Nik Bonitto made a game-saving play in the final moments, swatting away Marcus Mariota’s two-point conversion attempt and securing a 27-26 overtime victory for the Denver Broncos over the Washington Commanders, marking Denver’s ninth straight win. Bonitto, wearing a cast to protect his injured wrist, also recorded a sack, finishing a stellar defensive effort that offset the Commanders’ statistical advantages in first downs, total yards, and time of possession.
Bo Nix threw for 321 yards and a touchdown but also tossed an interception, while running back R.J. Harvey scored twice, including the decisive 5-yard touchdown run in overtime. Mariota passed for 294 yards, two scores, and an interception. The game featured four lead changes and was tied 20-20 at the end of regulation. After Harvey’s overtime touchdown, Mariota led the Commanders on a 65-yard drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin. On the subsequent two-point attempt, Bonitto leaped and deflected the ball, ensuring the Broncos’ road victory.
The back-and-forth contest saw Broncos kicker Wil Lutz open the scoring with a 33-yard field goal, while Dre Greenlaw’s early interception set up another field goal. The Commanders responded with Chris Rodriguez’s 8-yard touchdown run. Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for an 11-yard score, and Treylon Burks added a one-handed touchdown catch for Washington, giving the Commanders a brief 14-13 lead. Harvey’s 1-yard run, combined with Jake Moody’s two fourth-quarter field goals, forced overtime.
Coach Sean Payton praised his team’s resilience, saying, “The journey of a good team’s season involves games like this. And then you believe you can do it again.” The Broncos (10-2) will face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) next Sunday in Las Vegas, while the Commanders (3-9) travel to play the Minnesota Vikings (4-8).