Broncos vs Commanders Highlights: Denver Survives Overtime Thriller to Win 27–26 on Sunday Night Football

The Denver Broncos continued their remarkable season with another nail-biting finish, surviving an overtime scare to defeat the Washington Commanders 27–26 in a dramatic Sunday Night Football showdown. It took a last-second defensive stand, a sixth game-winning drive from Bo Nix, and yet another reminder that Denver may be one of the toughest teams in the AFC when the pressure spikes.

Washington, despite entering the game on a six-game losing streak, delivered its most complete performance since Week 5. The Commanders fought to the last play — literally — before Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto batted down a two-point conversion attempt that would have flipped the final score.

With the win, the Broncos improved to 10–2, extended their winning streak to nine straight, and strengthened their push for the AFC’s top seed. Washington fell to 3–9, though the team showed significant progress in all three phases.

A Wild Ending: Denver Survives Washington’s Last Swing

This matchup ended with one of the most chaotic finishes of the season. After forcing overtime, Washington quarterback Marcus Mariota put together a clutch scoring drive, finishing with a touchdown to Terry McLaurin that cut the Broncos’ lead to 27–26.

Instead of settling for the tying PAT, Washington played aggressively — and went for the win.

Mariota rolled right and tried to fire a quick pass toward the front pylon. But Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto, playing with a club cast on one hand, burst off the edge and swatted the throw down, sealing the victory.

Broncos coach Sean Payton pointed out the unique twist afterward:
“The irony is the ball hits his club hand. But he made the play that mattered.”

It was the kind of dramatic finish that has defined Denver’s season — a defense that bends often, breaks occasionally, but somehow always finds a play when the team needs it most.

Bo Nix Delivers His NFL-Leading 6th Game-Winning Drive

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix continues to look nothing like a rookie when the game is on the line. Even as Denver’s offense sputtered late in regulation, Nix stayed composed in overtime and engineered his NFL-best sixth game-winning drive of the season.

The defining moment came on a 41-yard strike to tight end Evan Engram, threaded between the linebackers over the middle. The play flipped the field instantly, set up Denver in scoring position, and broke Washington’s defensive momentum.

Moments later, running back RJ Harvey finished the job with a powerful touchdown run, giving Denver a 27–20 lead before Washington’s final response.

For a team with playoff ambition, Nix’s poise has become one of Denver’s most valuable weapons.

Commanders Show Life Behind Marcus Mariota

After weeks of offensive inconsistency, Marcus Mariota delivered one of his best outings of the season. He completed 28 of 50 passes for 294 yards, threw two touchdown passes, and led Washington in rushing with 55 yards on 10 carries.

Mariota’s willingness to improvise kept Washington competitive all night. His best moment came on a late touchdown to McLaurin in overtime, a laser thrown under pressure to keep the Commanders alive.

Despite the loss, this version of Mariota gave Washington the type of balanced, decisive quarterback play the team has lacked for much of the year.

Treylon Burks Makes a Catch of the Year Candidate

One of the game’s biggest highlights came in the third quarter when Commanders receiver Treylon Burks pulled off a spectacular one-handed touchdown grab over Broncos corner Riley Moss.

What made the moment even more remarkable?

Burks had finger surgery just 20 days ago.
The catch immediately drew comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr.’s iconic one-hander — and OBJ himself even posted about it online.

It may end up as one of the season’s most replayed moments.

Nate Frazier’s Ground Game Fuels Denver

Quietly, running back Nate Frazier delivered a workmanlike performance that helped Denver’s offense maintain rhythm. His 108 rushing yards were crucial in a game where field position swung repeatedly and the Broncos struggled to finish drives in regulation.

With a defense-heavy game script, Frazier’s ability to chew yards kept Washington honest and opened room for Engram and Denver’s passing game.

Key Player Performances

Denver Broncos

• Bo Nix: 315 passing yards, engineered the OT game-winner
• Evan Engram: 6 catches, 79 yards, crucial 41-yard OT grab
• RJ Harvey: 35 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns — including the OT winner
• Nik Bonitto: Game-winning pass breakup on two-point attempt

Washington Commanders

• Marcus Mariota: 294 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT + 55 rushing yards
• Terry McLaurin: 7 catches, 96 yards, OT touchdown
• Zach Ertz: 10 receptions, 106 receiving yards
• Chris Rodriguez Jr.: 41 rushing yards, 1 TD

Washington Looked Much Improved Despite Loss

Washington may have fallen to 3–9, but this was arguably their most complete performance in nearly two months. Analyst Nicki Jhabvala described the team as “competitive in all three phases,” and the numbers back that up:

• 419 total yards
• 143 rushing yards
• 30 first downs
• 35 minutes of possession

This was, by all accounts, a winnable game. But Washington’s long-running issues — red-zone efficiency and closing out drives — resurfaced at the worst times.

Still, if you’re looking for positives, this performance is filled with them. The team played with energy, creativity, and confidence not seen since early October.

Final Team Stats

Despite being outgained and out-possessed, Denver capitalized in the moments that mattered.

What This Means for the Playoff Picture

Broncos Playoff Outlook

• Projected final record: 13–4
• Playoff probability: 98%
• Chance at AFC No. 1 seed: 34%
• Two-game lead over Chargers

Denver controls its own destiny. A top-seed push is absolutely on the table.

Commanders Draft Impact

• Remain at ~1% chance for the No. 1 pick in 2026
• Seven straight losses
• Still positioned for a top-10 selection

Washington isn’t tanking — but the losses continue to stack up.