy Colorado released May 12[68]
DE Langston Tanyi Colorado State signed May 13,[8] waived August 25[40]
WR Lamar Thomas New Mexico waived August 31[16]
DE John Youboty Temple waived August 31,[16] assigned to the practice squad September 1[69]

Von Miller suspension

On July 22, 2013, All-Pro linebacker Von Miller was initially suspended four games for violating the NFL's drug policy, though initial reports indicated that his suspension did not involve the NFL's Steroids and Related Substances Policy. The Denver Post reported that Miller tested positive for marijuana and an amphetamine during his rookie season in 2011 on multiple occasions. Miller appealed the suspension,[70] however, on August 20, Miller's suspension was increased from four to six games due to findings of other drug testing issues within the past two years.[71] On September 9, reports circulated that the Broncos were attempting to re-claim a $1.25 million signing bonus from Miller as a result of the suspension.[72] On September 22, ESPN reported that the reason for Miller's suspension being increased from four to six games was due to Miller attempting to cheat a drug test with the aid of a urine collector, which nearly led to Miller being suspended for the entire 2013 season.[73]

Injuries

Staff

2013 Denver Broncos staff
Front office
  • Owner/Chairman/CEO – Pat Bowlen
  • President – Joe Ellis
  • Executive Vice President of Football Operations – John Elway
  • Director of Football Administration – Mike Sullivan
  • Director of Player Personnel – Matt Russell
  • Director of Pro Personnel – Tom Heckert, Jr.
  • Director of College Scouting – John Spytek
  • Assistant Director of College Scouting – Lenny McGill
  • Assistant Director of Pro Personnel – Anthony Kelly
  • Director of Player Development – Jerry Butler

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Jeff Rodgers
  • Assistant Special Teams Coordinator – Derius Swinton

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Luke Richesson
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Mike Eubanks
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Jason George
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Anthony Lomando

† Served as interim head coach from Weeks 10–13 while John Fox
recovered from heart surgery.

Final roster

2013 Denver Broncos final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 Active, 11 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 8 at San Francisco 49ers W 10–6 1–0 Candlestick Park Recap
2 August 17 at Seattle Seahawks L 10–40 1–1 CenturyLink Field Recap
3 August 24 St. Louis Rams W 27–26 2–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
4 August 29 Arizona Cardinals L 24–32 2–2 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap

Regular season

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 5 Baltimore Ravens W 49–27 1–0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
2 September 15 at New York Giants W 41–23 2–0 MetLife Stadium Recap
3 September 23 Oakland Raiders W 37–21 3–0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
4 September 29 Philadelphia Eagles W 52–20 4–0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
5 October 6 at Dallas Cowboys W 51–48 5–0 AT&T Stadium Recap
6 October 13 Jacksonville Jaguars W 35–19 6–0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
7 October 20 at Indianapolis Colts L 33–39 6–1 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
8 October 27 Washington Redskins W 45–21 7–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
9 Bye
10 November 10 at San Diego Chargers W 28–20 8–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
11 November 17 Kansas City Chiefs W 27–17 9–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
12 November 24 at New England Patriots L 31–34 (OT) 9–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
13 December 1 at Kansas City Chiefs W 35–28 10–2 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
14 December 8 Tennessee Titans W 51–28 11–2 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
15 December 12 San Diego Chargers L 20–27 11–3 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
16 December 22 at Houston Texans W 37–13 12–3 Reliant Stadium Recap
17 December 29 at Oakland Raiders W 34–14 13–3 O.co Coliseum Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Postseason

Playoff round Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
Wild Card First-round bye
Divisional January 12, 2014 San Diego Chargers (6) W 24–17 1–0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
AFC Championship January 19, 2014 New England Patriots (2) W 26–16 2–0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
Super Bowl XLVIII February 2, 2014 vs. Seattle Seahawks (N1) L 8–43 2–1 MetLife Stadium Recap

Game summaries

Regular season

Week 1: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week One: Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Ravens 7 10 01027
Broncos 0 14 211449

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DEN – 11:35 Julius Thomas 24-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 1 plays, 24 yards, 0:05. (tied 7–7)
  • BAL – 8:03 Ray Rice 1-yard TD run, Justin Tucker kick. Drive: 1 plays, 1 yard, 0:05. (BAL 14–7)
  • DEN – 5:34 Julius Thomas 23-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:29. (tied 14–14)
  • BAL – Justin Tucker 25-yard FG. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 3:12. (BAL 17–14)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 12:30 Andre Caldwell 28-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:30. (DEN 21–17)
  • DEN – 10:28 Wes Welker 5-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 2 plays, 10 yards, 0:40. (DEN 28–17)
  • DEN – 6:37 Wes Welker 2-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 2:29. (DEN 35–17)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 13:13 Demaryius Thomas 26-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 1:33. (DEN 42–17)
  • BAL – 10:28 Marlon Brown 13-yard TD pass from Joe Flacco, Justin Tucker kick. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:38. (DEN 42–24)
  • BAL – 5:29 Justin Tucker 30-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 2:38. (DEN 42–27)
  • DEN – 4:30 Demaryius Thomas 78-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:59. (DEN 49–27)

Top passers
  • BAL – Joe Flacco: 34/62, 362 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 27/42, 462 yards, 7 TD
Top rushers
  • BAL – Ray Rice: 12 rushes, 36 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 9 rushes, 28 yards
Top receivers
  • BAL – Torrey Smith: 4 receptions 92 yards
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas: 5 receptions, 161 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers

The Broncos kicked off their 2013 season at home against the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL kickoff game, in a highly publicized rematch of their 2012 Divisional playoff game. The Ravens grabbed the early lead in the first quarter, with quarterback Joe Flacco tossing a 2-yard touchdown pass to fullback Vonta Leach. Following a Flacco interception, the Broncos responded early in the second quarter, with quarterback Peyton Manning throwing a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Julius Thomas. After Broncos' wide receiver Wes Welker muffed a punt return near the goal line, the Ravens grabbed the lead, with running back Ray Rice rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, but the Broncos responded, with Manning connecting with Julius Thomas on another touchdown pass — from 23 yards out. The Ravens grabbed a 17–14 lead just before halftime, with placekicker Justin Tucker nailing a 25-yard field goal. However, the Broncos would reel off 28 unanswered points, with Manning throwing four more touchdown passes — a 28-yarder to wide receiver Andre Caldwell, two to Welker from 5 and 2 yards out, followed in the fourth quarter by a 26-yarder to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The second score came after Broncos' safety David Bruton blocked a Sam Koch punt. The Ravens later scored 10 unanswered points, with Flacco throwing a 13-yard touchdown to wide receiver Marlon Brown, followed by a 30-yard field goal from Tucker to pull to within 42–27 with 5:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, the Broncos subsequently put the game out of reach, after Manning threw his seventh touchdown pass of the game — a 78-yarder to Demaryius Thomas.[89]

Notes

The start of the game was delayed 33 minutes due to lightning in the Denver area.[90]

Week 2: at New York Giants

Week Two: Denver Broncos at New York Giants – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 10 141741
Giants 3 6 7723

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

First quarter
  • NYG – 7:41 Josh Brown 36-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:09. (NYG 3–0)
Second quarter
  • DEN – 14:22 Knowshon Moreno 20-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 0:48. (DEN 7–3)
  • NYG – 6:53 Josh Brown 24-yard FG. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 2:31. (DEN 7–6)
  • NYG – 2:19 Josh Brown 41-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 3:46. (NYG 9–7)
  • DEN – 0:47 Matt Prater 42-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 1:32. (DEN 10–9)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 8:58 Wes Welker 2-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 4:28. (DEN 17–9)
  • NYG – 3:08 Brandon Jacobs 1-yard TD run, Josh Brown kick. Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 5:50. (DEN 17–16)
  • DEN – 0:25 Knowshon Moreno 25-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:43. (DEN 24–16)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 12:19 Julius Thomas 11-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 2:34. (DEN 31–16)
  • DEN – 10:13 Trindon Holliday 81-yard punt return for a TD, Matt Prater kick. (DEN 38–16)
  • NYG – 3:59 Da'Rel Scott 23-yard TD pass from Eli Manning, Josh Brown kick. Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:13. (DEN 38–23)
  • DEN – 2:38 Matt Prater 47-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 1:21. (DEN 41–23)

Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 30/43, 307 yards, 2 TD
  • NYG – Eli Manning: 28/49, 362 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT
Top rushers
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 13 rushes, 93 yards, 2 TD
  • NYG – David Wilson: 7 rushes, 17 yards
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their season-opening win over the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens, the Broncos traveled to East Rutherford, New Jersey, for an interconference duel against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. This was the third match-up between brothers Peyton Manning (Broncos) and Eli Manning (Giants), with Peyton Manning winning the previous two match-ups as a member of the Indianapolis Colts2006 and 2010. The Giants grabbed the lead midway through the first quarter, with a 36-yard field goal by placekicker Josh Brown. In the second quarter, a 20-yard touchdown run by running back Knowshon Moreno gave the Broncos the lead. Two field goals by Brown — from 24 and 41 yards — gave the Giants a 9–7 lead. The Broncos re-claimed the lead just before halftime, with placekicker Matt Prater nailing a 42-yard field goal. The Broncos increased their lead in the third quarter, with quarterback Peyton Manning connecting on a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker. The Giants responded, with running back Brandon Jacobs rushing for a 1-yard touchdown to pull the Giants to within 17–16 with three minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, the Broncos would seize control of the game with 21 unanswered points, beginning with a 25-yard touchdown run by Moreno, followed in the fourth quarter by an 11-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning to tight end Julius Thomas, and return specialist Trindon Holliday returning a punt 81 yards for a touchdown. The Giants tried to rally, with quarterback Eli Manning throwing a 23-yard touchdown pass to running back Da'Rel Scott with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but a 47-yard field goal by Prater put the game out of reach.[91]

Notes

Peyton Manning improved his head-to-head record against Eli Manning to 3–0.[91]

Injuries

Offensive tackle Ryan Clady suffered a Lisfranc fracture in his foot late in the fourth quarter, and was placed on injured reserve three days later (September 18).[22]

Week 3: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week Three: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 7 7721
Broncos 10 17 3737

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

First quarter
  • DEN – 10:28 Eric Decker 2-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:23. (DEN 7–0)
  • DEN – 0:47 Matt Prater 53-yard FG. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 3:42. (DEN 10–0)
Second quarter
  • DEN – 7:27 Wes Welker 12-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:35. (DEN 17–0)
  • OAK – 5:57 Denarius Moore 73-yard TD pass from Terrelle Pryor, Sebastian Janikowski kick. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:30. (DEN 17–7)
  • DEN – 3:40 Julius Thomas 13-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:17. (DEN 24–7)
  • DEN – 0:19 Matt Prater 41-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 1:30. (DEN 27–7)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 8:41 Matt Prater 40-yard FG. Drive: 13 plays, 55 yards, 6:19. (DEN 30–7)
  • OAK – 0:17 Marcel Reece 16-yard TD pass from Darren McFadden, Sebastian Janikowski kick. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:26. (DEN 30–14)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 11:27 Ronnie Hillman 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:50. (DEN 37–14)
  • OAK – 1:15 Darren McFadden 1-yard TD run, Sebastian Janikowski kick. Drive: 4 plays, 20 yards, 1:04. (DEN 37–21)

Top passers
  • OAK – Terrelle Pryor: 19/28, 281 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 32/37, 374 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
  • OAK – Terrelle Pryor: 4 rushes, 36 yards
  • DEN – Ronnie Hillman: 9 rushes, 66 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • OAK – Denarius Moore: 6 receptions, 124 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Eric Decker: 8 receptions, 133 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Giants, the Broncos returned home for an AFC West duel with the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football. The Broncos jumped out to a 17–0 lead, with a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Peyton Manning to wide receiver Eric Decker, a 53-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater and 12-yard touchdown pass from Manning to wide receiver Wes Welker, the latter of which occurred in the second quarter. The Raiders got on the scoreboard when quarterback Terrelle Pryor completed a 73-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Denarius Moore. The Broncos subsequently added to their lead, with Manning throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Julius Thomas, followed by two field goals by Prater — a 41-yarder just before halftime and a 40-yarder midway through the third quarter. Following a Manning fumble, the Raiders narrowed the Broncos' lead, with Pryor tossing the football on a running play to running back Darren McFadden, and McFadden throwing a 16-yard touchdown pass to fullback Marcel Reece, however, the Broncos responded early in the fourth quarter, with running back Ronnie Hillman rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. The Raiders scored a late touchdown, with McFadden rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, however, the Broncos recovered the ensuing onside kick, sealing the win.[92]

Notes

This was the 17th meeting on Monday Night Football between the Broncos and Raiders — tied for the most frequent pairing in Monday Night Football history[93] with the Dallas Cowboys & Washington Redskins, who will meet for a 17th time in 2015.

Week 4: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week Four: Philadelphia Eagles at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Eagles 3 10 0720
Broncos 14 7 211052

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

First quarter
  • DEN – 10:19 Wes Welker 6-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 3:52. (DEN 7–0)
  • PHI – 6:03 Alex Henery 35-yard FG. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 4:16. (DEN 7–3)
  • DEN – 5:50 Trindon Holliday 105-yard kickoff return for a TD, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 0:13. (DEN 14–3)
Second quarter
  • PHI – 14:18 Alex Henery 25-yard FG. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 6:32. (DEN 14–6)
  • PHI – 11:06 Chris Polk 4-yard TD run, Alex Henery kick. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 2:10. (DEN 14–13)
  • DEN – 5:05 Knowshon Moreno 4-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:01. (DEN 21–13)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 9:54 Demaryius Thomas 1-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:06. (DEN 28–13)
  • DEN – 5:10 Demaryius Thomas 15-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:12. (DEN 35–13)
  • DEN – 0:22 Wes Welker 4-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:35. (DEN 42–13)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 13:54 Steven Johnson 17-yard blocked punt return for a TD, Matt Prater kick. (DEN 49–13)
  • DEN – 6:53 Matt Prater 53-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:49. (DEN 52–13)
  • PHI – 4:35 Jeff Maehl 6-yard TD pass from Nick Foles, Alex Henery kick. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:18. (DEN 52–20)

Top passers
  • PHI – Michael Vick: 14/27, 248 yards
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 28/34, 327 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
  • PHI – LeSean McCoy: 16 rushes, 73 yards
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 12 rushes, 78 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their Monday Night win over the Raiders, the Broncos remained on home ground for an interconference duel with the Philadelphia Eagles. A 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Peyton Manning to wide receiver Wes Welker gave the Broncos the early lead. The Eagles countered, with a 35-yard field goal by placekicker Alex Henery, however, the Broncos subsequently increased their lead, with return specialist Trindon Holliday returning the ensuing kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown. The Eagles cut into the Broncos' lead in the second quarter, with a 25-yard field goal by Henery, followed by running back Chris Polk rushing for a 4-yard touchdown to pull to within 14–13. However, the Broncos proceeded to score 38 unanswered points and take control of the game. First, running back Knowshon Moreno rushed for a 4-yard touchdown. Then in the third quarter, Manning added three more touchdown passes — a 1-yarder and a 15-yarder to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, followed by a 4-yarder to Welker. In the fourth quarter, Broncos' linebacker Steven Johnson blocked Donnie Jones' punt and immediately returned the football 17 yards for a touchdown, which was followed by a 53-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. The Eagles scored a late touchdown, with quarterback Nick Foles, playing in place of Michael Vick, completing a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeff Maehl, but the outcome of the game had already been decided in the Broncos' favor.[94]

Notes

Former offensive lineman Tom Nalen, who played with the Broncos from 1994–2007, was inducted to the Broncos Ring of Fame during halftime.[95] Nalen made it to five Pro Bowls, earning the NFL's Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2003, and was an integral part of 11 seasons in which the Broncos had at least one running back rush for 1,000 yards within a season.[96] Steven Johnson's return of a blocked punt for a touchdown marked the first such play for the Broncos' special teams since 2000.[97]

Week 5: at Dallas Cowboys

Week Five: Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 21 101351
Cowboys 14 6 131548

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DAL – 12:14 Dan Bailey 43-yard FG. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:14. (DAL 17–7)
  • DEN – 9:06 Eric Decker 2-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:08. (DAL 17–14)
  • DEN – 5:22 Julius Thomas 9-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 3:27. (DEN 21–17)
  • DEN – 0:46 Peyton Manning 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 2:24. (DEN 28–17)
  • DAL – 0:00 Dan Bailey 48-yard FG. Drive: 4 plays, 43 yards, 0:46. (DEN 28–20)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 8:03 Wes Welker 2-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 6:57. (DEN 35–20)
  • DAL – 7:08 Terrance Williams 82-yard TD pass from Tony Romo, Dan Bailey kick. Drive: 2 plays, 83 yards, 0:55. (DEN 35–27)
  • DEN – 3:23 Matt Prater 48-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:45. (DEN 38–27)
  • DAL – 0:14 Dez Bryant 2-yard TD pass from Tony Romo, two-point run failed. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:09. (DEN 38–33)
Fourth quarter
  • DAL – 13:38 Jason Witten 10-yard TD pass from Tony Romo, Tony Romo pass to Terrance Williams for a two-point conversion. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 1:24. (DAL 41–38)
  • DEN – 9:37 Matt Prater 50-yard FG. Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 4:01. (tied 41–41)
  • DAL – 7:19 Cole Beasley 4-yard TD pass from Tony Romo, Dan Bailey kick. Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards, 2:18. (DAL 48–41)
  • DEN – 2:39 Knowshon Moreno 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:40. (tied 48–48)
  • DEN – 0:00 Matt Prater 28-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 14 yards, 1:57. (DEN 51–48)

Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 33/42, 414 yards, 4 TD (1 rushing), 1 INT
  • DAL – Tony Romo: 25/36, 506 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 19 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD
  • DAL – DeMarco Murray: 12 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • DEN – Julius Thomas: 9 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD
  • DAL – Terrance Williams: 4 receptions, 151 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers

Coming off their blowout win over the Eagles, the Broncos traveled to Arlington, Texas, for an interconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys grabbed a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, with a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tony Romo to wide receiver Dez Bryant, followed by running back DeMarco Murray rushing for a 4-yard touchdown. The latter score occurred after a fumble by Broncos' wide receiver Eric Decker. The Broncos later got on the scoreboard, with quarterback Peyton Manning connecting on a 4-yard shovel pass to tight end Julius Thomas for a touchdown. Early in the second quarter, a 43-yard field goal by placekicker Dan Bailey gave the Cowboys a 17–7 lead. The Broncos then reeled off 21 unanswered points, with Manning adding two more touchdown passes — a 2-yarder to Decker and a 9-yarder to Thomas, followed by Manning rushing for a 1-yard touchdown on a bootleg play. A 48-yard field goal by Bailey at the end of the first half narrowed the Broncos' lead to 28–20.[98]

The Broncos added to their lead midway through the third quarter, with Manning connecting on a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker. However, the Cowboys subsequently began chipping away at the Broncos' lead, with Romo connecting on an 82-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terrance Williams. A 48-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater gave the Broncos a 38–27 lead, but the Cowboys further narrowed the Broncos' lead, with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Romo to Bryant (with an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt). On the Broncos' next possession, Manning threw his first interception of the season, and the Cowboys subsequently re-claimed the lead early in the fourth quarter, with Romo throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten, coupled with a two-point pass from Romo to Williams. The Broncos tied the game at 41–41 on their next possession, with a 50-yard field goal by Prater, however, on the Cowboys' next possession, Romo connected on a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cole Beasley to give the Cowboys a 48–41 lead with 7:19 remaining in the fourth quarter. Manning subsequently led the Broncos on a 9-play, 73-yard drive, which culminated with running back Knowshon Moreno rushing for a 1-yard touchdown to tie the game at 48–48 with 2:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. Two plays into the Cowboys' next possession, as the Cowboys were attempting a game-winning drive, Romo was intercepted by Broncos' linebacker Danny Trevathan at the Cowboys' 24-yard line just before the two-minute warning. On the fourth play of the Broncos' final possession, the Broncos were facing a 3rd-and-1 at the Cowboys' 2-yard line, after the Cowboys had exhausted two of their three team timeouts. Moreno earned a crucial first down after Manning implored him to go down before reaching the goal line instead of scoring a touchdown, which forced the Cowboys to burn their final timeout with 1:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. After three kneel-downs by Manning, Prater nailed the game-winning 28-yard field goal as time expired.[98]

Notes

This was the only game during the 2013 season in which the Broncos wore their alternate navy blue jerseys.[99]

Week 6: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Six: Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 0 12 7019
Broncos 14 0 14735

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

First quarter
  • DEN – 12:09 Julius Thomas 3-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 2:02. (DEN 7–0)
  • DEN – 2:44 Wes Welker 20-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 12 plays, 95 yards, 6:08. (DEN 14–0)
Second quarter
  • JAC – 13:18 Josh Scobee 50-yard FG. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:26. (DEN 14–3)
  • JAC – 5:43 Josh Scobee 30-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 2:20. (DEN 14–6)
  • JAC – 0:36 Paul Posluszny 59-yard interception return for a TD, two-point pass failed. (DEN 14–12)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 12:16 Knowshon Moreno 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:44. (DEN 21–12)
  • JAC – 7:43 Maurice Jones-Drew 5-yard TD run, Josh Scobee kick. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:33. (DEN 21–19)
  • DEN – 4:02 Knowshon Moreno 8-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:41. (DEN 28–19)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 9:09 Knowshon Moreno 3-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:19. (DEN 35–19)

Top passers
  • JAC – Chad Henne: 27/42, 303 yards, 2 INT
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 28/42, 295 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew: 21 rushes, 71 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 15 rushes, 42 yards, 3 TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their comeback win over the Cowboys, the Broncos returned home for an AFC match against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Broncos jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, with quarterback Peyton Manning throwing a pair of touchdown passes — a 3-yarder to tight end Julius Thomas and a 20-yarder to wide receiver Wes Welker. The Jaguars outscored the Broncos 12–0 in the second quarter, with a pair of field goals from placekicker Josh Scobee — from 50 and 30 yards out, followed by linebacker Paul Posluszny returning a Manning interception 59 yards for a touchdown (with an unsuccessful two-point attempt). On the opening drive of the third quarter, Broncos' running back Knowshon Moreno rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, however, the Jaguars had a response, with running back Maurice Jones-Drew rushing for a 5-yard touchdown to pull to within 21–19 midway through the third quarter. The Broncos subsequently added to their lead, with Moreno rushing for a pair of touchdowns — an 8-yarder followed by a 3-yarder at the 9:09 mark of the fourth quarter, the latter of which was the final scoring play of the game. The Jaguars attempted a rally, but the Broncos' defense stood their ground on the Jaguars' final two offensive possessions.[79]

Week 7: at Indianapolis Colts

Week Seven: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 7 31633
Colts 10 16 7639

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: October 20
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT/6:30 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), clear — retractable roof open
  • Game attendance: 67,196
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DEN – 11:56 Julius Thomas 12-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 4:24. (DEN 14–10)
  • IND – 8:52 Peyton Manning fumbled out of the end zone for a safety. (DEN 14–12)
  • IND – 5:50 Stanley Havili 20-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:02. (IND 19–14)
  • IND – 0:10 Coby Fleener 8-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 1:25. (IND 26–14)
Third quarter
  • IND – 5:00 Andrew Luck 10-yard TD run, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive: 4 plays, 41 yards, 1:49. (IND 33–14)
  • DEN – 0:42 Matt Prater 31-yard FG. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:18. (IND 33–17)
Fourth quarter
  • IND – 12:59 Adam Vinatieri 52-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:43. (IND 36–17)
  • DEN – 12:11 Demaryius Thomas 31-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, two-point pass failed. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:48. (IND 36–23)
  • DEN – 8:44 Knowshon Moreno 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 23 yards, 2:42. (IND 36–30)
  • IND – 5:57 Adam Vinatieri 42-yard FG. (4 plays, −3 yards, 1:02. (IND 39–30)
  • DEN – 0:12 Matt Prater 47-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 1:16. (IND 39–33)

Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 29/49, 386 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
  • IND – Andrew Luck: 21/38, 228 yards, 3 TD (1 rushing)
Top rushers
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 15 rushes, 40 yards, 1 TD
  • IND – Trent Richardson: 14 rushes, 37 yards
Top receivers
  • DEN – Eric Decker: 8 receptions, 150 yards, 1 TD
  • IND – Reggie Wayne: 5 receptions, 50 yards
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Jaguars, the Broncos traveled to Lucas Oil Stadium for an AFC duel with the Indianapolis Colts. The Broncos grabbed the early lead in the first quarter, with quarterback Peyton Manning connecting with wide receiver Eric Decker on a 17-yard touchdown pass. The Colts responded, with a 27-yard field goal by placekicker Adam Vinatieri. Following a fumble by Broncos' return specialist Trindon Holliday on a punt return, the Colts grabbed the lead, with quarterback Andrew Luck completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. The Broncos re-claimed the lead in the second quarter, with Manning throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Julius Thomas. On the Broncos next possession, Colts' linebacker Robert Mathis forced a fumble off Manning out of the end zone, resulting in a safety. The Colts subsequently re-claimed the lead, with Luck connecting on a 20-yard touchdown pass to fullback Stanley Havili, then added to their lead, with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Luck to tight end Coby Fleener just before halftime.[100]

The Broncos' offense went three-and-out on their first three possessions of the third quarter, and the Colts took a 33–14 lead, with Luck rushing for a 10-yard touchdown. Late in the third quarter, the Broncos tried to cut into the Colts lead, with a 31-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater, but the Colts responded early in the fourth quarter, with a 52-yard field goal by Vinatieri. Trailing 36–17, the Broncos attempted a rally, with Manning connecting on a 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (with a failed two-point conversion attempt), followed by a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Knowshon Moreno. The latter score occurred after Broncos' safety Duke Ihenacho forced a fumble off Colts' running back Trent Richardson deep in Colts' territory. The Broncos' defense forced a punt on the Colts next possession. However, with 7:07 remaining in the fourth quarter, Manning's arm was hit by Colts' linebacker Erik Walden, and his pass was subsequently intercepted by linebacker Pat Angerer deep in Broncos' territory. Four plays later, a Vinatieri 42-yard field goal gave the Colts a 39–30 lead with 6:06 remaining. Eight plays into the Broncos' next possession, running back Ronnie Hillman lost a fumble at the Colts' 3-yard line at the 3:15 mark of the fourth quarter, just as the Broncos were attempting to narrow the Colts' lead. The Colts' offense subsequently ran time off the clock, forcing the Broncos to burn all three of their team timeouts. The Broncos tried a desperation rally with 1:28 remaining, with Prater nailing a 47-yard field goal with only 17 seconds remaining. However, the ensuing onside kick was unsuccessful, sealing the win for the Colts.[100]

Notes

With the loss, the Broncos' 17-game regular season winning streak was snapped. This marked Peyton Manning's first visit to Indianapolis since he was released by the Colts in March 2012. Manning was the Colts' starting quarterback from 1998–2010, before missing the entire 2011 season due to multiple neck surgeries.[100][101]

Week 8: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Eight: Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 7 14021
Broncos 7 0 73145

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 27
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C), mostly sunny
  • Game attendance: 77,031
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • WAS – 11:34 Alfred Morris 1-yard TD run, Kai Forbath kick. Drive: 3 plays, 19 yards, 1:22. (WAS 14–7)
  • WAS – 11:25 DeAngelo Hall 26-yard interception return for a TD, Kai Forbath kick. (WAS 21–7)
  • DEN – 7:48 Montee Ball 4-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:37. (WAS 21–14)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 14:56 Joel Dreessen 1-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 16 plays, 83 yards, 4:59. (tied 21–21)
  • DEN – 14:19 Knowshon Moreno 35-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 1 play, 35 yards, 0:10. (DEN 28–21)
  • DEN – 11:14 Matt Prater 19-yard FG. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:01. (DEN 31–21)
  • DEN – 6:35 Demaryius Thomas 35-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 2 plays, 25 yards, 0:34. (DEN 38–21)
  • DEN – 2:07 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 75-yard interception return for a TD, Matt Prater kick. (DEN 45–21)

Top passers
  • WAS – Robert Griffin III: 15/30, 132 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 30/44, 354 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
  • WAS – Alfred Morris: 17 rushes, 93 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 14 rushes, 44 yards
Top receivers
  • WAS – Jordan Reed: 8 receptions, 90 yards
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 6 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers

Hoping to recover from their first loss of the season at Indianapolis, the Broncos returned home for an interconference match against the Washington Redskins. A 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Peyton Manning to wide receiver Wes Welker gave the Broncos the early lead. The Redskins tied the game just before halftime, with quarterback Robert Griffin III connecting on a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Leonard Hankerson. Early in the third quarter, the Redskins grabbed a 21–7 lead, with two touchdowns in only 19 seconds — both off Manning turnovers. Following a Manning fumble, Redskins' running back Alfred Morris rushed for a 1-yard touchdown. On the first play of the Broncos' next possession, Manning was intercepted by cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who returned the football 26 yards for a touchdown. However, the Broncos would score the final 38 points of the game. Midway through the third quarter, running back Montee Ball rushed for a 4-yard touchdown. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Manning connected on a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Joel Dreessen to tie the game at 21–21. The Redskins' offense went three-and-out on their next possession, and after punter Sav Rocca shanked a punt to the Redskins' 35-yard line, the Broncos immediately grabbed the lead on the first play of their next possession, with Manning throwing a 35-yard touchdown pass to running back Knowshon Moreno on a screen play. On the Redskins' next possession, Broncos' linebacker Von Miller forced a fumble off RGIII deep in Redskins' territory, though the Broncos had to settle on a 19-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. Midway through the fourth quarter, Manning threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game — a 35-yarder to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The final scoring play of the game came courtesy of cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returning an interception off Redskins' quarterback Kirk Cousins 75 yards for a touchdown.[102]

Notes

This was Redskins' head coach Mike Shanahan's first visit to Denver since being fired by the Broncos after the 2008 season. Shanahan, who coached the Broncos from 1995–2008, is the winningest head coach in Broncos' franchise history, with 146 wins.[103]

Week 10: at San Diego Chargers

Week Ten: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 14 7028
Chargers 0 6 7720

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 10
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MST/1:25 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 68,847
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • SD – 14:58 Nick Novak 26-yard FG. Drive: 14 plays, 72 yards, 9:20. (DEN 7–3)
  • SD – 9:05 Nick Novak 40-yard FG. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 1:59. (DEN 7–6)
  • DEN – 6:38 Demaryius Thomas 11-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:27. (DEN 14–6)
  • DEN – 0:13 Demaryius Thomas 7-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 1:25. (DEN 21–6)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 11:34 Demaryius Thomas 34-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:26. (DEN 28–6)
  • SD – 8:38 Danny Woodhead 7-yard TD pass from Philip Rivers, Nick Novak kick. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:52. (DEN 28–13)
Fourth quarter
  • SD – 10:42 Ryan Mathews 1-yard TD run, Nick Novak kick. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:47. (DEN 28–20)

Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 25/36, 330 yards, 4 TD
  • SD – Philip Rivers: 19/29, 218 yards, TD
Top rushers
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 15 rushes, 65 yards
  • SD – Ryan Mathews: 14 rushes, 59 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas: 7 receptions, 108 yards, 3 TD
  • SD – Antonio Gates: 4 receptions, 62 yards
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Redskins and subsequent bye week, the Broncos traveled to Qualcomm Stadium for an AFC West duel with the San Diego Chargers. A 74-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Peyton Manning to tight end Julius Thomas in the first quarter gave the Broncos the early lead. Two second-quarter field goals by Chargers' placekicker Nick Novak — from 26 and 40 yards out — narrowed the Broncos lead. However, the Broncos struck back, with Manning connecting on three touchdown passes to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas — an 11-yarder, a 7-yarder just before halftime and a 34-yarder on the opening possession of the second half, which increased the Broncos' lead to 28–6. On the Broncos' next possession, Chargers' linebacker Tourek Williams forced a fumble off Manning deep in Broncos' territory, and the Chargers immediately capitalized two plays later, with quarterback Philip Rivers throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to running back Danny Woodhead. The Chargers further narrowed the Broncos' lead early in the fourth quarter, with running back Ryan Mathews rushing for a 1-yard touchdown to pull to within 28–20 with 10:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Chargers' defense forced a punt on the Broncos' next possession, and with 6:43 left in the game, the Chargers tried to rally, however, the Broncos' defense forced a Chargers' punt with 3:37 remaining, and the Broncos' offense subsequently ran out the clock.[104]

Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Eleven: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 10 0717
Broncos 10 7 7327

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 17
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C), clear
  • Game attendance: 77,076
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • DEN – 12:33 Matt Prater 54-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 1:31. (DEN 3–0)
  • DEN – 3:03 Julius Thomas 9-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 2:25. (DEN 10–0)
Second quarter
  • KC – 13:23 Dwayne Bowe 6-yard TD pass from Alex Smith, Ryan Succop kick. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:40. (DEN 10–7)
  • DEN – 9:05 Montee Ball 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 4:18. (DEN 17–7)
  • KC – 2:55 Ryan Succop 20-yard FG. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 6:10. (DEN 17–10)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 2:22 Montee Ball 8-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:02. (DEN 24–10)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 7:06 Matt Prater 36-yard FG. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:42. (DEN 27–10)
  • KC – 4:56 Anthony Fasano 10-yard TD pass from Alex Smith, Ryan Succop kick. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:10. (DEN 27–17)

Top passers
  • KC – Alex Smith: 21/45, 230 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 24/40, 323 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • KC – Dwayne Bowe: 4 receptions, 57 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas: 5 receptions, 121 yards
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Chargers, the Broncos returned home for an AFC West duel with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos jumped out to a 10–0 lead in the first quarter, with a 54-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater, followed by a 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Peyton Manning to tight end Julius Thomas. The Chiefs got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter, with a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Smith to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. The Broncos immediately responded, with running back Montee Ball rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. The Chiefs pulled to within 17–10, with a 20-yard field goal by placekicker Ryan Succop. The Broncos added to their lead late in the third quarter, with an 8-yard touchdown run by Ball, followed by a 36-yard field goal by Prater midway through the fourth quarter. The Chiefs tried to rally, with Smith connecting on a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano, and forced a Broncos' punt with one minute remaining in the game, but the Broncos' defense stood their ground.[105]

Week 12: at New England Patriots

Week Twelve: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Broncos 17 7 07031
Patriots 0 0 2110334

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 24
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 22 °F (−6 °C), clear, windy and cold
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • DEN – 9:54 Von Miller 60-yard fumble return for a TD, Matt Prater kick. (DEN 7–0)
  • DEN – 8:54 Knowshon Moreno 2-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 2 plays, 10 yards, 0:28. (DEN 14–0)
  • DEN – 2:57 Matt Prater 27-yard FG. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 4:29. (DEN 17–0)
Second quarter
  • DEN – 6:10 Jacob Tamme 10-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:28. (DEN 24–0)
Third quarter
  • NE – 11:21 Julian Edelman 5-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:39. (DEN 24–7)
  • NE – 5:40 Brandon Bolden 1-yard TD run, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 2:39. (DEN 24–14)
  • NE – 0:19 Rob Gronkowski 6-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:42. (DEN 24–21)
Fourth quarter
  • NE – 13:13 Julian Edelman 14-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 1:19. (NE 28–24)
  • NE – 7:37 Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard FG. Drive: 12 plays, 34 yards, 4:45. (NE 31–24)
  • DEN – 3:06 Demaryius Thomas 11-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:31. (tied 31–31)
Overtime
  • NE – 1:56 Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard FG. Drive: 3 plays, 1:05. (NE 34–31)

Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 19/36, 150 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
  • NE – Tom Brady: 34/50, 344 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 37 rushes, 224 yards, 1 TD
  • NE – Brandon Bolden: 13 rushes, 58 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • DEN – Jacob Tamme: 5 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD
  • NE – Julian Edelman: 9 receptions, 110 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Chiefs, the Broncos traveled to Foxborough, Massachusetts to face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. This was the 14th meeting between quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady since 2001. The Broncos jumped out to a 17–0 lead in the first quarter off three Patriots' turnovers. First, linebacker Von Miller returned a fumble 60 yards for a touchdown. Then, after another Patriots' fumble, running back Knowshon Moreno rushed for a 2-yard touchdown. Placekicker Matt Prater added a 27-yard field goal after yet another Patriots' fumble. The Broncos increased their lead to 24–0 midway through the second quarter, with Manning connecting on a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Tamme.[106]

The Patriots then reeled off 31 unanswered points, 14 of which came off two Broncos' turnovers. The Patriots took the opening possession of the second half and got on the scoreboard, with Brady connecting on a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Julian Edelman. Following a fumble by Broncos' running back Montee Ball, the Patriots scored again, with running back Brandon Bolden rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. After forcing a Broncos' punt, the Patriots pulled to within 24–21 near the end of the third quarter, with Brady throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski. On the second play of the Broncos' next possession, Manning was intercepted by Patriots' cornerback Logan Ryan early in the fourth quarter, and three plays later, Brady connected on another touchdown pass to Edelman — from 14 yards out — to give the Patriots a 28–24 lead. The Broncos' went three-and-out on their next offensive possession, and the Patriots subsequently added to their lead, with a 31-yard field goal by placekicker Stephen Gostkowski midway through the fourth quarter. The Broncos snapped the Patriots' streak of 31 unanswered points and tied the game on their next possession, with a 10-play, 80-yard drive, culminating with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Manning to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, sending the game to overtime.[106]

Each team traded punts on their first two overtime possessions, and after the Patriots' second punt, Broncos' cornerback Tony Carter inadvertently made contact with the football as he was trying to get out of the way of a bouncing punt, with Patriots' safety Nate Ebner recovering the fumble at the Broncos' 13-yard line. Three plays later, Gostkowski nailed the game-winning 30-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in overtime.[106]

Notes

This marked wide receiver Wes Welker's first visit to New England, where he was a standout Pro Bowler with the team from 2007–12. Tom Brady improved his head-to-head record against Peyton Manning to 10–4,[106] while Manning suffered his 14th career loss in 21 starts against the Patriots.

Week 13: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 14 14735
Chiefs 7 14 0728

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 1
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST/2:25 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), sunny and clear
  • Game attendance: 77,065
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DEN – 14:53 Eric Decker 41-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 2:48. (tied 7–7)
  • KC – 14:40 Knile Davis 108-yard kickoff return for a TD, Ryan Succop kick. Drive: 0:13. (KC 14–7)
  • KC – 10:57 Anthony Fasano 12-yard TD pass from Alex Smith, Ryan Succop kick. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:12. (KC 21–7)
  • DEN – 4:16 Knowshon Moreno 3-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:18. (KC 21–14)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 11:51 Eric Decker 37-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:09. (tied 21–21)
  • DEN – 6:48 Eric Decker 15-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 5 plays, 92 yards, 2:08. (DEN 28–21)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 14:16 Eric Decker 1-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 95 yards, 5:45. (DEN 35–21)
  • KC – 6:32 Jamaal Charles 1-yard TD run, Ryan Succop kick. Drive: 17 plays, 80 yards, 7:44. (DEN 35–28)

Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 22/35, 403 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT
  • KC – Alex Smith: 26/42, 293 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • DEN – Montee Ball: 13 rushes, 117 yards
  • KC – Jamaal Charles: 19 rushes, 93 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • DEN – Eric Decker: 8 receptions, 174 yards, 4 TD
  • KC – Dwayne Bowe: 3 receptions, 56 yards
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their overtime loss to the Patriots, the Broncos traveled to Arrowhead Stadium for an AFC West rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos and Chiefs entered the game tied for the AFC West division lead, both with 9–2 records. The Chiefs grabbed the lead late in the first quarter, with quarterback Alex Smith throwing a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Junior Hemingway. The Broncos responded at the beginning of the second quarter, with quarterback Peyton Manning throwing a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Decker. However, Chiefs' running back Knile Davis returned the ensuing kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, and following a Manning interception on the Broncos' next possession, Smith connected with tight end Anthony Fasano on a 12-yard touchdown pass to give the Chiefs a 21–7 lead. The Broncos then reeled off 28 unanswered points, beginning with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Manning to running back Knowshon Moreno. Manning then connected with Decker on three more touchdown passes — a 37-yarder and a 15-yarder in the third quarter, followed by a 1-yarder early in the fourth quarter. A 1-yard touchdown run by Chiefs' running back Jamaal Charles narrowed the Broncos' lead to 35–28 with 6:32 remaining in the fourth quarter, and the Chiefs' defense forced a punt on the Broncos' next possession. The Chiefs' offense had one last possession with 3:32 remaining in the fourth quarter, and Smith drove the Chiefs to as far as the Broncos' 13-yard line with 1:51 remaining. However, Broncos' safety Mike Adams deflected a fourth-down pass from Smith that was intended for wide receiver Dwayne Bowe near the goal line, and the Broncos' subsequently ran out the clock.[107]

Notes

With the win, the Broncos swept the Chiefs for a second consecutive season.

Week 14: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Fourteen: Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 14 7 7028
Broncos 10 10 141751

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: December 8
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 18 °F (−8 °C), mostly sunny
  • Game attendance: 76,554
  • Referee: Scott Green
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • TEN – 12:37 Shonn Greene 1-yard TD run, Rob Bironas kick. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 2:23. (TEN 7–0)
  • DEN – 7:28 Wes Welker 1-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 5:09. (tied 7–7)
  • TEN – 7:28 Chris Johnson 3-yard TD run, Rob Bironas kick. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:27. (TEN 14–7)
  • DEN – 0:25 Matt Prater 25-yard FG. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 2:24. (TEN 14–10)
Second quarter
  • TEN – 6:58 Shonn Greene 28-yard TD run, Rob Bironas kick. Drive: 8 plays, 89 yards, 3:38. (TEN 21–10)
  • DEN – 1:50 Julius Thomas 8-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 5:08. (TEN 21–17)
  • DEN – 0:00 Matt Prater 64-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 0:52. (TEN 21–20)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 11:52 Demaryius Thomas 4-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:08. (DEN 27–21)
  • DEN – 7:34 Knowshon Moreno 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 2:56. (DEN 34–21)
  • TEN – 4:50 Justin Hunter 41-yard TD pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, Rob Bironas kick. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:44. (DEN 34–28)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 13:15 Matt Prater 19-yard FG. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 6:35. (DEN 37–28)
  • DEN – 9:12 Eric Decker 20-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 3 plays, 32 yards, 0:35. (DEN 44–28)
  • DEN – 3:07 Montee Ball 5-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 5:06. (DEN 51–28)

Top passers
  • TEN – Ryan Fitzpatrick: 13/24, 172 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 39/59, 397 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
  • TEN – Chris Johnson: 12 rushes, 46 yards, 1 TD; Shonn Greene: 9 rushes, 46 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 14 rushes, 78 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • TEN – Justin Hunter: 4 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Eric Decker: 8 receptions, 117 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Chiefs, the Broncos returned home for an AFC duel with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans struck first on their opening possession, with running back Shonn Greene rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. The Broncos responded, with quarterback Peyton Manning throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker. Titans' running back Leon Washington then returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to the Broncos' 3-yard line, and the Titans subsequently re-claimed the lead, with a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Chris Johnson. The Broncos narrowed the Titans' lead toward the end of the first quarter, with a 25-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. Midway through the second quarter, Greene rushed for a 28-yard touchdown, which gave the Titans a 21–10 lead. Just after the two-minute warning, Manning connected with tight end Julius Thomas on an 8-yard touchdown pass, and just before halftime, Prater nailed an NFL-record 64-yard field goal. The Broncos claimed the lead on the opening possession of the second half, with Manning throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, then increased their lead, with running back Knowshon Moreno rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. The Titans tried to cut into the Broncos' lead, with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick connecting on a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Justin Hunter. However, the Broncos pulled away in the fourth quarter, with a 19-yard field goal by Prater, a 20-yard touchdown pass from Manning to wide receiver Eric Decker and a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Montee Ball.[108]

Notes

With the win, the Broncos clinched a playoff berth.

Week 15: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week Fifteen: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 14 7327
Broncos 10 0 01020

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

First quarter
  • DEN – 11:51 Andre Caldwell 15-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:09. (DEN 7–0)
  • SD – 5:15 Nick Novak 38-yard FG. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 6:36. (DEN 7–3)
  • DEN – 1:22 Matt Prater 32-yard FG. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 3:53. (DEN 10–3)
Second quarter
  • SD – 9:46 Keenan Allen 19-yard TD pass from Philip Rivers, Nick Novak kick. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:36. (tied 10–10)
  • SD – 1:05 Keenan Allen 10-yard TD pass from Philip Rivers, Nick Novak kick. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:26. (SD 17–10)
Third quarter
  • SD – 11:06 Ryan Mathews 23-yard TD run, Nick Novak kick. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:54. (SD 24–10)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 10:25 Andre Caldwell 5-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 6:07. (SD 24–17)
  • SD – 2:36 Nick Novak 35-yard FG. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 2:31. (SD 27–17)
  • DEN – 0:29 Matt Prater 42-yard FG. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 2:07. (SD 27–20)

Top passers
  • SD – Philip Rivers: 12/20, 166 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 27/41, 289 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • SD – Ryan Mathews: 29 rushes, 127 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 8 rushes, 19 yards
Top receivers
  • SD – Vincent Brown: 3 receptions, 54 yards
  • DEN – Andre Caldwell: 6 receptions, 59 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Titans, the Broncos remained on home ground for an AFC West rematch with the San Diego Chargers on Thursday Night Football. A 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Peyton Manning to wide receiver Andre Caldwell gave the Broncos the early lead. The Chargers subsequently got on the board, with a 38-yard field goal by placekicker Nick Novak. The Broncos answered, with a 32-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. However, the Chargers would score 21 unanswered points and dominate the time of possession, as the Broncos' offense went three-and-out on all three of their second quarter possessions. A 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Philip Rivers to wide receiver Keenan Allen tied the game, and the Chargers grabbed the lead late in the first half, with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Allen. The Chargers took the opening possession of the second half and increased their lead, culminating with running back Ryan Mathews rushing for a 23-yard touchdown. The Broncos were forced to punt after only four plays on their initial possession of the second half, and the Chargers' ball control offense subsequently ate up over eight minutes of the third quarter, though the Broncos' defense forced a Chargers' punt. The Broncos cut into the Chargers' lead in the fourth quarter, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Caldwell with 10:30 remaining in the game. After forcing a Chargers' punt, the Broncos offense got the football with 5:50 remaining, however, three plays later, Manning was intercepted by Chargers' linebacker Thomas Keiser at the Broncos' 39-yard line. Six plays later, a 35-yard field goal by Novak increased the Chargers' lead to 27–17 with 2:41 remaining. With no timeouts remaining (save the two-minute warning), the Broncos tried to rally, with Prater kicking a 42-yard field goal with only 34 seconds remaining. However, the Broncos' onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, sealing the win for the Chargers.[109]

Notes

With the loss, the Broncos had their 13-game regular-season home winning streak snapped, as well as their 10-game winning streak against division opponents.

Week 16: at Houston Texans

Week Sixteen: Denver Broncos at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 3 13 02137
Texans 3 3 7013

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: December 22
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST/11:00 a.m. MST
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), partly cloudy — retractable roof open
  • Game attendance: 71,761
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • DEN – 8:50 Matt Prater 32-yard FG. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 4:38. (DEN 3–0)
  • HOU – 2:02 Randy Bullock 45-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:04. (tied 3–3)
Second quarter
  • DEN – 14:54 Demaryius Thomas 36-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:08. (DEN 10–3)
  • HOU – 6:06 Randy Bullock 35-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 10 yards, 3:45. (DEN 10–6)
  • DEN – 0:56 Matt Prater 25-yard FG. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 5:10. (DEN 13–6)
  • DEN – 0:00 Matt Prater 44-yard FG. Drive: 4 plays, 43 yards, 0:26. (DEN 16–6)
Third quarter
  • HOU – 10:33 Keshawn Martin 15-yard TD pass from Matt Schaub, Randy Bullock kick. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 3:14. (DEN 16–13)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 13:26 Eric Decker 10-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 2 plays, 28 yards, 0:45. (DEN 23–13)
  • DEN – 6:57 Eric Decker 20-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:03. (DEN 30–13)
  • DEN – 4:28 Julius Thomas 25-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 3 plays, 56 yards, 0:48. (DEN 37–13)

Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 32/51, 400 yards, 4 TD
  • HOU – Matt Schaub: 18/37, 176 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • DEN – Eric Decker: 10 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TD
  • HOU – Ryan Griffin: 5 receptions, 66 yards
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Chargers, the Broncos traveled to Reliant Stadium for an AFC match with the Houston Texans. The two teams traded field goals in the first quarter, with a 32-yarder by Broncos' placekicker Matt Prater and a 45-yarder by Texans' placekicker Randy Bullock. The Broncos grabbed the lead early in the second quarter, with a 36-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Peyton Manning to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. A 35-yard field goal by Bullock narrowed the Broncos' lead, but the Broncos increased it with two field goals from Prater in the final minute of the first half — a 25-yarder and a 44-yarder. A 15-yard touchdown pass from Texans' quarterback Matt Schaub to wide receiver Keshawn Martin was the only scoring play of the third quarter, which narrowed the Broncos' lead to 16–13. After Broncos' safety Mike Adams intercepted Schaub early in the fourth quarter, the Broncos subsequently pulled away, with Manning throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Eric Decker — a 10-yarder and a 20-yarder. Later in the fourth quarter, Manning threw his 51st touchdown pass of the season — a 25-yarder to tight end Julius Thomas, in which Manning set a new NFL record for touchdown passes in a single season.[110]

Notes

With the win, coupled with the Kansas City Chiefs' loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Broncos clinched the AFC West division title. This was the 13th division title in the Broncos' franchise history, surpassing the Oakland Raiders for the all-time lead in AFC West championships since the 1970 AFL–NFL merger.[111] It also marked the first time in franchise history that the Broncos have clinched three consecutive AFC West division titles.[112]

Week 17: at Oakland Raiders

Week Seventeen: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 14 17 0334
Raiders 0 0 01414

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: December 29
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MST/1:25 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 51,500
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DEN – 12:37 Matt Prater 34-yard FG. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 4:48. (DEN 17–0)
  • DEN – 5:37 Demaryius Thomas 63-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:39. (DEN 24–0)
  • DEN – 0:13 Demaryius Thomas 5-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 3:13. (DEN 31–0)
Third quarter

No scoring

Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 6:36 Matt Prater 54-yard FG. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 2:57. (DEN 34–0)
  • OAK – Rod Streater 14-yard TD pass from Terrelle Pryor, Sebastian Janikowski kick. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:12. (DEN 34–7)
  • OAK – 0:37 Nick Kasa 9-yard TD pass from Terrelle Pryor, Sebastian Janikowski kick. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:36. (DEN 34–14)

Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 25/28, 266 yards, 4 TD
  • OAK – Terrelle Pryor: 21/38, 207 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • DEN – Montee Ball: 10 rushes, 72 yards
  • OAK – Terrelle Pryor: 9 rushes, 49 yards
Top receivers
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas: 6 receptions, 133 yards, 2 TD
  • OAK – Denarius Moore: 4 receptions, 63 yards
Top tacklers

Hoping to gain momentum into the playoffs, the Broncos traveled to the O.co Coliseum for an AFC West divisional rematch with the Oakland Raiders, in the 2013 regular season finale. The Broncos dominated this game from the start. In the first quarter, quarterback Peyton Manning threw a pair of touchdown passes — a 3-yarder to wide receiver Eric Decker and a 7-yarder to running back Knowshon Moreno. In the second quarter, placekicker Matt Prater added a 34-yard field goal, and later in the second quarter, Manning connected with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas on a 63-yard touchdown pass. This gave the Broncos a 24–0 lead, in which the Broncos set a new NFL record for points scored in a single season. Just before halftime, Manning once again connected with Thomas on another touchdown pass — from 5 yards out, in which Manning set a new NFL record for single-season passing yardage. Manning sat out the entire second half, and backup quarterback Brock Osweiler took over. After a scoreless third quarter, Prater added a 54-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Raiders finally got on the scoreboard, with quarterback Terrelle Pryor throwing a pair of touchdown passes — a 14-yarder to wide receiver Rod Streater and a 9-yarder to tight end Nick Kasa, but the outcome of the game had already been decided in the Broncos' favor.[113]

Notes

With the win, the Broncos clinched a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, as well as sweeping their division rivals on the road for the fourth time in five seasons.

Postseason

AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. #6 San Diego Chargers

AFC Divisional Playoffs: (#6) San Diego Chargers at (#1) Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 01717
Broncos 7 7 3724

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DEN – 6:00 Wes Welker 3-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 5:13. (DEN 14–0)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 9:35 Matt Prater 45-yard FG. Drive: 12 plays, 37 yards, 5:25. (DEN 17–0)
Fourth quarter
  • SD – 12:59 Keenan Allen 16-yard TD pass from Philip Rivers, Nick Novak kick. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 3:08. (DEN 17–7)
  • DEN – 8:12 Knowshon Moreno 3-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 4:47. (DEN 24–7)
  • SD – 5:43 Keenan Allen 16-yard TD pass from Philip Rivers, Nick Novak kick. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:29. (DEN 24–14)
  • SD – 3:53 Nick Novak 30-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 1:50. (DEN 24–17)

Top passers
  • SD – Philip Rivers: 18/27, 217 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 25/36, 230 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • SD – Danny Woodhead: 9 rushes, 29 yards
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 23 rushes, 82 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • SD – Keenan Allen: 6 receptions, 142 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Julius Thomas: 6 receptions, 76 yards
Top tacklers

Following a first-round bye, the Broncos began their run in the 2013–14 NFL playoffs at home by welcoming their AFC West division rivals, the San Diego Chargers, in the teams' first-ever playoff meeting. The Broncos grabbed the lead late in the first quarter, with quarterback Peyton Manning connecting on a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. After Chargers' placekicker Nick Novak missed a 53-yard field goal early in the second quarter, the Broncos added to their lead, with Manning throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker. Just before halftime, the Broncos tried to add to their lead, after wide receiver Eric Decker stumbled on a long punt return, when it appeared that he was headed to the end zone for a touchdown. However, eight plays later, Manning was intercepted in the end zone by Chargers' linebacker Donald Butler. A 45-yard field goal by Broncos' placekicker Matt Prater on the opening possession of the second half was the only scoring play of the third quarter, as Prater later missed a 47-yard field goal toward the end of the third quarter. The Chargers finally got on the scoreboard at the 13:03 mark of the fourth quarter, with quarterback Philip Rivers connecting on a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Keenan Allen. The Broncos subsequently responded, with running back Knowshon Moreno rushing for a 3-yard touchdown. Trailing 24–7 with 8:12 remaining in the game, the Chargers attempted a rally on their next possession. The Chargers were facing a 4th-and-5 on their own 36-yard line, and Rivers connected on a 49-yard pass to Allen to keep the Chargers alive. Three plays later, Rivers connected with Allen on another 16-yard touchdown pass. After the Chargers recovered the ensuing onside kick, a 30-yard field goal by Novak pulled the Chargers to within 24–17 with 3:56 remaining in the game. The Broncos' offense then ran out the clock, which included Manning completing two critical third-down passing plays to tight end Julius Thomas and Moreno converting a 3rd-and-1 into a game-clinching first down.[114]

With the win, the Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2005.

AFC Championship: vs. #2 New England Patriots

AFC Championship: (#2) New England Patriots at (#1) Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 01316
Broncos 3 10 7626

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: January 19, 2014
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 77,110
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • DEN – 3:43 Matt Prater 27-yard FG. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:07. (DEN 3–0)
Second quarter
  • DEN – 7:50 Jacob Tamme 1-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 15 plays, 93 yards, 7:01. (DEN 10–0)
  • NE – 2:54 Stephen Gostkowski 47-yard FG. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:56. (DEN 10–3)
  • DEN – 0:25 Matt Prater 35-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 2:29. (DEN 13–3)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 7:52 Demaryius Thomas 3-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:08. (DEN 20–3)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 12:02 Matt Prater 19-yard FG. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:23. (DEN 23–3)
  • NE – 9:26 Julian Edelman 7-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:36. (DEN 23–10)
  • DEN – 7:00 Matt Prater 54-yard FG. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:26. (DEN 26–10)
  • NE – 3:07 Tom Brady 5-yard TD run, two-point run failed. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:53. (DEN 26–16)

Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady: 24/38, 277 yards, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 32/43, 400 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • NE – Julian Edelman: 10 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas: 7 receptions, 134 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Chargers in the Divisional round, the Broncos welcomed the No. 2 seed New England Patriots to Sports Authority Field at Mile High, for the AFC Championship. The Broncos' defense forced the Patriots' offense to go three-and-out on their first two offensive possessions. The Broncos were forced to punt on their first offensive possession, but would not punt for the remainder of the game. A 27-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater gave the Broncos the lead late in the first quarter. After the Broncos' defense forced another Patriots' punt, the Broncos put together a 15-play, 93-yard drive that chewed up seven minutes of the second quarter, and added to their lead, with quarterback Peyton Manning connecting on a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Tamme. The two teams then subsequently traded field goals, with a 47-yarder by Patriots' placekicker Stephen Gostkowski and a 35-yarder by Prater just before halftime, to give the Broncos a 13–3 lead.[115]

The Broncos took the opening possession of the second half and added to their lead, with a 13-play, 80-yard drive that chewed up the first seven minutes of the third quarter, culminating with Manning throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. On the Patriots' first offensive possession of the second half, the Patriots drove to the Broncos' 29-yard line and faced a 4th-and-2, however, Broncos' defensive tackle Terrance Knighton sacked Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady, forcing a turnover on downs. The Broncos subsequently added to lead early in the fourth quarter, with a 19-yard field goal by Prater. The Patriots finally got into the end zone on their next possession, with Brady connecting on a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Julian Edelman, but the Broncos subsequently added to their lead, with Prater nailing a 54-yard field goal with seven minutes remaining. Trailing 26–10, the Patriots tried to rally, with Brady scrambling up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown run. However, the Broncos' defense subsequently thwarted a two-point conversion attempt by Patriots' running back Shane Vereen that would have pulled the Patriots to within a one-score deficit, keeping the score at 26–16 with 3:13 remaining in the game. The Patriots then tried an onside kick, however, Broncos' wide receiver Eric Decker recovered the football near midfield. The Broncos' offense then forced the Patriots to use all of their timeouts and ran out the clock, aided by a critical 5-yard run on 4th-and-2 by running back Montee Ball just after the two-minute warning.[115]

With the win, the Broncos advanced to Super Bowl XLVIII, the team's first Super Bowl appearance since winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998.

Notes

This was head coach John Fox's first win over Bill Belichick and the Patriots in the postseason, previously losing to the Patriots in the 2011 Divisional playoffs, and Super Bowl XXXVIII as Carolina Panthers' head coach.

Super Bowl XLVIII: vs. (N1) Seattle Seahawks

Super Bowl XLVIII: Seattle Seahawks (N1) vs. Denver Broncos (A1) – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Seahawks 8 14 14743
Broncos 0 0 808

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

First quarter
  • SEA – 14:48 Knowshon Moreno tackled by Cliff Avril in the end zone for a safety. (SEA 2–0)
  • SEA – 10:21 Steven Hauschka 31-yard FG. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:27. (SEA 5–0)
  • SEA – 2:16 Steven Hauschka 33-yard FG. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 6:15. (SEA 8–0)
Second quarter
  • SEA – 12:00 Marshawn Lynch 1-yard TD run, Steven Hauschka kick. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 3:59. (SEA 15–0)
  • SEA – 3:21 Malcolm Smith 69-yard interception return for a TD, Steven Hauschka kick. (SEA 22–0)
Third quarter
  • SEA – 14:48 Percy Harvin 87-yard kickoff return for a TD, Steven Hauschka kick. Drive: 0:12. (SEA 29–0)
  • SEA – 2:58 Jermaine Kearse 23-yard TD pass from Russell Wilson, Steven Hauschka kick. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:57. (SEA 36–0)
  • DEN – 0:00 Demaryius Thomas 14-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Peyton Manning pass to Wes Welker for a two-point conversion. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:58. (SEA 36–8)
Fourth quarter
  • SEA – 11:45 Doug Baldwin 10-yard TD pass from Russell Wilson, Steven Hauschka kick. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 3:15. (SEA 43–8)

Top passers
  • SEA – Russell Wilson: 18/25, 206 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 34/49, 280 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
  • SEA – Percy Harvin: 2 rushes, 45 yards
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 5 rushes, 17 yards
Top receivers
  • SEA – Doug Baldwin: 5 receptions, 66 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas: 13 receptions, 118 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers

On the first offensive play of the game, an errant snap by Broncos' center Manny Ramirez over the head of quarterback Peyton Manning resulted in a safety that gave the Seahawks the early lead only 12 seconds into the game. Placekicker Steven Hauschka added field goals of 31 and 33 yards to give the Seahawks an 8–0 lead after the first quarter. The Broncos' offense went three-and-out on their second offensive possession, and three plays into the Broncos' third offensive possession, Manning was intercepted by Seahawks' safety Kam Chancellor at the Broncos' 39-yard line toward the end of the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, the Seahawks added to their lead, with running back Marshawn Lynch rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. The Broncos earned their first 1st-down on their next offensive possession at the 10:13 mark of the second quarter, however, the Seahawks' defense forced another turnover off Manning — defensive end Cliff Avril altered a pass by Manning, and linebacker Malcolm Smith intercepted the football and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos' offense drove to the Seahawks' 19-yard line one minute before halftime, and decided to go for a first down instead of kick a field goal. However, a short pass from Manning intended for wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was deflected by Avril and fell incomplete, giving the Seahawks a 22–0 halftime lead.[116]

Things got much worse for the Broncos, as Seahawks' wide receiver/return specialist Percy Harvin returned the opening kickoff of the second half 87 yards for a touchdown. The two teams then traded punts on their next possessions, and later in the third quarter, Seahawks' cornerback Byron Maxwell forced a fumble off Demaryius Thomas, and the Seahawks capitalized six plays later, with quarterback Russell Wilson connecting with wide receiver Jermaine Kearse on a 23-yard touchdown pass to give the Seahawks a commanding 36–0 lead. The Broncos finally got on the scoreboard at the end of the third quarter, with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Demaryius Thomas (coupled with a two-point pass from Manning to wide receiver Wes Welker). This was the Broncos' only scoring play of the game, and the Seahawks added one more scoring play early in the fourth quarter, with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to wide receiver Doug Baldwin.[116]

With the loss, the Broncos' record in Super Bowls dropped to 2–5.

Notes

This would mark cornerback Champ Bailey's final game in a Broncos' uniform, as he was released on March 6, 2014.[117]

Standings

Division

AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Denver Broncos 13 3 0 .813 5–1 9–3 606 399 W2
(5) Kansas City Chiefs 11 5 0 .688 2–4 7–5 430 305 L2
(6) San Diego Chargers 9 7 0 .563 4–2 6–6 396 348 W4
Oakland Raiders 4 12 0 .250 1–5 4–8 322 453 L6

Conference

# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA PD STK
Division winners
1 Denver Broncos West 13 3 0 .813 5–1 9–3 606 399 207 W2
2 New England Patriots East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 444 338 106 W2
3[lower-alpha 1] Cincinnati Bengals North 11 5 0 .688 3–3 8–4 430 305 125 W2
4 Indianapolis Colts South 11 5 0 .688 6–0 9–3 391 336 55 W3
Wild cards
5 Kansas City Chiefs West 11 5 0 .688 2–4 7–5 430 305 125 L2
6 San Diego Chargers West 9 7 0 .563 4–2 6–6 396 348 48 W4
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7[lower-alpha 2][lower-alpha 3] Pittsburgh Steelers North 8 8 0 .500 4–2 6–6 379 370 9 W3
8[lower-alpha 4] Baltimore Ravens North 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 320 352 -32 L2
9[lower-alpha 5] New York Jets East 8 8 0 .500 3–3 5–7 290 387 -97 W2
10 Miami Dolphins East 8 8 0 .500 2–4 7–5 317 335 -18 L2
11 Tennessee Titans South 7 9 0 .438 2–4 6–6 362 381 -19 W2
12 Buffalo Bills East 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 339 388 -49 L1
13[lower-alpha 6][lower-alpha 7] Oakland Raiders West 4 12 0 .250 1–5 4–8 322 453 -131 L6
14[lower-alpha 8] Jacksonville Jaguars South 4 12 0 .250 3–3 4–8 247 449 -202 L3
15 Cleveland Browns North 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 308 406 -98 L7
16 Houston Texans South 2 14 0 .125 1–5 2–10 276 428 -152 L14
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 9]
  1. Cincinnati defeated Indianapolis head-to-head (Week 14, 42–28).
  2. Pittsburgh finished with a better division record than Baltimore.
  3. Pittsburgh defeated the New York Jets head-to-head (Week 6, 19–6).
  4. Baltimore defeated the New York Jets head-to-head (Week 12, 19–3).
  5. The New York Jets finished with a better division record than Miami.
  6. Oakland and Jacksonville finished with a better conference record than Cleveland.
  7. Oakland defeated Jacksonville head-to-head (Week 2, 19–9).
  8. Jacksonville defeated Cleveland head-to-head (Week 13, 32–28).
  9. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Statistics

Team leaders

Category Player(s) Value
Passing yards Peyton Manning 5,477 *
Passing touchdowns Peyton Manning 55 *
Rushing yards Knowshon Moreno 1,038
Rushing touchdowns Knowshon Moreno 10
Receptions Demaryius Thomas 92
Receiving yards Demaryius Thomas 1,430
Receiving touchdowns Demaryius Thomas 14 **
Points Matt Prater 150
Kickoff return yards Trindon Holliday 775
Punt return yards Trindon Holliday 271
Tackles Danny Trevathan 128
Sacks Shaun Phillips 10
Forced fumbles Danny Trevathan 4
Interceptions Chris Harris, Jr.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Danny Trevathan
3
* Indicates a new single-season NFL record.[120]
** Indicates a tied single-season franchise record.[120]

Source for this section: Denver Broncos' official website.[121]

League rankings

Offense
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Total yards 457.3 YPG 1st
Yards per play 6.3 2nd
Rushing yards 117.1 YPG 15th
Yards per rush 4.1 17th
Passing yards 340.2 YPG 1st
Yards per pass 8.3 3rd
Scoring 37.9 PPG 1st
Pass completions 461/675 (.683) 3rd
Third downs 95/205 (.463) 2nd
Possession average 30:31 15th
Fewest sacks allowed 20 1st
Turnover differential 0 T–14th
Defense
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Total yards 356 YPG 19th
Yards per play 5.3 16th
Rushing yards 101.6 YPG T–7th
Yards per rush 3.9 8th
Passing yards 254.4 YPG 27th
Yards per pass 7.1 16th
Scoring 24.9 PPG 22nd
Pass completions 357/613 (.582) 6th
Third downs 83/218 (.381) 16th
Sacks 41 T–13th
Forced fumbles 16 T–6th
Fumble recoveries 9 T–20th
Interceptions 17 T–12th
Special Teams
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Kickoff returns 25 YPR 6th
Punt returns 7.8 YPR 22nd
Gross punting 43.8 YPP 24th
Net punting 38.8 YPP 23rd
Kickoff coverage 29.3 YPR 32nd
Punt coverage 9.8 YPR 23rd

Source for this section: NFL.com.[122]

Records and milestones

Numerous individual, franchise and league records and milestones were either tied, reached or broken during the season:

Team

Peyton Manning

Other players

Passing yardage controversy

On December 31, 2013, two days after the end of the regular season, media reports indicated that Peyton Manning's passing yardage record was being reviewed by the NFL. Manning sat out the entire second half of the Broncos' Week 17 win over the Oakland Raiders, after he had eclipsed Drew Brees' record for single-season passing yardage by one yard just before halftime. However, Manning's record was called into question, due to one passing play that could have been ruled as a running play instead of a forward pass. Near the end of the first quarter of the Broncos' Week 17 win over the Raiders, Manning completed what was, at the time, ruled as a 7-yard pass to wide receiver Eric Decker. However, the pass appeared to be a lateral from CBS camera angles, as Manning appeared to throw the football from the Broncos' 49-yard line, and Decker appeared to catch the pass from the Broncos' 48-yard line, indicating that the pass would have been ruled as a running play, not a passing play. Manning later set the single-season passing yardage record with a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas just before halftime. After further review by the NFL and the Elias Sports Bureau, the league upheld the initial ruling, resulting in Manning's new NFL record for single-season passing yardage remaining intact.[141]

Awards and honors

Recipient Award(s)
Eric Decker Week 13: AFC Offensive Player of the Week[142]
Trindon Holliday Week 2: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week[143]
September: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month[123]
Peyton Manning Week 1: AFC Offensive Player of the Week,[144] FedEx Air Player of the Week[145]
Week 3: AFC Offensive Player of the Week,[146] FedEx Air Player of the Week[147]
September: AFC Offensive Player of the Month[123]
Week 13: FedEx Air Player of the Week[148]
Week 16: AFC Offensive Player of the Week,[149] FedEx Air Player of the Week[150]
Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year[151]
December: AFC Offensive Player of the Month[152]
2013 Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Athlete of the Year[153]
2013 Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player[note 1]
2013 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year[154]
2013 FedEx Air Player of the Year[154]
2014 ESPY Awards: Best NFL Player and Best Record-Breaking Performance[156]
Named to the USA Football All Fundamentals Team[157]
Matt Prater Week 14: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week[158]
Luke Richesson 2013 NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year[159]
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Week 8: AFC Defensive Player of the Week[160]
Demaryius Thomas Week 10: AFC Offensive Player of the Week[161]
Wesley Woodyard Named as the Team's Walter Payton Man of the Year[162]
Team Week 5: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind win)[163]

Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections

Five Broncos were selected to the 2014 Pro Bowl: quarterback Peyton Manning, placekicker Matt Prater, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, tight end Julius Thomas and guard Louis Vasquez.[164] However, due to participation in Super Bowl XLVIII, none of them participated in the Pro Bowl.[165] Manning and Vasquez were also voted to the 2013 All-Pro First Team, while Prater and Demaryius Thomas were named to the Second Team.[166]

Other news and notes

Notes

  1. Peyton Manning received 49 of 50 votes; New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady received the other vote.[154][155]

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