Sporting an 11-2 record, the Denver Broncos lead AFC West and are currently the top seed the AFC’s playoff chase. This weekend, the Broncos host the Green Bay Packers who sit atop the NFC North. This will be one of the toughest matchups for Denver all season. A win versus the Packers would officially punch the Broncos’ postseason ticket. Here are three players I believe need to play at a high level in order for that to happen.
The Packers have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Jordan Love. Love is having a great season and was deemed my offensive X-Factor for the Packers. That’s a big reason why Bo Nix will need to deliver a good performance on Sunday. Which quarterback performs best will have a huge impact on how the game unfolds.
I’ve been impressed with how Nix has played the past few weeks. He has been efficient, accurate, and is doing a good job getting a variety of different receivers involved. His mechanics and poise in the pocket look a lot better than earlier on in the season. Though I still think there is improvement for explosive plays downfield.
Last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, we saw more under center looks from Nix than we have all year. That really seemed to help him and the run game. It’s quite possible we will see more of that. With the Packers having a great pass rush led by Micah Parsons, I expect Nix to get the ball out quickly, and even some personnel packages with an extra offensive lineman to help keep Parsons at bay.
The Packers have a Top 10 passing defense and have done well limiting big plays down the field. Though I’m optimistic Nix can land a few deep shots in this game. One area of weakness for the Packers has been third down defense. Nix has been improving in this area and loves to find Courtland Sutton to move the chains. I have a feeling those two are poised to have a big game.
In 30 career starts, the Broncos have 21 wins with Nix at the helm. He has delivered 8 fourth quarter comebacks in that timeframe. A win against the Packers on Sunday, which would officially get Denver to the playoffs, would be one of the biggest of his career.
Marvin Mims Jr. — Wide Receiver
In his first two seasons in the National Football League, Marvin Mims Jr. has earned Pro-Bowl and All-Pro honors due to his dynamic ability as a returner. I’m hoping he can have a few good returns for the Broncos on Sunday.
However, let’s not forget that Mims is also a very talented receiver. He was one of the most accomplished high school wide receivers ever in Texas. Moreover, was a bigtime playmaker during his collegiate years in Oklahoma. At every level, Mims has succeeded in that regard.
Down the stretch last season, the third-year pro provided a much-needed spark for the offense. He was a key reason for the Broncos’ reaching the playoffs. His ability as a playmaker down the field and as weapon out of the backfield was a great addition to the team’s post-bye week game plans.
I agree with Doc LLV, it’s time to get Mims involved in the offense. They have nothing to do lose by doing so and everything to gain with just four games left in the regular season. When the ball goes his way, usually good things happen.
The Broncos have a handful of young receivers they are trying to develop, but they moved up for Mims in Payton’s first year with the team for a reason. I’d like to see at least a half dozen plays drawn up for him through the air against the Packers. I have a feeling Mims and Nix will connect on a big downfield throw that changes the game’s trajectory.
Nik Bonitto — Edge Rusher
With 55 sacks on the season, Denver’s defense is head and shoulders above the rest of the NFL getting after the quarterback. They are within striking distance of the all-time record, as well as their franchise record set last season. Though they will have to finish the season strong to achieve both.
While the Packers boast All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons on their defense, Denver has one of the best in the business with fourth-year pro Nik Bonitto. On pace to best last year’s production, Bonitto has 12.5 sacks in ‘25, as well as 39 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 24 quarterback hits.
In order to defeat the Packers, dialing up the heat on Love is a must. Love has only been sacked 18 times this season. He does a good job of extending play and is also a tremendous deep ball thrower. That’s why I’m hoping Bonitto can have a huge game. Denver needs an impact performance from him.
Finding a way to rattle Love will be a priority for Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph. I expect him to diversify the way he goes about adding pressure. Sending an extra guy, delayed linebacker blitzes, as well as twists from the trenches could help confused the Packers’ signal caller. I’d expect everything and the kitchen sink to be thrown at Love on Sunday.
Over the course of the year, Bonitto has shined in big moments. If he could find a way to notch a sack and help force a turnover, that would go a long way toward the Broncos earning their twelfth victory of the season. I’m confident that is going to happen. He has been a difference maker all year long for Denver.