Nix Throws Four Touchdowns as Broncos Clinch Playoff Berth Against Packers

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DENVER — Quarterback Bo Nix delivered one of the best performances of his young career Sunday night, throwing four touchdown passes to lead the Denver Broncos to a 34–26 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers. The win marked Denver’s 11th straight and officially clinched a playoff berth, further solidifying the Broncos as a top contender in the AFC. Denver improved to 12–2 behind Nix’s efficient passing attack, as he connected with four different receivers—Michael Bandy, Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The four touchdown passes tied a career high for Nix, who continued his strong second-year campaign with poise in high-pressure moments. The game turned in the third quarter when Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II made a crucial interception of Packers quarterback Jordan Love. With Green Bay leading 23–14 and threatening to extend its advantage, Surtain laid out to snag Love’s deep pass intended for Christian Watson. The sudden turnover shifted momentum and ignited both the crowd and Denver’s sideline.

“I think a play like that just gets some adrenaline back in the game,” Nix said after the win. He capitalized on the takeaway by leading a touchdown drive that narrowed the deficit and sparked Denver’s comeback. While Denver celebrated, Green Bay suffered a devastating loss. Star pass rusher Micah Parsons exited the game with a non-contact knee injury while pursuing Nix in the second half. According to a source familiar with the situation, Parsons is believed to have suffered a torn ACL.

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The injury is a major blow for the Packers, who fell to 9–4–1 and now trail the Chicago Bears in the NFC North standings. Despite forcing a fumble on Denver’s opening drive, Parsons was visibly shaken after the injury. Broncos players, including Surtain, gathered around him as medical personnel attended to the All-Pro defender. The Packers also lost Watson to a chest injury later in the game, further compounding their struggles. After scoring touchdowns on their first five possessions, Green Bay managed only one field goal over its final six drives, hindered by turnovers and stalled red-zone opportunities. Denver’s defense tightened late, sacking Love three times and holding Green Bay to one touchdown in four red-zone trips. The Broncos, meanwhile, were perfect in the red zone, scoring on all four of their opportunities. A late 4-yard touchdown run by R.J. Harvey sealed the win after Green Bay had trimmed the lead to one.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton credited his team’s composure in close games, noting that Denver has now won nine one-score contests during its streak. “When you get comfortable operating in those games, you don’t think anything of it,” Payton said.

The Broncos will look to extend their streak next week when they host Jacksonville, while the Packers face a critical division matchup on the road against Chicago.