Peyton Manning signals confidence in Bo Nix as Broncos chase Super Bowl glory

The list of Denver quarterbacks to capture the AFC West over the last decade is remarkably short. It begins with Peyton Manning, who closed his career by winning the division in 2015 and lifting the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 50.

It now includes Bo Nix, the second-year passer who restored control of the division after Kansas City’s nine-season run.

Denver’s 14-3 finish and claim to the conference’s top playoff seed signal a clear shift. Since Manning’s retirement, the Broncos cycled through answers at quarterback without stability.

This season looked different. Nix paired efficiency with situational awareness, protecting the ball while extending drives with timely runs. He finished with 3,931 passing yards, eighth most in the league, and 25 touchdown throws, tied for ninth.

The result was Denver’s first AFC West title in a decade and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs at Empower Field at Mile High.

Manning recently explained why the achievement mattered more than seeding.

“Look, Bo Nix has been heavily scrutinized for a second-year quarterback that just led his team to their first division (title) since 2015,” he said on Kevin Clark’s This Is Football.

Manning added that the top seed “doesn’t excite him” the way taking the division back from a long-time rival does. He pointed to complementary football, noting the defense’s strength and Nix’s ability to convert crucial third downs with his legs.

The Hall of Famer closed simply. “I think he’s been a solid, winning quarterback this year, I’ll say that.”

Denver’s path blends history, opportunity, and belief

The numbers surrounding Denver’s season provide context for the optimism. Every Broncos team that opened 10-2 has reached the Super Bowl, a group that includes the 2015, 2013, 1997, and 1999 squads.

As the AFC’s No. 1 seed, Denver will host each playoff game before the Super Bowl, with an extra week to prepare for its divisional-round opponent.

For Nix, the run carries broader significance. No former Oregon Ducks quarterback has ever started and won a Super Bowl. Bill Musgrave earned a ring as a reserve with the San Francisco 49ers, while Dennis Dixon was part of two championship rosters without starting. A Denver title at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara would place Nix alone in that category.

Back in Eugene, Oregon coach Dan Lanning echoed the pride, saying Nix’s success “really fires me up.” Nix, who credits Lanning for his development, called him “one of the best coaches in America” during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

As Denver prepares for January football, the blend of production, belief, and timing has the franchise positioned for its most meaningful postseason since Manning walked away on top.