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.