ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Every play counts. Some just count more than others.
Over the course of a football game, there are a slew of moments that hold more weight and define the outcome of a football game.
In the wake of the Broncos’ 30-26 win over the Los Angeles Rams, we’re debuting a new series that highlights those plays. With the help of the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, we’ll count down the five moments that added the most win percentage points to the Broncos’ chances of earning a victory.
During Sunday’s game, the Broncos’ odds of earning a win dropped all the way to 8 percent following a three-and-out to open the second half. These were the five plays that helped the Broncos claw their way back.
[Note: All percentages via NFL Next Gen Stats.]
5. Bo Nix plunges in for last-minute go-ahead touchdown
Win percentage points added: +13% (78% to 91%)
The Broncos already had a significant chance at winning the game when Nix dove over the top of a pile at the goal line to score the clinching touchdown. The final score of the game, which came with 47 seconds left in regulation, forced the Rams to play for a touchdown on their last-gasp drive. If Nix was stopped short, the Broncos would have been forced to choose between a field goal to even the score or a gutsy fourth-down attempt to take the lead. Given how the Rams challenged the Broncos on the final drive, taking a four-point lead was critical.