Broncos vs. Commanders: Denver stops 2-point conversion in overtime, hangs on for ninth straight victory

Game overview

The Denver Broncos edged the Washington Commanders 27–26 in overtime, securing their ninth consecutive victory and moving closer to their first AFC West title since 2015. The matchup was tight throughout, with Denver’s strong defense and inconsistent offense keeping the game closer than expected for a 10–2 team facing a 3–8 opponent missing quarterback Jayden Daniels.

First three quarters

For most of the first three quarters, Denver failed to look dominant despite its superior record and reputation as one of the league’s top teams this season. Washington took a 14–13 lead after a spectacular scoring play by wide receiver Treylon Burks, highlighting how vulnerable the Broncos looked early.

Broncos take the lead

Denver eventually grabbed a 20–14 advantage, appearing poised to lean on its defense and grind out a more comfortable win. However, the offense stalled repeatedly, and the game remained tight instead of turning into the expected easy victory.

Nix’s key interception

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw a costly interception in the fourth quarter when he failed to see linebacker Bobby Wagner and delivered the ball straight into his chest. Washington could not fully capitalize on the turnover and managed only a field goal from that opportunity, narrowing the deficit instead of taking the lead.

Denver’s late-game struggles

Denver’s offense had multiple chances in the fourth quarter to close the game out with one sustained drive but never managed it. The Broncos’ four fourth-quarter possessions ended with one interception and three punts, repeatedly handing Washington chances to come back.

Commanders’ late push

With about three minutes remaining and needing only a field goal to tie, Marcus Mariota led the Commanders on a determined drive featuring several big throws, including a crucial completion on fourth-and-6. Kicker Jake Moody then converted a 32-yard field goal as time expired in regulation to send the game into overtime.

Early overtime drama

Overtime began with the Commanders winning the coin toss but opting to kick, giving Denver the ball first. The Broncos offense responded immediately with a sharp drive capped by rookie running back R.J. Harvey’s touchdown run on the opening possession of the extra period.

Penalties and near‑finishes

On Washington’s ensuing drive, the game appeared to be over when Denver came up with a fourth-down interception, only for a defensive pass interference call on safety Talanoa Hufanga to keep the Commanders alive. Earlier in the sequence, the Broncos had also benefited when a deep touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin was wiped out by a holding penalty on rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., changing a score into a long-yardage situation.

Mariota’s resilience

After the nullified touchdown, Mariota quickly answered by hitting Deebo Samuel for a 38-yard gain down to the Denver 2-yard line, again putting Washington on the verge of a winning score. The Commanders then lost yardage on a run and followed with two incomplete passes, including a near catch by Zach Ertz that slipped through his hands.

Decisive 2-point stop

Facing fourth-and-goal, Mariota found Terry McLaurin for a touchdown, bringing the Commanders within one point and setting up a choice between a tying extra point or a 2-point attempt for the win. Washington chose to go for two, but edge rusher Nik Bonitto knocked down Mariota’s pass at the line, sealing Denver’s 27–26 overtime victory and preserving the Broncos’ nine-game winning streak.

Team identity

This game again underlined Denver’s current identity: a suffocating defense paired with an offense that can be explosive but often erratic, producing close and sometimes ugly wins. Still, that formula has proven effective, as the Broncos continue piling up victories even when style points are lacking.

“The Broncos have a stifling defense and an inconsistent offense, and that leads to plenty of their games being ugly.”

Author’s summary

Denver survived another sloppy offensive outing thanks to its defense and a clutch overtime 2-point stop, extending a gritty nine-game streak that keeps the team firmly in the AFC West title hunt.

Yahoo Sports — 2025-12-01