2015 Denver Broncos season
Owner	The Pat Bowlen Trust
General manager	John Elway
Head coach	Gary Kubiak
Offensive coordinator	Rick Dennison
Defensive coordinator	Wade Phillips
Home stadium	Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Results
Record	12–4
Division place	1stAFC West
Playoffs	WonDivisional Playoffs (vs.Steelers) 23–16 WonAFC Championship (vs.Patriots) 20–18 WonSuper Bowl 50 (vs.Panthers) 24–10
All-Pros	2 LBVon Miller CBChris Harris Jr.
Pro Bowlers	4 Selected but did not participate due to participation in Super Bowl 50: LBVon Miller LBDeMarcus Ware CBChris Harris Jr. CBAqib Talib
Uniform
← 2014 Broncos seasons 2016 →

The2015 season was theDenver Broncos' 46thseason in theNational Football League (NFL) and the 56th overall. It was also the fourth season withPeyton Manning as the team's startingquarterback, as well as the final season of Manning's 18-year NFL career.

After losing in the divisional round of the playoffs two of the last three seasons and getting blown out in Super Bowl 48 by The Seattle Seahawks, theBroncos underwent numerous coaching changes, including a mutual parting withhead coachJohn Fox, and the hiring ofGary Kubiak as the new head coach. Under Kubiak and offensive coordinatorRick Dennison, the Broncos planned to install a run-orientedWest coast offense withzone blocking to blend in with Manning's shotgun passing style,^[1] but struggled with numerous changes and injuries to the offensive line.

Manning missed six games due to a partial tear of theplantar fascia in his left foot and had his worst statistical season since his rookie year with theIndianapolis Colts in1998.^[2] Backup quarterbackBrock Osweiler filled in for Manning during the second half of the regular season, before Manning re-claimed the starting quarterback position prior to the team'spostseason run. Under defensive coordinatorWade Phillips, the Broncos' defense ranked No. 1 in total yards, passing yards, average yards per rush andsacks, and like the previous three seasons, the team continued to set numerous individual, league and franchise records. The team's defense is widely considered to be among the greatest of all time, particularly due to the fact that it was pressured to aid a lackluster offense for most of the season.^[3] The team's defensive backfield, arguably the most dominant part of the defense, gave itself the nickname "No Fly Zone."^[4][5][6][7]

The Broncos clinched their fifth-consecutiveAFC West division title for the record-tying 15th time, fourth consecutive first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout theAFC playoffs as the No. 1 playoff seed for the third time in four seasons. As was the case during the regular season, the Broncos' defense dominated their playoff opponents. During the Broncos' three playoff games, they recorded 14 sacks, forced seven turnovers, surrendered only one touchdown pass and gave up just 44 combined points (an average of just 14.7 points a game). The Broncos defeated thePittsburgh Steelers 23–16 in the divisional round and the defending Super Bowl championNew England Patriots 20–18 in theAFC Championship Game. The Broncos then defeated theCarolina Panthers 24–10 inSuper Bowl 50 to earn the franchise's thirdSuper Bowl championship, and the first since winning back-to-back Super Bowls in1997 and1998.^[8]

This was the last season the Broncos made the playoffs until2024.^[9] However, it remains the most recent AFC West title for the Broncos, and the last season a team other than theKansas City Chiefs won the division.

On January 12, 2015, one day after the Broncos' 24–13 loss to theIndianapolis Colts in the divisional round of the2014 playoffs, the Broncos andhead coachJohn Fox decided to mutually part ways. Fox compiled a 49–22 record in four seasons (including the playoffs), led the Broncos to four consecutiveAFC West division titles, a first-round bye in three consecutive seasons as well as a berth inSuper Bowl XLVIII, but lost in the divisional round of the playoffs in three of his four seasons as head coach.^[10] Fox departed with a .719 winning percentage in his four seasons as head coach – the highest in franchise history.^[11] Four days later (January 16), Fox was hired as the new head coach of theChicago Bears.^[12]

The following former Broncos' coaching assistants from2014 were reunited with John Fox in Chicago: Defensive backs coachSam Garnes, special teams coordinatorJeff Rodgers,^[13] defensive line coachJay Rodgers,^[14] offensive coordinatorAdam Gase,^[15] offensive line coachDave Magazu, assistant special teams coordinatorDerius Swinton II,^[16] assistant strength & conditioning coachJason George^[17] and offensive quality control coachBo Hardegree.^[18]

Defensive coordinatorJack Del Rio was hired as the new head coach of theOakland Raiders,^[19] defensive backs coachCory Undlin was hired to the same position with thePhiladelphia Eagles^[20] and linebackers coachRichard Smith was hired to a senior defensive position with theAtlanta Falcons.^[21]

On January 18, 2015, the Broncos finalized a deal that made Kubiak the team's newhead coach, and he was formally introduced at a press conference at the team'sDove Valley headquarters on January 20. Kubiak served as a backupquarterback to Broncos' executive vice president/general managerJohn Elway from 1983 to 1991, and also served as the Broncos' offensive coordinator from 1995 to 2005, before serving as theHouston Texans' head coach from 2006 to 2013. Kubiak served as theBaltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator in2014.^[22]

The following eight coaching assistants were reunited with Kubiak:

Other additions

Clancy Barone, who had served as the Broncos' tight ends coach since2011, was moved to the offensive line coach position that he held in2010.^[24]Joe Woods was hired as the defensive backs coach. Woods served in the same capacity with theOakland Raiders in 2014.^[27]Fred Pagac was hired as the team's outside linebackers coach. He served as theBuffalo Bills' linebackers coach in 2014.^[23]Samson Brown was hired as the team's assistant defensive backs coach. Like Pagac, Brown also served on the Bills' staff in 2014.^[26]

• February 27:Jerry Butler, who served as the team's director of player development since2011, was hired to the same position with theChicago Bears. The Broncos declined to renew his contract following the2014 season.^[28]
• May 14:Anthony Kelly was hired by the Chicago Bears to become their new director of pro personnel. Kelly was promoted to the Broncos' assistant director of pro personnel position in2010. He would now head that department for the Bears, along with nine coaches who were with the Broncos in 2014.^[29]

• April 1: The Broncos acquiredcenter/guardGino Gradkowski in a trade with theBaltimore Ravens that involved2016 draft-pick considerations.^[86] Gradkowski was later released on September 6.^[42]
• August 31:Offensive tackleChris Clark was traded to theHouston Texans in exchange for a 2016 seventh-round selection.^[87]
• November 2: The Broncos acquiredtight endVernon Davis in a trade with theSan Francisco 49ers that involved 2016 and2017 draft-pick considerations.^[88]

Allundrafted free agents were signed after the2015 NFL draft concluded on May 2,^[103] unless noted otherwise. For the first time since2003, the Broncos did not have at least one rookie free agent that made the Week 1 regular season roster.^[104]

• July 24:Defensive endDerek Wolfe was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's policy onperformance-enhancing substances.^[109]
• September 3:SafetyT. J. Ward was suspended for the team's regular season opener vs. theBaltimore Ravens for violating theleague's personal conduct policy. The suspension was the result of a May 2014 incident in which Ward threw a mug at a female bartender inside aDenverstrip club.^[110]
• November 9:CornerbackAqib Talib was suspended for one game for an eye-gouging incident withIndianapolis Colts'tight endDwayne Allen, during the Broncos' Week 9 loss to the Colts. Talib unsuccessfully appealed his suspension, and missed the team's Week 10 loss to theKansas City Chiefs.^[111]

• May 9:Tight endJeff Heuerman, the team's third-rounddraft selection, suffered a rupturedACL in his left knee during rookie minicamp. Though he signed his rookie contract on June 4,^[93] he was placed on the season-endinginjured reserve on August 31.^[61]
• May 27:Offensive tackleRyan Clady suffered a ruptured ACL in his left knee, during the Broncos' organized team activities (OTAs), and was placed on injured reserve two days later (May 29).^[66]
• August 1:Wide receiverKyle Williams suffered aruptured Achilles tendon during the second day of training camp,^[112] and was placed on injured reserve two days later (August 3).^[70]
• August 20:Defensive tackleMarvin Austin was placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury.^[72] He was later released from the injured reserve on October 27.^[113]
• October 18:LinebackerShane Ray, the team's first-round draft selection, suffered a sprainedMCL in his right knee, during the Broncos' Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns,^[114] and missed the team's next two games.
• November 2: Offensive tackleTy Sambrailo, the team's second-round draft selection, was placed on injured reserve on November 2, due to a shoulder injury that he sustained during the team's Week 3 win over theDetroit Lions.^[91]
• November 16: Wide receiverEmmanuel Sanders suffered a finger injury, as well as an ankle injury during the Broncos' Week 9 loss to theIndianapolis Colts,^[115] and missed the Broncos' Week 11 win over theChicago Bears.
• November 25:Defensive endKenny Anunike was placed on injured reserve, after undergoing knee surgery during the preseason. He was active for only three games during the season.^[76]
• November 29:SafetyT. J. Ward suffered an ankle sprain during the Broncos' Week 12 win over theNew England Patriots,^[116] and missed the team's next two games.
• December 6: LinebackerDanny Trevathan suffered a concussion during the Broncos' Week 13 win over theSan Diego Chargers, and missed the Broncos' Week 14 loss to theOakland Raiders.^[117][118]

Omar Bolden

Safety/return specialistOmar Bolden missed the last four games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury. He returned for the team's Divisional playoff win over thePittsburgh Steelers on January 17, 2016, only to suffer a torn knee ligament on a non-contact play during the first quarter. Bolden was placed on injured reserve one day later (January 18), and missed the remainder of the Broncos' postseason run.^[97]

David Bruton

SafetyDavid Bruton suffered a concussion during the Broncos' Week 13 win over the San Diego Chargers, and missed the Broncos' Week 14 loss to the Oakland Raiders.^[117][118] Bruton returned to action the following week, and initially thought he suffered a bruised fibula, after he collided with teammate T. J. Ward, during the Broncos' Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it was later revealed that Bruton played the remainder of the game with his fibula fractured, and the team placed him on the season-ending injured reserve two days later (December 22).^[77]

DeMarcus Ware

LinebackerDeMarcus Ware was twice sidelined with back injuries. Ware initially suffered a back injury during the team's Week 5 win over the Oakland Raiders on October 11, and missed the team's next game at theCleveland Browns.^[119] Ware re-aggravated the same back injury during the Broncos' Week 9 loss to the Indianapolis Colts,^[111] and missed the team's next five games.

On November 16, one day afterquarterbackPeyton Manning had one of the worst games of his career, media reports indicated that Manning had a partial tear of theplantar fascia in his left foot.The Denver Post indicated that Manning initially suffered the injury during the Broncos' Week 9 loss to theIndianapolis Colts during the previous week, though another report indicated that Manning had been dealing with the injury since training camp.^[120] Backup quarterbackBrock Osweiler replaced Manning in the third quarter of the Broncos' Week 10 loss to theKansas City Chiefs, and was announced as the starting quarterback, beginning with the Broncos' Week 11 game at theChicago Bears.^[121] Following an ineffective performance by Osweiler during the first half of the team's Week 17 win over theSan Diego Chargers, Manning made his return during the third quarter of that same game, and re-claimed the starting quarterback position for theplayoffs.^[122]

Note: Intra-division opponents are inbold text.

The Broncos kicked off the2015 season against theBaltimore Ravens, the Broncos' fifth-consecutive Week 1 home opener. Two first-quarter field goals by placekickerBrandon McManus – from 57 and 56 yards out – gave the Broncos the early 6-point advantage. In the second quarter, a 44-yard field goal by placekickerJustin Tucker got the Ravens on the scoreboard. McManus later countered with a 43-yard field goal just before halftime to put the lead back to 6. Three plays into the Broncos' initial possession of the second half, quarterbackPeyton Manning was intercepted by Ravens' cornerbackJimmy Smith for a 24-yard touchdown, in what was the Ravens' only touchdown of the game. After forcing a Broncos' punt, the Ravens increased their lead, with a 44-yard field goal by Tucker. The Broncos were forced to punt on their next two third-quarter offensive possessions. With 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter, the Broncos re-claimed the lead, with cornerbackAqib Talib returning an interception off Ravens' quarterbackJoe Flacco 51 yards for a touchdown, in what was the Broncos' only touchdown of the game. The Broncos' defense forced the Ravens' to punt on their next possession early in the fourth quarter, and beginning at the 13:51 mark, the Broncos began a 17-play, 81-yard drive that devoured 10:51 off the clock, but had to settle for a 33-yard field goal by McManus to increase to a 19–13 lead. With 2:55 remaining in the game, the Ravens advanced to as far as the Broncos' 16-yard line, hoping for a game-winning touchdown. On the 14th play of the drive, a pass from Flacco to wide receiverSteve Smith, Sr. that was almost a touchdown was deflected by Broncos' cornerbackBradley Roby near the goal line, falling incomplete. On the next play, with 36 seconds remaining, a pass from Flacco intended for tight endCrockett Gilmore was intercepted by safetyDarian Stewart in the end zone, sealing the Broncos' fourth consecutive Week 1 victory.^[123]

Notes

This marked the first time since September 17,2006, that the Broncos won a game without scoring an offensive touchdown. Peyton Manning failed to throw a touchdown pass in a season opener for the first time since2003.^[123]

Coming off their hard-fought win over the Ravens, the Broncos traveled toArrowhead Stadium for anAFC West duel with theKansas City Chiefs onThursday Night Football. There was no scoring in the first quarter, which included cornerbackDavid Bruton forcing a fumble off Chiefs' running backJamaal Charles at the Broncos' 6-yard line. The Chiefs grabbed the lead early in the second quarter, with Charles rushing for a 34-yard touchdown, then added to their lead, when cornerbackMarcus Peters returned an interception off Broncos' quarterbackPeyton Manning 55 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos responded with two touchdown passes by Manning – a 16-yarder to wide receiverEmmanuel Sanders followed by a 1-yard juggling touchdown catch by tight endVirgil Green just before halftime. The latter scoring play came after Chiefs' quarterbackAlex Smith was intercepted by cornerbackAqib Talib deep in Chiefs' territory. That was Talib's 2nd pick in as many weeks.^[124]

The two teams exchanged field goals in the third quarter – a 35-yarder by Chiefs' placekickerCairo Santos and a 54-yarder by Broncos' placekickerBrandon McManus. Following an exchange of punts, the Chiefs were attempting to re-claim the lead midway through the fourth quarter, when Smith was intercepted by cornerbackChris Harris, Jr. at the Broncos' 10-yard line with 6:40 remaining. However, the Broncos went three-and-out, and were forced to punt. The Chiefs took a 24–17 lead six plays later, with running backKnile Davis rushing for an 8-yard touchdown with 2:27 left in the game. Manning then engineered a 10-play, 80-yard drive, culminating in a 19-yard touchdown pass to Sanders with 36 seconds left. The game appeared to be headed to overtime, however, on the initial play of the Chiefs' ensuing possession, Broncos' linebackerBrandon Marshall forced a fumble off Charles deep in Chiefs' territory, and cornerbackBradley Roby returned the fumble 21 yards for a touchdown with 27 seconds in the game. The Broncos' defense subdued the Chiefs' last drive.^[124]

This was the last time the Broncos beat the Chiefs untilWeek 8 of the 2023 season and the last time they did so in Kansas City.

Coming off their comeback win over the Chiefs, the undefeated Broncos traveled toFord Field to face the winlessDetroit Lions onSunday Night Football. After a scoreless first quarter, the Broncos grabbed the lead late in the second quarter, with running backRonnie Hillman rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. With 1:07 remaining before halftime, the Lions countered, with a 1-yard touchdown run by running backJoique Bell. It was initially ruled as a fumble, but after review, it was reversed to a touchdown as a result of Bell breaking the plane of the goal line. However, Broncos' cornerbackAqib Talib blocked the extra point attempt by placekickerMatt Prater, leaving the score at 7–6. In the closing seconds of the first half, the Broncos responded, with quarterbackPeyton Manning connecting on a 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas on a 4th-and-1.^[125]

Following a questionable fumble by Thomas on the Broncos' opening possession of the second half, Lions' quarterbackMatthew Stafford threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to running backAmeer Abdullah. However, the Broncos' defense denied a two-point conversion attempt by Bell that would have tied the game. Each team alternated punts through the next five possessions, until Broncos' linebackerShaquil Barrett forced a fumble off Stafford near midfield. However, the Broncos had to settle for a 48-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus at the 7:55 mark of the fourth quarter. The Lions were attempting to grab their first lead of the game, however, on the eighth play of the drive, Stafford was intercepted by Broncos' safetyDavid Bruton. Five plays later, the Broncos expanded their lead, with Manning throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight endOwen Daniels just before the two-minute warning to put the game out of reach. That was Daniels' first touchdown as a Bronco. Without any timeouts, the Lions advanced to as far as the Broncos' 15-yard line with 34 seconds remaining, but turned the football over on downs.^[125]

Coming off their Sunday Night win over the Lions, the Broncos returned home for an interconference game vs. theMinnesota Vikings, the Broncos' only home game within a six-week span. The Broncos jumped out to a 13–0 lead, consisting of a 33-yard field goal by place kickerBrandon McManus, followed in the second quarter by a 72-yard touchdown run by running backRonnie Hillman and another field goal by McManus – from 47 yards out. The Vikings got on the scoreboard just after the two-minute warning, with a 38-yard field goal by placekickerBlair Walsh. The Broncos were attempting to add to their lead on the Vikings' side of the field, however, quarterbackPeyton Manning was intercepted by Vikings' linebackerAnthony Barr, who returned the football to the Broncos' 27-yard line. Two plays later, the Vikings narrowed the Broncos' lead, with quarterbackTeddy Bridgewater finding wide receiverMike Wallace alone in the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown just before halftime.^[126]

The Broncos took the opening possession of the second half, and added to their lead, with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Manning to tight endOwen Daniels on a 4th-and-goal. Each team alternated punts on the next four possessions, until Vikings' running backAdrian Peterson went untouched for a 48-yard touchdown on a 4th-and-1, with 10:09 remaining in the fourth quarter. Two plays into the Broncos' next possession, Manning was intercepted by safetyHarrison Smith, and nine plays later, the Vikings pulled even at 20–20, with a 33-yard field goal by Walsh. The Broncos took a 23–20 lead two plays after the two-minute warning, with a 39-yard field goal by McManus. The Vikings had one last possession with 1:51 remaining in the game, however, on the sixth play of their final drive, Broncos' safetyT. J. Ward forced a fumble off Bridgewater at the Vikings' 42-yard line, and linebackerVon Miller recovered the game-clinching fumble.^[126]

Coming off their win over the Vikings, the Broncos traveled to theO.co Coliseum to face theirAFC West division rivals, theOakland Raiders. Broncos' defensive tackleSylvester Williams blocked a 38-yard field goal attempt by Raiders' placekickerSebastian Janikowski late in the first quarter. The Broncos then marched down to as far as the Raiders' 8-yard line, but had to settle for a 25-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus early in the second quarter. The Raiders then took a 7–3 lead, with fullbackMarcel Reece receiving a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackDerek Carr. The Broncos were attempting to take the lead just before halftime, however, quarterbackPeyton Manning was intercepted by Raiders' safetyCharles Woodson in the end zone.^[127]

The Broncos' offense went three-and-out on the initial possession of the second half, and on the Raiders' first play from scrimmage, Broncos' linebackerVon Miller forced a strip sack and fumble recovery of Carr deep in Raiders' territory. The Broncos had to settle for a 20-yard field goal by McManus to pull to within 7–6. Following a Raiders' three-and-out, the Broncos re-claimed the lead, with a 52-yard field goal by McManus. Following another Woodson interception of Manning, the Raiders were attempting to take the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter, however, Janikowski missed wide-left on a 40-yard field goal attempt. Trailing 9–7, the Raiders were once again attempting to take lead, until Broncos' cornerbackChris Harris, Jr. stepped in front of an errant Carr pass and returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown. With 6:14 remaining in the game, the Raiders were in punt formation with a 4th-and-6 at their own 24-yard line. However, a 5-yard neutral zone penalty on Broncos' safetyOmar Bolden gave the Raiders a 4th-and-1, and after a successful fourth-down conversion, the Raiders kept the drive alive.^[127]

With 2:38 remaining in the game, the Broncos' defense denied a 4th-and-long pass completion from Carr to Reece near midfield. However, the Broncos were unable to earn a game-clinching first down just before the two-minute warning, which forced the Raiders to burn two of their three team timeouts. On the very next play, a defensive pass interference penalty on Broncos' cornerbackBradley Roby while defending a pass from Carr to wide receiverAmari Cooper moved the football to the Broncos' 32-yard line. With only one timeout remaining, the Raiders decided to send Janikowski onto the field for a 50-yard field goal to pull the Raiders to within 16–10 with 1:45 remaining in the game. The Raiders' onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, and were forced to use their last timeout on the Broncos' first play from scrimmage. Running backC. J. Anderson gained only two yards on three running plays. With eight seconds remaining, Cooper received a punt near the goal line, but the Broncos' defensive special teams subdued the Raiders' last desperation play of the game.^[127]

Notes

The Broncos earned their eighth consecutive win over the Raiders, the Broncos' longest winning streak over the Raiders in franchise history,^[128] a streak that the Raiders would snap later in the season, duringthe teams' Week 14 rematch in Denver.

Coming off five hard-fought victories, the Broncos traveled toFirstEnergy Stadium to face theCleveland Browns – the Broncos' first visit to Cleveland since2008. A 29-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus late in the first quarter gave the Broncos an early lead. The Broncos increased their lead to 10–0 early in the second quarter, when cornerbackAqib Talib returned an interception off Browns' quarterbackJosh McCown 63 yards for a touchdown. Each team alternated punts for the next five offensive possessions, and the Broncos were attempting to add to their lead just before halftime. However, McManus missed wide-left on a 51-yard field goal attempt.^[129]

An 11-yard touchdown pass from McCown to tight endGary Barnidge got the Browns on the scoreboard on the initial possession of the second half. Later in the third quarter, Broncos' linebackerShaquil Barrett forced a sack and fumble recovery off McCown on the Browns' side of the field, however, the Broncos had to settle on a 25-yard field goal by McManus. Another field goal by McManus – a 39-yarder early in the fourth quarter, increased the Broncos' lead to 16–7. The Browns responded, with another touchdown pass from McCown to Barnidge – from 14 yards out. On the third play of the Broncos' next drive, a short pass from quarterbackPeyton Manning intended for running backRonnie Hillman was bobbled by Hillman and Browns' linebackerKarlos Dansby intercepted the pass and scampered down the sideline 35 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos' defense denied a two-point conversion pass from McCown to wide receiverTravis Benjamin – even after an offsides penalty on Talib that moved the conversion attempt to the 1-yard line, leaving the Browns with a 20–16 lead.^[129]

On the very first play of the Broncos' next drive, Manning threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverEmmanuel Sanders to give the Broncos a 23–20 lead with 8:02 remaining in the game. Both teams were forced to punt on their next offensive possessions. With 4:51 remaining, the Browns took possession at their own 40-yard line and were hoping for a go-ahead touchdown after forcing the Broncos to use all three of their team timeouts, but were forced to settle on a game-tying 26-yard field goal by placekickerTravis Coons with 1:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Broncos then went three-and-out, and punted the football back to the Browns to their own 40-yard line. The Browns reached the Broncos' 46-yard line in two plays. On the third play, McCown was intercepted by Broncos' safetyDavid Bruton at the Broncos' 30-yard line, giving the Broncos one last possession before the end of regulation. However, they were only able to advance 13 yards, sending the game to overtime.^[129]

The Broncos' won the overtime coin toss, but on the fourth play of the initial possession, Manning threw his third interception of the game – this one to Browns' linebackerBarkevious Mingo, who advanced to the Broncos' 39 yards, giving the Browns a chance of a winning field goal. However, the Broncos' defense pushed the Browns' offense back 13 yards in three plays and out of field goal range. After return specialistJordan Norwood nearly muffed a punt at the Broncos' 12-yard line at the 11:38 mark of overtime, the Broncos assembled a 13-play, 72-yard drive, and with 4:56 left, McManus kicked the game-winning 34-yard field goal.^[129]

Notes

The Broncos won their 11th consecutive game against the Browns, dating back to the1991 season – a streak in whichthe Browns snapped during the 2018 season. The Broncos improved their all-time series record against the Browns to 23–5 (including the playoffs).^[130]

Coming off theirbye week, the Broncos played host to theGreen Bay Packers onSunday Night Football, with both teams entering the game with 6–0 records. The Broncos jumped out to a 17–0 lead, consisting of a pair of touchdown runs by running backRonnie Hillman – a 1-yarder in the first quarter and a 15-yarder in the second quarter, followed by a 50-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus. The Packers got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter, with running backEddie Lacy rushing for a 2-yard touchdown. The Packers narrowed the Broncos' lead to 17–10 on the initial possession of the second half, with a 56-yard field goal by placekickerMason Crosby. The Broncos' defense then held the Packers scoreless for the remainder of the game, and their offense added to their lead, with running backC. J. Anderson rushing for a 28-yard touchdown, followed in the fourth quarter by a 24-yard field goal by McManus. Later, linebackerDeMarcus Ware forced a sack and fumble off Packers' quarterbackAaron Rodgers, resulting in a safety that put the game out of reach.^[131]

Notes

OwnerPat Bowlen was inducted into the Broncos'Ring of Fame during halftime.^[131] Due to his battle withAlzheimer's disease, Bowlen relinquished control of the team to team presidentJoe Ellis and executive vice president/general managerJohn Elway prior to the start of the2014 season.^[132] The Broncos' defense limited Aaron Rodgers to just 77 yards passing – the lowest of Rodgers' career in a game where he wasn't knocked out by injury.^[133] The Broncos started 7–0 for only the second time in franchise history, the other time was in1998, when they started 13–0 and wonSuper Bowl XXXIII.^[131] This was the first of two games in which the Broncos wore their alternate navy blue jerseys – the other game wasWeek 14 vs. the Oakland Raiders.^[134]

Coming off their dominating win over the previously unbeaten Packers, the Broncos traveled toLucas Oil Stadium to face theIndianapolis Colts. A 7-yard touchdown run by running backFrank Gore in the first quarter, followed in the second quarter by a 43-yard field goal by placekickerAdam Vinatieri and a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackAndrew Luck to tight endJack Doyle gave the Colts a 17–0 lead. The latter scoring play occurred after Broncos' quarterbackPeyton Manning was intercepted by Colts' safetyMike Adams. The Broncos got on the scoreboard in the closing seconds of the first half, with return specialistOmar Bolden returning a punt 83 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos narrowed the gap on their initial possession of the second half, with Manning throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverEmmanuel Sanders, then tied the game, with a 29-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus. The Colts re-claimed the lead early in the fourth quarter, with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Luck to running backAhmad Bradshaw. The Broncos responded, with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Manning to tight endOwen Daniels, in what was the final regular-season touchdown pass of Manning's career. Another field goal by Vinatieri – from 55 yards out, gave the Colts a 27–24 lead with 6:18 remaining in the game. On the Broncos' first play of their next possession, Manning was intercepted by Colts' cornerbackDarius Butler. The Colts' offense forced the Broncos to use all of their timeouts, and with 28 seconds remaining, Vinatieri kicked a 23-yard field goal. However, the Colts decided not to take the points due to a defensive holding penalty on Broncos' linebackerDanny Trevathan, which enabled Luck to end the game on a quarterback kneel.^[135]

Hoping to rebound from their first loss of the season, the Broncos returned home for anAFC West divisional rematch with theKansas City Chiefs. AfterPeyton Manning became theNFL's all-time leader in regular season passing yardage, the game turned sour for the Broncos. Following a Manning interception, the Chiefs capitalized, with a 4-yard touchdown run by running backCharcandrick West. The Broncos' offense went three-and-out on their next two possessions, and the Chiefs increased their lead to 10–0, with a 48-yard field goal by placekickerCairo Santos. The Chiefs increased their lead to 19–0 at halftime, with three more field goals by Santos – from 49, 34 and 33 yards out. By halftime, Manning had thrown three interceptions and the Broncos' offense had earned only one first down. The Broncos went three-and-out on their first possession of the second half, and a 50-yarder field goal by Santos increased the Chiefs' lead to 22–0. After Manning threw his fourth interception of the game on the Broncos' next possession, he was pulled and replaced by backup quarterbackBrock Osweiler for the remainder of the game. Osweiler drove the Broncos' into the red zone early in the fourth quarter, but was intercepted by Chiefs' safetyEric Berry. Two plays later, the Chiefs increased their lead to 29–0, when quarterbackAlex Smith connected with West on an 80-yard touchdown pass. The Broncos' finally got on the scoreboard with 5:31 remaining in the game, with running backRonnie Hillman rushing for a 1-yard touchdown (two-point conversion attempt unsuccessful), followed by a 7-yard touchdown pass from Osweiler to wide receiverAndre Caldwell, but the Chiefs' lead was too much for the Broncos to overcome. Peyton Manning finished the day with the first 0.0 passer rating of his career.^[136]

Hoping to rebound from back-to-back losses, the Broncos traveled toSoldier Field to face theChicago Bears. It was the first start for quarterbackBrock Osweiler, substituting for the injuredPeyton Manning. The Broncos grabbed the lead on their initial possession, when Osweiler, playing on his 25th birthday, connected with wide receiverDemaryius Thomas on a 48-yard touchdown pass. The Bears got on the scoreboard in the second quarter, with two field goals by placekickerRobbie Gould – from 46 and 37 yards out. The Broncos increased their lead to 10–6, with a 24-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus as time expired in the second half. Midway through the third quarter, Broncos' linebackerDanny Trevathan intercepted a pass by Bears' quarterbackJay Cutler deep in Bears' territory. Six plays later, the Broncos were attempting to add to their lead on a 4th-and-goal, however, the Bears' defense prevailed after running backRonnie Hillman was inadvertently tripped by Owseiler on the hand off at the 2-yard line. The Bears then marched down the field, and another 37-yard field goal by Gould narrowed the Broncos' lead to 10–9 near the end of the third quarter.^[137]

The Broncos then increased their lead to 17–9 early in the fourth quarter, when Osweiler fired a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverCody Latimer, who was playing in place of the injuredEmmanuel Sanders. The Bears once again marched down the field, and were facing a 4th-and-goal from the Broncos' 4-yard line, however, a pass from Cutler to running backJeremy Langford was broken up by Broncos' cornerbackAqib Talib with ten minutes remaining in the game. The Broncos' offense chewed up six minutes of the clock, but were forced to punt, giving the football back to the Bears with 4:23 remaining. On the sixth play of the Bears' next drive, Broncos' linebackerVon Miller forced a strip sack and fumble off Cutler at the Broncos' 35-yard line, which was recovered by defensive endMalik Jackson with 2:30 remaining. However, the Broncos' offense went three-and-out, though they forced the Bears to burn two of their three team timeouts. Just after the two-minute warning, the Bears marched down the field, and finally got into the end zone with only 29 seconds remaining, with Langford lunging for a 2-yard touchdown run. However, the Broncos' defense denied a two-point conversion running attempt by Langford, which would have tied the game. The Bears' subsequent onside kick was unsuccessful, and the Broncos' offense ran out the clock.^[137]

Notes

This was the first game this season in which the Broncos' offense did not commit any turnovers.^[137] This was Bears' head coachJohn Fox's first game against the Broncos since mutually parting ways with the Broncos following the end of the2014 season. It also marked Jay Cutler's first game against the Broncos, whodrafted Cutler in the first round of the2006 draft before he was traded to the Bears prior to the2009 season. Cutler did not play when the Broncos and Bears last faced each in other in2011 due to a thumb injury.^[138]

Coming off their win over the Bears, the Broncos returned home for anAFC duel with theNew England Patriots onNBC's Sunday Night Football, on a snowy night inDenver. The Patriots, who entered the game with a 10–0 record, jumped out to a 14–0 lead, with quarterbackTom Brady tossing two touchdown passes – a 23-yarder to tight endRob Gronkowski, followed in the second quarter by a 10-yarder to tight endScott Chandler. The latter score occurred after Broncos' quarterbackBrock Osweiler had a pass deflected and intercepted deep in Broncos' territory. The Broncos got on the scoreboard just before the two-minute warning, with running backRonnie Hillman rushing for a 19-yard touchdown.^[139]

The Broncos had a chance to cut into the Patriots' lead on their first possession of the second half, however, placekickerBrandon McManus missed wide-right on a 47-yard field goal attempt. Each team proceeded to trade punts on their next two offensive possessions, until Brady connected with wide receiverBrandon Bolden on a 63-yard touchdown pass at the beginning of the fourth quarter to give the Patriots a 21–7 lead. The Broncos' offense went three-and-out, and were forced to punt. However, Patriots' return specialistChris Harper muffed the punt, which was recovered byShaquil Barrett at the Patriots' 36-yard line, giving the Broncos new life. Four plays later, the Broncos pulled to within a one-touchdown deficit, with a 15-yard touchdown run by running backC. J. Anderson. The Broncos' defense forced a punt on the Patriots' next possession, which was aided by an offensive holding penalty on guardTre' Jackson that nullified a 51-yard pass completion from Brady to wide receiverKeshawn Martin on a third-and-long play. The Broncos then marched down the field, but had to settle for a 21-yard field goal by McManus to pull to within 21–17 with 6:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. The two teams traded punts on their next possessions, and with 2:39 remaining and no timeouts, the Broncos forced a Patriots' punt. The Broncos marched down the field and were facing a 2nd-and-goal from the Patriots' 7-yard line, when Osweiler was sacked for an eight-yard loss. However, the sack was nullified by a defensive holding penalty on Patriots' safetyPatrick Chung. On the very next play, the Broncos grabbed their first lead of the game, when Osweiler connected with wide receiverAndre Caldwell on a 4-yard touchdown with 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter.^[139]

The Patriots were not done yet, as Brady engineered a 5-play, 51-yard drive, which culminated with placekickerStephen Gostkowski kicking a game-tying 47-yard field goal as time expired, sending the game to overtime. The Patriots won the overtime coin toss, but their offense went three-and-out. Following a Patriots' punt, the Broncos started their first overtime drive at their own 43-yard line, and three plays later, Anderson scampered down the sideline for a game-winning 48-yard touchdown run.^[139]

Coming off their overtime win over the Patriots, the Broncos traveled toQualcomm Stadium for their first of two matches with theirAFC West division rivals, theSan Diego Chargers. On the Broncos' opening drive, quarterbackBrock Osweiler connected with wide receiverDemaryius Thomas on a 3-yard touchdown pass. The Chargers had a chance to get on the scoreboard midway through the first quarter, but placekickerJosh Lambo missed wide-right on a 48-yard field goal attempt. Toward the end of the first quarter, the Broncos added to the lead, when linebackerDanny Trevathan intercepted an errant pass by Chargers' quarterbackPhilip Rivers and returned it for a 25-yard touchdown. After forcing a Chargers' punt early in the second quarter, the Broncos marched down the field with a long drive that chewed up seven minutes, but had to settle for a 23-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus that increased their lead to 17–0. The Chargers got on the scoreboard just after the two-minute warning, with a 51-yard field goal by Lambo, which would be the final scoring play of the game by either team. In the third quarter, the Broncos' defense recovered two forced fumbles, while on offense, McManus missed wide right on a 52-yard field goal attempt and Osweiler threw an interception deep in Chargers' territory. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos' offense punted on all of their possessions (save the final kneel down), while their defense did not allow the Chargers' offense to advance past their own 47-yard line.^[140]

Notes

The Broncos swept their division rivals on the road for the sixth time in seven seasons.

Coming off their win over the Chargers, the Broncos returned home for anAFC West rematch against theOakland Raiders. In the first half, the Broncos' defense held the Raiders' offense to −12 net yards of offense, and the Broncos' offense dominated the time of possession by a nearly 3–1 margin, but had to settle for four field goals by placekickerBrandon McManus – from 41 and 35 yards in the first quarter, and 29 and 20 yards in the second quarter. The latter field goal occurred after wide receiverDemaryius Thomas dropped a crucial pass in the end zone from quarterbackBrock Osweiler with only four seconds before halftime.^[141]

The Raiders got on the scoreboard on the initial possession of the second half, with quarterbackDerek Carr connecting with wide receiverSeth Roberts on an 11-yard touchdown pass. Later in the third quarter, the Broncos were backed up to their own 2-yard line following a Raiders' punt, and three plays later, the Raiders pulled to within 12–9, when defensive endKhalil Mack forced a fumble off Osweiler in the end zone for a safety. The Broncos' forced another Raiders' punt, however, at the beginning of the fourth quarter,Emmanuel Sanders muffed a punt deep in Broncos' territory, and the Raiders capitalized three plays later, with Carr throwing a 16-yard touchdown pass to tight endMychal Rivera (with an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt). The Broncos drove down the field on their next offensive possession, but McManus missed on a 49-yard field goal attempt that hit the left upright. After each team traded punts, the Raiders were attempting to add to their lead, but placekickerSebastian Janikowski missed wide left on a 43-yard field goal attempt with 5:27 remaining in the game. The Broncos were facing a 4th-and-5 at their own 38-yard line with 3:50 remaining in the game, but tight endVernon Davis dropped a pass from Osweiler that would have been a first down. The Broncos' defense forced the Raiders to go three-and-out, while being forced to use two of their remaining three team timeouts. With 2:35 remaining, the Broncos had one last possession, but on the sixth play, another dropped 4th-down pass – this one by Thomas – sealed the Raiders' win.^[141]

Notes

The Broncos wore their alternate navy blue jerseys for this game.^[134]

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Raiders, the Broncos traveled toHeinz Field to face thePittsburgh Steelers. On the Broncos' first offensive possession, running backRonnie Hillman committed a fumble deep in their own territory, and the Steelers capitalized two plays later, with a 2-yard touchdown run by running backDeAngelo Williams. The Broncos reeled off 20 unanswered points, with quarterbackBrock Osweiler throwing a pair of touchdown passes – an 18-yarder to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas and a 61-yarder to wide receiverEmmanuel Sanders, followed in the second quarter by Osweiler scrambling for a 7-yard touchdown. The latter score came after the Broncos' defense intercepted Steelers' quarterbackBen Roethlisberger, and also had a missed extra-point attempt by placekickerBrandon McManus. The Steelers then marched down the field, but had to settle for a 24-yard field goal by placekickerChris Boswell. The Broncos then increased their lead to 27–10, with Osweiler connecting with Thomas on a 6-yard touchdown pass at the 2-minute warning. However, it would be the Broncos' final scoring play of the game, as the offense was shut out in the second half for the third consecutive week. The Steelers pulled to within 27–13, with Boswell kicking a 41-yard field goal just before halftime.^[142]

Midway through the third quarter, Roethlisberger connected with wide receiverAntonio Brown on a 9-yard touchdown. Later in the third quarter, Broncos' return specialistJordan Norwood returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown; however, the touchdown was nullified by an illegal substitution penalty. Following a Broncos' three-and-out, the Steelers tied the game early in the fourth quarter, with Roethlisberger throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverMarkus Wheaton. Each team proceeded to trade punt on their next two possessions, and with just over five minutes remaining, Osweiler was intercepted by Steelers' linebackerRyan Shazier at the Broncos' 37-yard line, and three plays later, the Steelers re-claimed the lead, with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Brown. The Broncos then marched down to the Steelers' 36-yard line with 2:17 remaining, but turned the football over on downs. Just before the two-minute warning, the Steelers were attempting to run out the clock, however, Roethlisberger chose to pass the football, and was intercepted by linebackerBrandon Marshall just before the two-minute warning, giving the Broncos one last possession. However, Osweiler threw four straight incompletions, and the Steelers ran out the clock.^[142]

Hoping to avoid their first three-game losing streak since2011, the Broncos played host to theCincinnati Bengals onMonday Night Football. The Bengals dominated the first half time of possession by more than a 2–1 margin. The Bengals took the opening possession of the game and marched down the field, with quarterbackA. J. McCarron, playing in place of the injuredAndy Dalton, throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverA. J. Green in the corner of the end zone. The Bengals later added to their lead in the second quarter, with wide receiverMohamed Sanu rushing for a 6-yard touchdown, in a "wildcat" formation. The Bengals were threatening to add to their lead just before the two-minute warning, but placekickerMike Nugent missed wide right on a 45-yard field goal attempt. The Broncos then marched down the field, but had to settle for a 23-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus just before halftime.^[143]

The Broncos took the initial possession of the second half, and pulled to within 14–10, with quarterbackBrock Osweiler connecting with wide receiverEmmanuel Sanders on an 8-yard touchdown pass, which was the only scoring play of the third quarter. After having trouble stopping the Bengals' offense in the first half, the Broncos' defense forced the Bengals to punt on their first four possessions of the second half. The Broncos grabbed a 17–14 lead early in the fourth quarter, with running backC. J. Anderson scampering down the sideline for a 39-yard touchdown. A 52-yard field goal by Nugent helped the Bengals tie the game at 17–17 with 6:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Broncos had reached the Bengals' 27-yard line on the next possession, and were attempting a game-winning drive, but Bengals' defensive endMichael Johnson forced a fumble off Anderson, which was recovered by safetyReggie Nelson. However, the Broncos' defense forced a Bengals' punt, and the Broncos' offense began their next drive at their own 20-yard line with 1:40 remaining. However, McManus badly missed wide left on a potential game-winning 45-yard field goal attempt as time expired, sending the game to overtime.^[143]

The Broncos won the overtime coin toss, and took a 20–17 lead on their initial possession, with a 37-yard field goal by McManus. The drive was aided by a 15-yard personal foul penalty on Bengals' linebackerVontaze Burfict for a late hit out-of-bounds. The Bengals started their first offensive possession of overtime at their own 33-yard line, and on their first play, McCarron attempted a pass that was incomplete, as his arm was hit by Broncos' linebackerVon Miller. Broncos' head coach Gary Kubiak called a timeout, thinking the play should have been ruled as a game-ending fumble, however, the initial ruling was upheld by instant replay. On the very next play, McCarron fumbled the snap, which was recovered by Broncos' linebackerDeMarcus Ware to end the game and send the Broncos to the postseason for the fifth consecutive season.^[143]

Notes

This was the third game of the season that the Broncos won after trailing 14–0 – the other two wereWeek 2 at the Kansas City Chiefs andWeek 12 vs. the New England Patriots.

The Broncos regular-season finale was anAFC West divisional rematch against theSan Diego Chargers. On the second play of the game, quarterbackBrock Osweiler completed a pass toDemaryius Thomas for a 72-yard touchdown pass. The Chargers scored on their first offensive possession, with a 50-yard field goal by placekickerJosh Lambo. The Broncos' offense turned the football over on four of their next five possessions, including two fumbles and two interceptions. Lambo added a 42-yard field goal later in the second quarter to pull the Chargers to within 7–6. On the Broncos first possession of the second half,C. J. Anderson fumbled the ball for the second consecutive game, leading to quarterbackPhilip Rivers completing a pass to tight endAntonio Gates for a 13-yard touchdown. On the Broncos' next offensive possession,Peyton Manning took over for Osweiler at quarterback – Manning's first time playing since Week 10 – and the Broncos re-claimed the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Anderson. The Broncos then added to their lead early in the fourth quarter, with a 48-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus. However, the Chargers grabbed a 20–17 lead on their next offensive play, with Rivers throwing an 80-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverTyrell Williams. A 35-yard field goal by McManus tied the game at 20–20 with 9:48 remaining in the game. After the two teams proceeded to traded punts, Rivers was intercepted by Broncos' safetyShiloh Keo, and the Broncos immediately capitalized, with running backRonnie Hillman rushing for a 23-yard touchdown to give the Broncos a 27–20 lead with 4:50 remaining in the game. The Chargers' offense attempted a rally, and advanced to as far as the Broncos' 40-yard line, but turned the football over on downs just after the two-minute warning. The Broncos ran out the clock.^[122]

With the win, coupled with theNew England Patriots' loss to theMiami Dolphins earlier in the day, the Broncos clinched theAFC's No. 1 seed – the Broncos, Patriots andBengals finished tied for the AFC's best record at 12–4, however, the Broncos claimed the No. 1 seed based on head-to-head sweep.

Source for this section: Denver Broncos' official website.^[144]

Source for this section: NFL.com.^[145]

Following a first-round bye, the Broncos began their run in the2015–16 NFL playoffs at home by hosting thePittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round, in the eighth playoff meeting between the two teams. The Broncos' first drive of the game started at the Steelers' 30-yard line, following a 42-yard punt return byOmar Bolden, but the Broncos were forced to settle on a 28-yard field goal by placekicker Brandon McManus. The Steelers drove to the Broncos' 32-yard line on their next possession and chose to convert a 4th-and-1 instead of attempting a field goal in high winds, but Broncos' cornerbackAqib Talib broke up a long pass from Steelers' quarterbackBen Roethlisberger to wide receiverMarkus Wheaton at the goal line. Later in the first quarter, McManus added a 41-yard field goal to give the Broncos a 6–0 lead. The Steelers then drove 80 yards in five plays, and grabbed the lead, with running backFitzgerald Toussaint rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, then added to their lead early in the second quarter, with a 43-yard field goal by placekickerChris Boswell. McManus made a 51-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to narrow the Steelers' lead to 10–9. The Broncos' offense converted only one third down out of eight attempts in the first half.^[146]

Boswell made a 28-yard field goal on the Steelers' first possession of the second half to extend to a 13–9 lead. After the two teams exchanged punts, McManus kicked his fourth field goal of the game – from 41 yards out. Following an exchange of punts, the Steelers, with a one-point lead, drove 41 yards to the Broncos' 34-yard line in three plays. On the fourth play, Broncos' cornerbackBradley Roby forced a fumble off Toussaint, which was recovered by linebackerDeMarcus Ware with 9:52 remaining in the game. The Broncos then drove 65 yards in 13 plays that consumed 6:48 off the clock, and re-claimed the lead, with running backC. J. Anderson marching for a 1-yard touchdown, coupled with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing a quick pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas for a two-point conversion. The Steelers were attempting a rally, but the Broncos' defense tightened, and a Ware sack of Roethlisberger on fourth down just after the two-minute warning gave the Broncos the football at the Steelers' 30-yard line. Three plays later, after forcing the Steelers to burn two of their three remaining timeouts, the Broncos added to their lead, with McManus' fifth field goal of the game – a 45-yarder with 57 seconds remaining. The Steelers then advanced to the Broncos' 29-yard line, following a defensive pass interference penalty on Ward and two passes from Roethlisberger to Bryant totaling 29 yards. With only 19 seconds remaining, a 47-yard field goal by Boswell pulled the Steelers to within 23–16. However, the Steelers' ensuing onside kick attempt was unsuccessful.^[146]

With the win, the Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship game.

Notes

The Broncos improved their all-time playoff record against the Steelers to 5–3.^[147]

Coming off their Divisional playoff win over the Steelers, the Broncos hosted the No. 2 seedNew England Patriots in the AFC Championship. The Broncos claimed the lead on their first possession, with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight endOwen Daniels. The Broncos' defense forced the Patriots' offense to punt on their first three possessions. Later in the first quarter, Manning threw a pass that was intended for running backRonnie Hillman, but after a Patriots' challenge, the play was ruled a backwards pass and fumble, which was recovered by Patriots' linebackerJonathan Freeny. The Patriots capitalized two plays later, with running backSteven Jackson rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. However, placekickerStephen Gostkowski missed wide right on the extra-point attempt. Early in the second quarter, Patriots' quarterbackTom Brady was intercepted by Broncos' linebackerVon Miller deep in Patriots' territory. Three plays later, Manning threw another touchdown pass to Daniels – from 12 yards out, in what was the final touchdown pass of Manning's career – regular season or postseason. The Patriots cut into the Broncos' lead midway through the second quarter, with Gostkowski making a 46-yard field goal. The Broncos extended their lead to 17–9 just before halftime, with a 52-yard field goal by placekickerBrandon McManus.^[148]

A 38-yard field goal by Gostkowski was the only scoring play of the third quarter. The Broncos' offense went three-and-out on two of their three possessions of the third quarter. To begin the fourth quarter, the Broncos marched to the Patriots' 13-yard line, keyed by a 30-yard run by running backC. J. Anderson, but Manning overthrew wide receiverJordan Norwood in the end zone on a third-down passing play. The Broncos had to settle on a 31-yard field goal by McManus to extend to a 20–12 lead with 10:06 remaining in the game. The Patriots marched down the field, and were facing a 4th-and-1 at the Broncos' 16-yard line with 6:06 remaining. However, instead of kicking a field goal, Brady threw a short pass to wide receiverJulian Edelman, who was tackled for 1-yard loss by cornerbackChris Harris, Jr. The Broncos were forced to punt on their next possession, and the Patriots once again drove deep into Broncos' territory, facing a 4th-and-6 with 2:25 remaining. However, the Patriots' turned the football over on downs once again, with Brady throwing an incomplete pass in the back of the end zone that was intended for tight endRob Gronkowski, who was triple-covered by the Broncos' secondary.^[148]

The Broncos' offense forced the Patriots to burn two of their three team timeouts prior to two-minute warning, but went three-and-out, giving the football back to the Patriots. The Patriots started their final offensive possession at midfield with 1:52 remaining. After Brady threw three consecutive incompletions, he connected with Gronkowski on a 40-yard pass on a 4th-and-10 play to keep the drive alive. With 17 seconds remaining, the Patriots were facing a 4th-and-goal at the Broncos' 4-yard line, and Brady found Gronkowski in the back of the end zone for a touchdown to narrow the Broncos' lead to 20–18. However, Broncos' cornerbackBradley Roby intercepted Brady on the potential game-tying two-point conversion attempt. The Patriots' ensuing onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, sealing the win for the Broncos.^[148]

With the win, the Broncos advanced to their eighthSuper Bowl in team history. This was also the final meeting in therivalry between legendary quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady – regular season or postseason. Brady owned an 11–6 record vs. Manning, including the postseason, where Manning held a 3–2 edge (3–1 in AFC title games).

PlacekickerBrandon McManus gave the Broncos the lead on the first possession of the game, with a 34-yard field goal. Following an exchange of punts, Broncos' linebackerVon Miller forced a fumble off Panthers' quarterbackCam Newton, which was recovered by defensive endMalik Jackson in the end zone, giving the Broncos a 10–0 lead. Following another exchange of punts, the Panthers got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter, with running backJonathan Stewart diving for a 1-yard touchdown. Following miscommunication by the Panthers' defensive special teams, Broncos' return specialistJordan Norwood returned a punt to the Panthers' 14-yard line. However, the Broncos were forced to settle for a 33-yard field goal by McManus.^[149]

The Panthers took the opening possession of the second half, and drove to the Broncos' 26-yard line. However, placekickerGraham Gano missed on a 44-yard field goal attempt that hit the right upright. During the Panthers' drive, Miller broke up a pass from Newton to wide receiverJerricho Cotchery that would have given the Panthers a first-and-goal. McManus added a 30-yard field goal to extend the Broncos' lead. Early in the fourth quarter, Panthers' defensive endKony Ealy forced a strip sack and fumble recovery off Broncos' quarterbackPeyton Manning near midfield, but were forced to settle on a 39-yard field goal by Gano to narrow the Broncos' lead to 16–10. With 4:51 remaining, Miller then forced yet another strip sack and fumble off Newton, ending the Panthers' drive, with safetyT. J. Ward recovering the football at the Panthers' 4-yard line. Following a defensive holding penalty on Panthers' cornerbackJosh Norman on a third-and-goal, the Broncos added to their lead, with running backC. J. Anderson rushing for a 2-yard touchdown, coupled with Manning completing a pass to wide receiverBennie Fowler for a two-point conversion with 3:13 remaining. The Panthers had two more offensive possessions, but the Broncos' defense stood their ground, preventing a first down on both drives to win their thirdSuper Bowl.^[149]

Notes

Peyton Manning's two-point conversion pass to Bennie Fowler late in the fourth quarter was the final pass attempt and completion of Manning's 18-yearNFL career, and this was Manning's final NFL game, as he retired on March 7, 2016.^[150]

Numerous individual, franchise and league records and milestones were either tied, reached or broken during the season:

• Week 2: With their 31–24 win over theKansas City Chiefs atArrowhead Stadium, the Broncos set a newNFL record for consecutive divisional road wins with 13, surpassing the previous record that theSan Francisco 49ers held from 1987 to 1990.^[124] They would extend their streak to 15 games, with wins over theOakland Raiders (Week 5) andSan Diego Chargers (Week 13).
• Week 6: The Broncos became the second originalAmerican Football League (AFL) franchise to reach 450 regular season wins, joining theNew England Patriots.^[151]
• 2015 season:Head coach Gary Kubiak tied a franchise record for wins by a first-year head coach with 12, a feat achieved byRed Miller in1977.^[122] The Broncos became the fourth team in NFL history to reach eightSuper Bowls, which, at the time, was tied with theDallas Cowboys, New England Patriots andPittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl appearances,^[152] until the Patriots made their ninth Super Bowl appearance in2016.
• Super Bowl 50: The Broncos tied an NFL record forsacks in a Super Bowl, with 7.^[153]

• Week 2: Became the secondquarterback inNFL history to achieve 70,000 career passing yards, joiningBrett Favre.^[154]
• Week 3: Became the second quarterback in NFL history to achieve 6,000 career pass completions, joining Brett Favre.^[155]
• Week 4: The Broncos' 23–20 win over theMinnesota Vikings was Peyton Manning's 100th career home win; he became the second quarterback in NFL history to achieve 100 home wins, joining Brett Favre (113).^[156]
• Week 5: At the time, Manning became the NFL's all-time leader in combined regular season and postseason passing yardage, surpassing Brett Favre,^[157] untilNew England Patriots' quarterbackTom Brady surpassed that record in2018.^[158]
• Week 8: At the time, Manning tied Brett Favre for the NFL's all-time record forregular season wins by a starting quarterback (both with 186),^[159] until Tom Brady surpassed both Manning and Favre in2017.^[160] This would be Peyton Manning's final regular-season win as a starting QB, as he would lose his next two starts against theColts andChiefs and would not start another game until the Broncos' Divisional Round matchup against theSteelers due to his plantar fasciitis injury.^[161]
• Week 10: At the time, Manning became the NFL's all-time leader inregular season passing yardage, surpassing Brett Favre.^[136] Manning and Favre were both surpassed byNew Orleans Saints' quarterbackDrew Brees in 2018,^[162] and Brees was surpassed by Tom Brady in2021.^[163]
• Super Bowl 50: Became the first quarterback in NFL history to lead two different teams to multiple Super Bowl berths and wins. Manning led theIndianapolis Colts to Super BowlsXLI andXLIV – the former of which the Colts won, with Manning winningMost Valuable Player honors; he also led the Broncos toSuper Bowl XLVIII (a loss) and won Super Bowl 50.^[164] At the time, Manning was the oldest quarterback to lead a team to aSuper Bowl berth and victory, as well as the NFL's all-time leader in combined regular season and playoff wins – records that have since been surpassed by Tom Brady.^[165][166]

• Brandon McManus:
  • Week 1: Became the second kicker inNFL history to make multiple field goals of 56 or more yards in the same game, joiningSt. Louis Rams' kickerGreg Zuerlein, who achieved that feat in2012.^[167]
  • Divisional playoffs: Set a new franchise record and tied an NFL record for field goals in a playoff game, with five.^[146]
• Von Miller:
  • Week 2: Miller recorded his 50th careersack in his 58th game, becoming the third-fastest player in NFL history behindDerrick Thomas (54 games) andReggie White (40 games) to achieve that feat.^[168]
  • 2015 season: Became only the third player in Broncos' franchise history to be selected to at least fourPro Bowls within the first five years with the team, joiningSteve Atwater andFloyd Little.^[169]
  • AFC Championship: Set a franchise record with 2.5 sacks in a playoff game.^[170]
• Jordan Norwood: At the time, Norwood set an NFL record for the longest punt return inSuper Bowl history, with a 61-yard return,^[171] untilKansas City Chiefs'wide receiverKadarius Toney surpassed that record with a 65-yard punt return inSuper Bowl LVII.^[172]
• Demaryius Thomas:
  • Week 17: SurpassedRod Smith for the most 100-yard receiving games in franchise history, with 32.^[173]
  • 2015 season: Became only the third wide receiver in NFL history to achieve at least 90 catches, 1,300 yards and five touchdowns in four consecutive seasons, joiningMarvin Harrison andJerry Rice.^[173]

Four Broncos were selected to the2016 Pro Bowl:CornerbacksChris Harris, Jr. andAqib Talib, andlinebackersVon Miller andDeMarcus Ware. LinebackerBrandon Marshall,wide receiverDemaryius Thomas,guardLouis Vasquez andsafetyT. J. Ward were named as reserves.^[169] However, due to participation inSuper Bowl 50, none of them participated in the Pro Bowl. Harris and Miller were also voted to the2015All-Pro Team – Miller was named to the First team, while Harris was named to the Second Team.^[185]

• On March 4,quarterbackPeyton Manning agreed to a restructured contract that paid him$15 million for the2015 season. Under the original contract that Manning signed in2012, Manning had been slated to earn $19 million in 2015.^[186] Manning earned back $2 million with the Broncos' win over theNew England Patriots in theAFC Championship, and earned an additional $2 million with the Broncos'Super Bowl 50 win.^[171]
• Tight endOwen Daniels, who was signed at the beginning of the free agency period in March, played the first ten years of hisNFL career (2006–15) under the tutelage ofhead coach Gary Kubiak and tight ends coachBrian Pariani. Daniels played eight seasons with theHouston Texans from 2006 to 2013 and one season with theBaltimore Ravens in2014, the latter of which Kubiak served as an offensive coordinator.^[59] Daniels was released on March 8, 2016, after only one season with the Broncos.^[187]