Sean Payton brought hope to the franchise in just two seasons at the helm

Here’s a look at which stocks improved or declined following the Broncos’ 38-0 win over the Chiefs on Sunday.

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Sean Payton: After two straight weeks of questionable decisions and play calls, Denver’s head coach left no stone unturned against Kansas City. The Broncos were aggressive offensively against the Chiefs and didn’t let up until Payton finally knocked starting quarterback Bo Nix out of the game in the fourth quarter. The Broncos are back in the playoffs and the credit goes to Payton. Getting rid of Russell Wilson was expensive, but Payton got the quarterback he wanted – and that made all the difference. In two seasons with Denver, Payton is 18-16 and has clinched a playoff spot despite having a total dead cap hit of $89 million this season. Payton did more with less.

Pass protection: One of the keys to the Broncos winning against Buffalo will be their ability to protect Nix. Against the Chiefs, that’s exactly what Denver’s offensive line did, allowing no sacks and three pressures – the fewest in a Broncos game this season. Yes, the Broncos played Kansas City’s backups, but Denver’s offensive line was productive throughout the 2024 campaign. The unit gave up the fourth-fewest sacks (24) and lowest pressure rate (24.9%) of the league, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

WR Devaughn Vele: The former Utah star finished his rookie season on a high note. Vele caught four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Nix had a passer rating of 158.3 while targeting the seventh-round pick. Vele was a pleasant surprise. In 13 games, he had 41 catches for 475 yards and three touchdowns.

FROM John Franklin-Myers: Denver’s starting defensive end, who was traded from the Jets in the offseason, had another strong performance. He landed a sack and three pressures – two of which came in less than three seconds, according to Next Gen Stats. Franklin-Myers is one of four Bronco players with at least seven sacks.

Third offense: The Broncos executed well on third down against Kansas City. Denver was 10 of 14 (71%) in those situations. Nix played smoothly on third down, going 6 of 6 for 70 yards and a touchdown.

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Offensive line discipline: For all the good Denver’s offensive line has done, the unit still struggles with penalties. Late in the second quarter, right guard Quinn Meinerz was flagged for offensive holding, nullifying Nix’s 29-yard run to the Chiefs 8-yard line. Denver was forced to settle for a field goal and take a 24-0 halftime lead. The Broncos offensive line has committed 42 penalties this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Bolles has the most on the team with 16. Center Luke Wattenberg has seven penalties, while right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers each have six. Meinerz was flagged five times in 17 games.

TE Adam Trautman: Denver’s tight end has been nonexistent on offense in recent weeks. Since Week 16, Trautman has two catches for 10 yards. He didn’t score a single goal in the win over the Chiefs. The former Saints tight end has had some good moments. But his passing production, along with that of Denver’s other tight ends, has been a clear sign that the Broncos will need to improve at the position this offseason.

WR Troy Franklin: Franklin had two catches for 12 yards to end a disappointing regular season. Over the last four games, the former Oregon wide receiver has 45 yards on seven receptions. Franklin has the talent to be a threat, but it’s going to take time.

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Originally published: January 6, 2025 at 10:49 a.m. MST