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Winners and Losers from the Broncos 31-13 victory over the Colts

I give you the winners and losers from the Denver Broncos 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos are back baby!

It was a sloppy, hard-fought game full of turnovers but the Broncos persevered and came out on top with a 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. This victory basically locks up a spot in the postseason, guarantees a winning record, and currently, the Broncos are the 6th seed in the AFC after the Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Things are looking up for Broncos Country!

This game, however, was a messy one that saw Bo Nix throw for 3 interceptions, the run game struggle, and the Broncos failed to do much on offense all game. With that said, Nix ended the day with three touchdown passes, the defense played elite ball after a tough start, and we saw Marvin Mims Jr. make another game-changing play.

We also had Jonathan Taylor give a game-changing play that changed everything for the Broncos. It was yet another rollercoaster for the Broncos, but they came out on top once again. Here are your winners and losers from the Broncos 31-13 victory over the Colts.

LOSER - Jonathan Taylor

None of this would have been possible without your mental error and for that, I thank you.

This 40+ yard run would have given the Colts a 20-7 lead and potentially an early nail in the coffin for the Broncos. Their defense was reeling, they were struggling on offense, but this play gave the Broncos new life.

The Broncos would go on to score 24 unanswered points after this play.

Mile High magic is back!

WINNER - Bo Nix

It was not pretty, but Bo Nix did finish the game with three touchdown passes, including a beautiful deep ball to Courtland Sutton, which sealed the game for the Broncos.

He finished the game by going 20-33 for 130 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. This is a pretty rollercoaster of a stat line that has him tip-toeing into loser territory, but the three touchdown passes and a victory outweigh the bad here.

Nix has now had five interceptions in these past two games, which is a little concerning. He is still getting into the end zone, and the Broncos are 2-0 in these games, so you just roll with the rookie struggles and move on to next week.

WINNER - Nik Bonitto

He did it again. Nik Bonitto has gone back-to-back weeks with defensive touchdowns. He had the pick-six vs. the Browns and he had another today vs. the Colts. It was ruled a fumble instead of a pick-six, but it’s the same result.

He was also credited with a half sack which adds to his total on the year. He is turning into the Broncos best defensive player not named Pat Surtain II and one of the more impactful edge rushers in the game. He has put himself firmly in the Defensive Player Of The Year conversation.

WINNER - Pat Surtain II

The Broncos All-Pro corner came down with a late game interception of Anthony Richardson to help put the game on ice.

The Colts rarely tested him and Surtain locked down whoever he was going up against. He did leave the game late with an ankle injury so that will be something to monitor moving forward. Hopefully, it is nothing serious but the Broncos are in a good position if he has to miss a game or two.

WINNER - Broncos Defense

It started ugly, but the Broncos' defense really turned it on after their first-quarter struggles. The Colts' run game got them early, but the Broncos' defense tightened up and slowed down their rushing attack for the rest of the game.

They held Anthony Richardson to just 172 yards passing while picking him off twice and forcing multiple turnovers throughout the game. The Broncos' defense kept the team in the game and is the reason why they won this game.

Just another solid overall effort by Vance Joseph.

WINNER - Marvin Mims Jr.

After not doing much the first half of the season, Mims has turned into an explosive weapon for the Broncos. Throughout the Broncos' four-game win streak, he has a key play that helps the Broncos get the victory. That was the case again today when his punt return skills set up the offense inside the red zone and ended with a Bo Nix touchdown pass to Nate Adkins.

Mims is a bit of a gadget player who can contribute as a receiver, running back, or kick returner and is making an impact at all three positions. With the Broncos needing impact players on offense, his emergence has been huge for the team.

LOSER - Broncos run game

The Broncos run game was non-existent once again. They had a total of 72 yards on the ground and 23 of those came from Bo Nix who was their leading rusher on the day.

Javonte Williams continued to struggle as he had 6 carries for 15 yards, Jaleel McLaughlin didn’t do much either as he went 7 for 21 and left the game with a groin injury while rookie Audric Estime only managed 13 yards on 5 carries.

This was against a poor Colts run defense and something the Broncos really need to improve on moving forward and certainly this offseason.

WINNER - Sean Payton

We need to give the Head Coach some love.

He came in and changed the culture of this team, had them better than expected last year, drafted and found his franchise quarterback and has the Broncos back to a winning record and very likely back in the playoffs in his second season.

At 9-5, the Broncos have locked up their first winning season in years, they have a 90% chance to make the playoffs, and the Broncos are back!

Other Notable Winners/Losers

WINNER - Kris Abrams-Draine/Damarri Mathis: These two stepped up and played well while filling in for the injured Riley Moss. With Pat Surtain II having an ankle injury and the Broncos on a short week, the two could be called on again on Thursday vs. the Chargers.

WINNER - Brandon Jones: The Justin Simmons replacement continues to play well and had an interception of Anthony Richardson in this game

Winner - Nate Adkins/Adam Trautman: The blocking specialist now has four touchdowns on the year which leads all Broncos tight ends. Trautman caught the Broncos' first touchdown pass of the game as well.

Winner - Riley Dixon: The Broncos punter has been one of the team's more underrated superstars this season and that continues today. He averaged 47.8 yards per punt and pinned the Colts inside the 20 three times in this game. He nearly had them down inside the 5 yard line but corner Tremon Smith stepped on the goal line.

Winner - P.J. Locke: The other Broncos safety caused a turnover of his own when he hit Colts WR Michael Pittman hard causing a fumble that was recovered by D.J. Jones

Loser - Injuries: We saw Jaleel McLaughlin, D.J. Jones, and Pat Surtain II all leave the game with injuries. It’s a short week so all three are likely questionable at best for the TNF game vs. the Chargers.