A new peak for the Sean Payton era

The Broncos set a new standard for the Sean Payton era in Denver on Sunday, scoring 34 points to snap an eight-game losing streak to the Las Vegas Raiders. The point total trumped the previous high (33) under Payton, set in a 35-33 loss to Washington in Week 2 of last season. The scoring output is tied for the sixth-highest for the Broncos during their eight-year playoff drought dating back to 2016. Here’s a look at all seven:

Date

Opponent

Pass yds

Rush yds

Yds/play

Takeaways

Result

Comment

Oct. 18, 2018

at Arizona

178

131

5.83

5

W, 45-10

Vance Joseph’s Broncos score 35 by halftime to avoid 5th straight loss on Thursday in Arizona.

Sept. 17, 2017

Dallas

202

178

5.35

2

W, 42-17

Aqib Talib’s 103-yard interception return in 4th puts finishing touches on 2-0 start to VJ Era.

Dec. 12, 2021

Detroit

174

184

5.59

2

W, 38-10

Vic Fangio’s last stand gets Broncos to 7-6 after Week 14, but Denver loses out after that.

Dec. 8, 2019

at Houston

301

90

7.22

3

W, 38-24

Apex of Drew Lock’s tenure. Rookie throws for 309 yards, 3 TDs as part of 4-1 end to 2019.

Oct. 1, 2020

at N.Y. Jets

242

117

5.7

0

W, 37-28

With Drew Lock injured, Brett Rypien overcomes three INTs to deliver win in Meadowlands.

Sept. 18, 2016

Indianapolis

266

134

6.25

2

W, 34-20

Aqib Talib (INT) and Shane Ray (fumble) score TDs as Denver begins title defense 2-0.

Sunday

Las Vegas

180

109

5.25

3

W, 34-18

Bo Nix throws 2 TDs passes to become the first Broncos rookie QB to win three in a row.