DENVER – In a game defined by dramatic momentum swings, the Denver Broncos leaned on their defense and special teams to secure a 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, propelling them to a 9-5 record and strengthening their hold on an AFC wild-card spot.

Bonitto’s Game-Sealing Heroics

Nik Bonitto delivered the knockout blow with a jaw-dropping defensive touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Colts attempted a trick play, but Bonitto read it perfectly, stepping in front of Anthony Richardson and intercepting Adonai Mitchell’s lateral pass. The second-year linebacker raced 50 yards untouched to the end zone, putting the game out of reach.

“It was just instincts,” said Bonitto, who now has defensive touchdowns in back-to-back games. “I saw the play develop, and I went for it.”

The play, officially ruled a fumble recovery due to the lateral, cemented Bonitto’s growing reputation as a playmaker and earned him high praise from teammates.

“His football instincts are off the charts,” said pass rusher Jonathon Cooper. “He’s my pick for Defensive Player of the Year.”

Taylor’s Costly Mistake

The game turned in the third quarter when Colts running back Jonathan Taylor fumbled mere milliseconds before crossing the goal line on what would have been a 41-yard touchdown. The mishap turned what looked like a 20-7 Colts lead into a touchback for the Broncos, shifting the momentum entirely.

“That can’t happen,” Taylor admitted postgame. “You’re never consciously aware of dropping the ball, but it happened, and it hurt us.”

Instead of expanding their lead, the Colts found themselves clinging to a 13-10 advantage that evaporated in the fourth quarter.

Broncos Defense Bails Out Sputtering Offense

Despite their struggles on offense—managing just 193 total yards and rookie quarterback Bo Nix throwing three interceptions—the Broncos’ defense and special teams carried the day. Denver forced five turnovers, including a crucial interception by cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

Surtain’s performance was bittersweet, as he left the game late in the fourth quarter with a sprained ankle. Despite re-entering briefly, he was visibly limited and left the stadium without comment.

“That was a game where the defense really stepped up,” said head coach Sean Payton. “We’ll need more of that with a short week ahead.”

Key Moments and Takeaways

• Wil Lutz: The Broncos’ scoring barrage began with a 44-yard field goal by Wil Lutz, trimming the Colts’ lead to 13-10.
• Bo Nix: Nix rebounded from his turnovers with two touchdown passes, including a 15-yarder to tight end Nate Adkins and a 20-yarder to Courtland Sutton.
• Anthony Richardson: The Colts quarterback struggled in the passing game, completing just five of 17 attempts for 56 yards. His only highlight was a 23-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Playoff Implications

The win marked a turning point for the Broncos, who clinched their first winning record since 2016 and took another step toward ending their playoff drought.

“This group has grit,” Cooper said. “We’ve been through ups and downs, but we’re playing our best football when it matters most.”

Up Next

Broncos: Face a quick turnaround as they visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night.