Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos entered the 2025 season burdened with Mile High expectations. Through three weeks, they had just a 1-2 record, with both losses coming by a combined four points. On Monday night, though, Denver finally looked like the team many expected them to be.
Nix and the Broncos rolled past the Cincinnati Bengals 28-3 in a nationally televised statement victory, erupting for 512 total yards and four touchdowns while the defense suffocated a shorthanded Bengals offense.
Nix, in just his second NFL season, delivered the finest game of his young career. The rookie-turned-leader completed 29 of 42 passes for a career-best 326 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, while also adding a 6-yard rushing score to ignite Denver’s offense. His rushing touchdown with 17 seconds left in the first quarter erased Cincinnati’s early 3-0 lead and opened the floodgates for a 28-0 scoring run by Denver.
The avalanche continued in the second quarter when wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. darted into the end zone on a 16-yard scoring run. Just before halftime, Nix delivered perhaps the highlight of the night, firing a 20-yard strike to Courtland Sutton in between two defenders. Sutton soared high, hauled in the ball, and crashed to the turf with the touchdown, giving Denver a commanding 21-3 advantage at the break.
Sutton finished with five catches for a game-high 81 yards, while also providing the moment that seemed to break Cincinnati’s resolve.
Denver kept its foot on the gas in the third quarter, with rookie running back RJ Harvey recording his first career touchdown on a 12-yard catch from Nix. Nine different Broncos caught passes in the game, showcasing the quarterback’s poise and willingness to spread the ball. Sutton, Mims, Harvey, fellow rookie Troy Franklin, and tight end Evan Engram all finished with at least four receptions.
For the Bengals, the game was essentially over by halftime. A promising opening drive that ended in a field goal proved to be their only score, as Denver’s defense forced consistent pressure and smothered any attempt at a comeback.
The win puts Denver at 2-2 and right back in the thick of the AFC West race. With the Chargers suffering their first loss and falling to 3-1, and the Chiefs joining the Broncos at 2-2 after their own big victory, the division remains as competitive as advertised.
The celebration will be short-lived, however. Up next for Denver is a daunting Week 5 showdown against the undefeated, reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Still, after two heartbreaking defeats in Weeks 2 and 3, the Broncos finally showcased the firepower and balance that could make them a real AFC contender.
For Bo Nix, Monday night was more than just a bounce-back performance. It was a statement that he and the Broncos are finding their rhythm — and finding it just in time.
