The Denver Broncos secured a 27-26 overtime victory against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night in Landover, Maryland. This marks the Broncos’ first overtime win since 2015 and brings their season record to 10-2.
Denver started overtime with a touchdown drive. The Commanders responded with a touchdown of their own but failed to convert a two-point attempt after linebacker Nik Bonitto deflected the pass, sealing the win for Denver. Head Coach Sean Payton described the Broncos’ two-minute drill before halftime as pivotal: “With 2:21 to play in the first half and facing a 7-6 deficit, Bo Nix completed passes of 13 yards, 12 yards and 8 yards to help push Denver into the red zone. Then, on second-and-10 from the Washington 11-yard line, Nix made one of the most athletic plays of his young career. As he was flushed to his right, he unleashed a pass to Courtland Sutton for a touchdown.”
The game featured five lead changes and snapped Denver’s five-game losing streak in overtime games. It also marked their fourth straight road win—the longest such streak since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2015.
Denver’s defense struggled early, allowing Washington to convert six of its first seven third-down attempts—including long-yardage situations—but rebounded by stopping eight of Washington’s last ten third downs.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw contributed an interception in the second quarter that set up a field goal drive. “Greenlaw picked off Mariota early in the second quarter to wipe out a Commanders scoring chance, leaping into the air to snag the jump-ball throw and then returning the interception 27 yards to set up a field-goal drive,” according to postgame analysis.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto reached double-digit sacks for his second consecutive season and made what proved to be the decisive play by deflecting Washington’s final two-point conversion attempt. Bonitto is now the first Bronco since Von Miller with double-digit sacks in back-to-back seasons.
Quarterback Bo Nix finished with over 300 passing yards—his second such performance this year—and threw a critical touchdown at halftime while under pressure. Tight end Evan Engram recorded his highest yardage total as a Bronco, including a key 41-yard gain during overtime that helped set up Denver’s winning score.
Inside linebacker Alex Singleton returned from surgery earlier this year and tallied six tackles along with two defended passes.
With this win, Denver remains competitive for top seeding in the AFC as they continue their strong run late into the season.
