Nov 21, 2024 - Sports

Bo Nix might just be the real deal

Esteban L. Hernandez

A man in a blue football helmet and an orange jersey and pants handles a ball while moving away from another player. — Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix during a game at Empower Field at Mile High on Nov. 17 in Denver. Photo: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Bo Nix arrived in Denver this season saddled with comparisons to the last rookie quarterback to start for the Broncos.

State of play: With a 6-5 record, and leading first-year quarterbacks in touchdown passes, those John Elway analogies don't sound outlandish anymore.

Why it matters: Nix has the Denver Broncos looking eagerly — and realistically — at the NFL playoffs.

A playoff berth would cap a remarkable first season for the former Oregon signal caller.

The intrigue: Nix is slowly building a case for being named Rookie of the Year in a crowded quarterback class filled with budding superstars. That's despite being the last of six QBs picked during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Nix just earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after orchestrating Denver's dominant performance against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.
It's a feat Elway never accomplished; Nix is the first rookie Broncos quarterback to ever receive the award.

What's next: Nix has six more opportunities to try and secure the Broncos' first playoff appearance since the 2015 season, starting with next Sunday's showdown at arch rivals Las Vegas Raiders.

The game airs at 2:05 pm on CBS.

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Bo Nix might just be the real deal

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