Broncos break NFL record with 16th straight close win, now 7-2

The Denver Broncos set a new NFL record on Sunday by securing their 16th consecutive one-score victory. The win extended a streak that surpassed the 15-game mark held by Peyton Manning and the 2009 Indianapolis Colts. The team now sits with a 7-2 record, matching their standing from this point in the 2025 season.

The Broncos reached the unofficial midpoint of the regular season with identical results to the previous year. However, the path to that record was different. ESPN’s Fantasy Football Insider ranks the current schedule as the second-most difficult in the league, trailing only the Arizona Cardinals. Sharp Analysis lists it as the fourth-hardest through Week 9, while TeamRankings.com rates it as the toughest. By contrast, the 2025 schedule was ranked as the 29th and 25th toughest by those respective sites.

The current roster has faced a slate of strong opponents. Of the first nine teams Denver played this season, three went on to make the playoffs in the previous cycle. If current standings hold, up to six of the Broncos’ first eight opponents could reach the postseason in January. This includes two games against the Kansas City Chiefs, which are counted as a single opponent for comparison purposes.

Comparing the two teams reveals distinct differences in performance. The 2025 Broncos averaged 25 points per game and allowed 18.4 points. The 2026 team currently averages 22 points and allows 20.6. Quarterback Bo Nix has thrown for fewer yards this season, with 65 completions compared to a higher volume last year. The team has also rushed for fewer yards, with 379 on the ground versus a higher total in 2025.

Defensive health has fluctuated. The 2025 defense was considered healthier at this point in the season. The 2026 group, coached by Vance Joseph, has dealt with more injuries. Reserves such as Jonah Coleman on offense and JL Skinner, Devon Key, and Kris Abrams-Draine on defense have filled in for starters. These players have performed well, with the team maintaining a strong presence at home.

The Broncos will take advantage of the midseason bye week to rest. Coach Vance Joseph will evaluate the team’s third-down performance and running game identity. The staff may look to trade for a running back or settle on a specific ground game strategy. Bo Nix is no longer bothered by ankle surgery recovery, and the team aims to improve his statistics.

Nix currently has 11 touchdowns and four interceptions this season. He has rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries. A year ago, at this same point, he had 17 touchdowns and six interceptions with 207 rushing yards and three scores on 42 attempts. The team will return from the bye with the goal of maintaining their current pace.