Survive and advance, a Denver Broncos story.
If there were one thing that defined the 2025 Broncos, it would be that. They are not easy on the eye. They don’t produce endless highlights on offense. They don’t blow teams out. They don’t play a consistent brand of football on offense.
They just win.
Sean Payton’s team has found a way all season long. On “Sunday Night Football” in Week 13, they found their 10th victory and a ninth in a row, defeating the Washington Commanders, 27-26.
Bo Nix didn’t dazzle, but he shined when it mattered most. His opposite number, Marcus Mariota, did whatever he could to drag the home team to a victory for the first time in seven tries, but the magic ran out in overtime.
The Broncos defense has battled all year, and now they have Denver in the AFC’s top spot – at least temporarily, following the Sunday action in Week 13.
For a game that lacked plenty of juice early on, this contest turned into a thriller that gave fans a little bit of everything.
Here’s a look at how it all unfolded between the Broncos and Commanders.
USA TODAY Sports provided updates, analysis and highlights from the Week 13 ‘Sunday Night Football’ matchup below. All times are Eastern.
Commanders vs. Broncos SNF takeaways
The Broncos will go as far as the defense takes them: It’s a team that continues to defy logic. In an era dominated by offense, Denver is classic zig to every other team’s zag. It clearly works in the regular season. Even though you can argue that the Broncos aren’t deserving of their 10-2 record, they still have it. The real question is whether they can sustain this in the postseason. Home-field advantage feels like it would be more important for Denver than other teams, but it remains to be seen if the offense can do enough when it matters most.
Dan Quinn has given the Commanders the blueprint: It would’ve been easy to pack things up at 3-8, having lost six in a row. Quinn’s team didn’t fold and the head coach should be proud of that. His defensive changes have helped Washington find something in the latter part of the season, potentially providing a blueprint for the team to follow this offseason. An infusion of younger talent and health could go a long way toward making this disappointing season an exception rather than the rule.
Bo Nix’s inconsistencies are a problem: Aside from his heroics in two-minute situations tonight, it has been a rough season for the second-year quarterback. His interception to Bobby Wagner was evidence of that. Without a great running game, Denver’s offense has no choice but to trust the quarterback’s arm. In a playoff game where the margins are so small, that will be an uneasy feeling if this level of play continues.
Some things are bigger than football: This contest put a bow on Thanksgiving weekend and it’s hard to think that the biggest story is something other than Alex Singleton. There is plenty of time to talk about playoff and draft scenarios, but Singleton’s case was one of life and death. Regardless of the result, it’s impossible not to be happy for the linebacker, who made his return in Week 13 after surgery and treatment for testicular cancer.
Bo Nix stats vs. Commanders
29-of-45 (64.4% completion rate)
321 passing yards
1 passing touchdown
1 interception
83.7 passer rating
2 rushing attempts
16 rushing yards
0 rushing touchdowns
Marcus Mariota stats vs. Broncos
28-of-50 (56% completion rate)
294 passing yards
2 passing touchdowns
1 interception
78.2 passer rating
10 rushing attempts
55 rushing yards
0 rushing touchdowns
R.J. Harvey stats vs. Commanders
13 rushing attempts
35 rushing yards
2 rushing touchdowns
3 reception (4 targets)
27 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns
Terry McLaurin stats vs. Broncos
7 receptions (14 targets)
96 receiving yards
1 receiving touchdown
Commanders vs. Broncos highlights
Commanders vs. Broncos final score: Broncos 27, Commanders 26
Nik Bonitto swats down Mariota’s pass on two-point try
Bonitto swats down the pass, and the Broncos hold on for the win in overtime.
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: Terry McLaurin TD, but two-point try falls short
Mariota magic continued into overtime, but the clock struck midnight on the Commanders – literally and figuratively. McLaurin’s touchdown is all for naught as Mariota’s pass on the two-point try is rejected by Nik Bonitto. Denver hangs on for its ninth straight victory, while Washington drops its seventh straight.
Broncos 27, Commanders 26
Deebo Samuel catch gets Washington to the goal line
On the very next play, Mariota finds Samuel – who gets the Commanders to the doorstep of the end zone. They’ll have four chances to tie or win the game.
Josh Conerly Jr. holding penalty erases Terry McLaurin TD
Mariota thought he had McLaurin for the potential game-tying score, but the referees had other ideas. Conerly is flagged for holding, backing Washington up again.
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: RJ Harvey TD for the lead in OT
Well, that was quick. The Broncos’ offense has come alive in overtime to retake the lead. Harvey gets his second touchdown of the night to cap off the five-play, 76-yard drive. Evan Engram had the big play, a 41-yard catch-and-run to set it up. Now Mariota and the offense will try to answer, needing a touchdown to avoid a seventh-straight loss.
Broncos 27, Commanders 20
NFL overtime rules
In the regular season, NFL games tied after four quarters of regulation will enter a 10-minute overtime period. OT begins with a coin toss to determine who gets the ball first. Each team will have the opportunity to possess the ball, even if the team that gets the ball first scores a touchdown on the opening possession.
There are no coach challenges; all reviews will be initiated by the replay official.
Each team gets two timeouts.
The point after try is not attempted if the game ends on a touchdown.
If the score is still tied at the end of the overtime period, the result of the game will be recorded as a tie.
Overtime in Washington
Marcus Mariota engineered the game-tying drive despite a pair of penalties that backed the Washington offense up. In the end, it’s a 32-yard field goal from Jake Moody, who sends us to the extra session.
It’ll be Denver ball to start.
Commanders getting one last chance
Washington needed another stop and got one. With three minutes to go, time is running out for the home team that continues to trail by three. Marcus Mariota has one timeout to try and engineer a game-tying or game-winning drive.
Commanders get the stop, looking to tie or take the lead
A couple of uneventful possessions have come and gone, but the Commanders got a key stop with under five minutes left. The Commanders have the ball and are down by three with 4:42 to go.
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: Washington cashes in on Nix turnover
It’s not a touchdown, but the home team will take free points anyway they can get them. Washington turned the Nix interception into three points from Jake Moody, who knocked through the 38-yard field goal. With just over 12 minutes left in the contest, the deficit is now three for the Commanders.
Broncos 20, Commanders 17
Bo Nix intercepted by Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner isn’t wearing an orange-colored jersey tonight, but he must’ve been on that play. The linebacker came up with one of the easiest interceptions he’ll ever have after Nix tossed it right to him. Playing catch in the yard and playing on “Sunday Night Football” are suddenly more similar than we previously thought.
End of third quarter: Broncos lead with 15 to go
Someone turned on the scoring in the third quarter as an eventful 15 minutes comes to a close. Now Denver will look to hang on for its 10th win.
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: Denver responds quickly with R.J. Harvey TD
While Treylon Burks’ catch was the talk of the town in the nation’s capital, the Broncos went right back to work and responded with a touchdown of their own. Denver needed just three minutes and 59 seconds to drive 72 yards and find paydirt for the second time tonight. Rookie running back R.J. Harvey plunged into the endzone from one yard out to put Denver ahead again.
Broncos 20, Commanders 14
Treylon Burks one-handed touchdown catch
Here’s another look at the impressive touchdown reception by Burks:
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: Treylon Burks makes highlight reel TD grab
Washington opens the second half with an impressive 10-play, 72-yard scoring drive, which was capped off by a catch of the year candidate by Treylon Burks. He made one of the most ridiculous touchdown catches over Broncos corner Riley Moss. It mirrored the grab Odell Beckham Jr made on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in 2014.
Washington now leads after Jake Moody knocks through the extra point.
Commanders 14, Broncos 13
Halftime score for ‘Monday Night Football’: Broncos lead at the break
Broncos 13, Commanders 7
We have a tight one at the half, with the Broncos taking their seven-point advantage to the locker room. Denver certainly has the momentum now, but Washington put up a good fight in the first 30 minutes.
There is no halftime entertainment for this contest, so “Sunday Night Football” will return after its regular recess.
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: Courtland Sutton TD answers before halftime
It’s amazing what a little urgency can do. Much like an 11:59 p.m. deadline for a homework assignment, the Broncos were up against the halftime deadline and knew it was time to kick it into high gear. Denver flew down the field, taking the lead right back after Sutton hauled in the 11-yard score. Bo Nix looked more comfortable on that drive. We’ll see if that translates to the second half.
Broncos 13, Commanders 7
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: Chris Rodriguez Jr. puts Washington in front
We have a touchdown. The Commanders march down the field to take the lead before the two-minute warning. Washington nearly had to settle for a field goal, but Denver’s Nik Bonitto helped the home team with an unnecessary roughness penalty. Rodriguez punched it in on the next play, capping off the 72-yard scoring drive. It’s Washington seven to Lutz’s six with halftime looming.
Commanders 7, Broncos 6
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: Lutz adds three more
What’s better than one 33-yard field goal? Two.
Lutz and the Broncos turn the Mariota interception into another field goal, doubling the lead to six. Neither offense is clicking right now, but there is still time for the scoring switch to be flipped on. For now, it’s a field goal fest in the nation’s capital.
Broncos 6, Commanders 0
Marcus Mariota intercepted by Dre Greenlaw
Washington was set up nicely with an opportunity to score. Mariota tried a jump pass while under pressure, tossing the ball blindly into traffic, where Greenlaw was waiting. The Broncos take over after the head-scratching turnover.
End of first quarter: Broncos lead after 15 minutes
If you were waiting all day for some action on Sunday night, we have bad news. There isn’t much happening in this contest, which has been a defensive battle to this point. A fast-paced opening quarter has come close with the Lutz field goal being the only change on the scoreboard.
Washington is set up nicely to begin the second, however. The Commanders have the ball on the edge of the red zone, looking to tie or take the lead.
Commanders vs. Broncos score update: Wil Lutz opens the scoring
The Broncos strike first in this contest with a field goal from Lutz, who converts the 33-yard attempt. It was an 11-play, 59-yard drive that set up the score, but Washington held in the red zone. Now Marcus Mariota and the Commanders’ offense go to work, looking for an answer.
Broncos 3, Commanders 0
Alex Singleton makes return after cancer treatment
If you were looking for some good news in the world on this Sunday night, look no further than the Broncos’ linebacker. It was less than a month ago that Singleton was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which was revealed following a random drug test after the Broncos’ Week 10 win over the Raiders.
The 31-year-old linebacker underwent emergency surgery and now, three weeks later, is making his return to the field having missed only one game. With a new lease on life, Singleton’s story is one that is sure to resonate.
What channel is Commanders vs Broncos Sunday Night Football on?
TV channel: NBC
NBC is the broadcast home of ‘Sunday Night Football.’ Mike Tirico will be on the call alongside Cris Collinsworth. Melissa Stark will provide updates from the sidelines.
Commanders vs Broncos start time
Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET | 6:20 p.m. MT
The ‘SNF’ matchup between the Commanders and Broncos will get underway at 8:20 p.m. ET, the customary start time for ‘SNF.’
How to watch, live stream ‘SNF’
Live stream:Peacock, NFL+
TV channel: NBC
Peacock, NBC’s proprietary streaming service, will broadcast ‘SNF.’
Commanders vs Broncos picks, predictions
Here’s how the expert panel at USA TODAY Sports sees this game shaking out:
Jarrett Bell: Broncos, 23-16
Nick Brinkerhoff: Broncos, 27-17
Chris Bumbaca: Broncos, 27-21
Nate Davis: Broncos, 30-17
Tyler Dragon: Broncos, 25-17
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Broncos, 31-16
Commanders vs Broncos odds, moneyline, O/U
Spread: Commanders (-2.5)
Moneyline: Commanders (-135), Broncos (+114)
Over/Under: 46.5
Commanders inactives vs. Broncos
QB Jayden Daniels
S Darnell Savage
LB Ale Kaho
LS Tyler Ott
T Trent Scott
T George Fant
DE Jalyn Holmes
Broncos inactives vs. Commanders
TE Nate Adkins
OLB Jonah Elliss
DL Jordan Jackson
DL Sai’Vion Jones
OL Geron Christian
4th & Monday: Our NFL newsletter always brings the blitz
Do you like football? Then you’ll enjoy receiving our NFL newsletter in your inbox.
Get the latest news, expert analysis, game insights and the must-see moments from the NFL conveniently delivered to your email inbox. Sign up now!
NFC East standings
The Commanders are in third place in the NFC East standings.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1)
Washington Commanders (3-8)
New York Giants (2-10)
Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins?
The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins with six.
Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups.
J.K. Dobbins injury update
The Broncos’ starting running back was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 15. He suffered a foot injury that requires surgery.
Denver’s head coach Sean Payton left the door open for Dobbins to potentially return for the postseason. “Yes. It wouldn’t be soon, but that (Dobbins) has a chance to happen,” Payton told reporters on Nov. 26.
Commanders vs. Broncos injury report
Oldest players in NFL 2025
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: 42 years old
Nick Folk, K, New York Jets: 41 years old
Matt Prater, K, Buffalo Bills: 41 years old
Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: 40 years old
Matt Prater, K, Arizona Cardinals: 40 years old
Calais Campbell, DL, Arizona Cardinals: 39 years old
Morgan Cox, LS, Tennessee Titans: 39 years old
J.J. Jansen, LS, Carolina Panthers: 39 years old
Thomas Morstead, P, San Francisco 49ers: 39 years old
Jon Weeks, LS, San Francisco 49ers: 39 years old
Jayden Daniels injury update
The second-year quarterback participated in the Commanders’ practices all week in a limited capacity, but he has not been cleared for contact. Daniels will miss ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 13, but it’s unclear if he will also miss Week 14’s game against the Vikings in Minnesota.
AFC West standings
The Broncos enter ‘Monday Night Football’ atop the AFC West.
Denver Broncos (9-2)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Kansas City Chiefs (6-6-)
Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
NFL playoff picture: AFC bracket
Here’s how the AFC shakes out entering ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 13:
New England Patriots (10-2; AFC East leaders)
Denver Broncos (9-2; AFC West leaders)
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4, AFC South leaders)
Baltimore Ravens (6-6; AFC North leaders)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4, wild card No. 1)
Indianapolis Colts (8-4; wild card No. 2)
Buffalo Bills (8-4, wild card No. 3)
In the hunt: Houston Texans (7-5); Kansas City Chiefs (6-6); Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6); Miami Dolphins (5-7); Cincinnati Bengals (4-8); New York Jets (3-9); Cleveland Browns (3-9)
Eliminated: Las Vegas Raiders (2-10); Tennessee Titans (1-11)
NFL playoff picture: NFC bracket
Here’s how the NFC playoff bracket looks entering ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 13:
Chicago Bears (9-3; NFC North leaders)
Los Angeles Rams (9-3; NFC West leaders)
Philadelphia Eagles (8-4; NFC East leaders)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5; NFC South leaders)
Seattle Seahawks (9-3, wild card No. 1)
Green Bay Packers (8-3-1, wild card No. 2)
San Francisco 49ers (9-4, wild card No. 3)
In the hunt: Detroit Lions (7-5); Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1); Carolina Panthers (7-6); Atlanta Falcons (4-8); Minnesota Vikings (4-8); Washington Commanders (3-8)
Eliminated: Arizona Cardinals (3-9), New Orleans Saints (2-10), New York Giants (2-10)
2026 NFL Draft order
Here’s how next year’s first-round order would shake out entering ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 13, according to Tankathon.com:
Tennessee Titans: 1-11 record; .569 strength of schedule
New Orleans Saints: 2-10; .502 SOS
New York Giants: 2-10; .542 SOS
Las Vegas Raiders 2-10; .555 SOS
Cleveland Browns: 3-9; .480 SOS
New York Jets: 3-9; .532 SOS
Arizona Cardinals: 3-9; .565 SOS
Washington Commanders: 3-8; .515 SOS
Atlanta Falcons (pick belongs to Los Angeles Rams): 4-8; .500 SOS
Cincinnati Bengals: 4-8; .520 SOS
Minnesota Vikings: 4-8; .534 SOS
Miami Dolphins: 5-7; .485 SOS
Kansas City Chiefs: 6-6; .500 SOS
Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-6; .500 SOS
Carolina Panthers: 7-6; .512 SOS
Dallas Cowboys: 6-5-1; .458 SOS
Detroit Lions: 7-5; .510 SOS
Houston Texans: 7-5; .539 SOS
Baltimore Ravens: 6-6; .502 SOS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-5; .502 SOS
Buffalo Bills: 8-4; .468 SOS
Indianapolis Colts (pick belongs to Jets): 8-4; .500 SOS
Philadelphia Eagles: 8-4; .500 SOS
San Francisco 49ers: 9-4; .488 SOS
Los Angeles Chargers: 8-4; .460 SOS
Jacksonville Jaguars (pick belongs to Browns): 8-4; .493 SOS
Green Bay Packers (pick belongs to Cowboys): 8-3-1; .480 SOS
Seattle Seahawks: 9-3; .481 SOS
Los Angeles Rams: 9-3; .517 SOS
Denver Broncos: 9-2; .448 SOS
Chicago Bears: 9-3; .444 SOS
New England Patriots: 10-2; .371 SOS
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.