Broncos Keep Getting Outgained But Are Still Outpointing Their Opponents

Much like there are said to be many different ways to skin a cat, there are many different ways to win an NFL game.

It's becoming readily apparent that the Denver Broncos will be winning the bulk of their games in 2026 by the skin of their teeth.

Sunday's 26-21 defeat of the Carolina Panthers gave them a 7-2 record and left them in first place in the AFC West heading into their bye week and six of those wins have been one-score affairs, which has allowed them to set a league record with 16 consecutive victories in those types of games.

The victory also continued another noteworthy trend as the Panthers outgained the Broncos 353 totals yards to 312, which was the fifth time in their seven wins that the opponent has accumulated more total yardage. And in three of those wins, the Broncos have been outgained by more than 100 yards, which is one win of that type away from tying the league record of four during a particular season.

Overall, in their wins, the Broncos have totaled 2,024 yards (289.1 per game) while they have allowed 2,445, or 349.3 per game. (Side note: If you're into numerology, bet on Denver allowing 353 total yards in a couple more games this season; they've allowed that exact number in three of their past four wins.)

The most egregious example of the Broncos being outgained but still coming through with a "W" came in Week 3 when the Los Angeles Rams rolled up 482 total yards to Denver's 257, a negative-225 differential, but they still emerged with a 30-26 victory.

That result also helps explain why the Broncos have been ultra-successful despite being outplayed overall on numerous occasions. The defeat of the Rams featured a Pick 6 and another interception of LA quarterback Matthew Stafford in the game's waning moments, both by safety Talanoa Hufanga.

In all, the Broncos recorded those two turnovers while also sacking Stafford four times, while they hurried him a total of seven times with 12 knockdowns and a total of 23 pressures.

So, while the Rams were able to roll up the total yardage, average 5.0 yards per rush, 7.1 yards per pass attempt, convert 8-of-17 third-down attempts and control the clock for more than 34 minutes, Denver was able to emerge with the victory because the defense made big plays when it needed to and quarterback Bo Nix, who now owns the record for most fourth-quarter comebacks by a QB in his first three seasons, was able to provide his typical late-game magic.

Which all leads back to question that has dogged Denver from day one this season: is this way of winning football games - consistently being outgained and relying on the defense to step up in crunch time and Nix to remain a game-winner - sustainable for an entire season?

The next chance top find out comes on Nov. 22 when the Las Vegas Raiders visit Empower Field at Mile High.