Bo Nix gave the Denver Broncos the kind of return they wanted after missing their preseason opener. The quarterback looked comfortable coming back from his ankle injury and showed that being sidelined for months did not affect his play.
Nix’s performance also offered an early look at Denver’s revamped offense, giving PFN analysts another reason to keep their starting quarterback out of harm’s way.
PFN Analysts Urge Broncos to Protect Bo NixNix needed only two drives to make his presence felt against the Green Bay Packers. He completed six of nine passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, posting a 129.9 passer rating while leading Denver to points on both possessions.
His first series ended with a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back RJ Harvey. The second produced a 53-yard field goal from Wil Lutz before Nix left the game after just 14 snaps.
The quarterback has also established a connection with new wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. On the third play of the game, Nix found Waddle for a 35-yard gain, giving Denver an early glimpse of the big-play potential in its revamped passing attack.
That connection becomes even more pronounced alongside Courtland Sutton.
The Broncos are one of only three NFL teams with two wide receivers who posted a top-20 PFN WR Impact Score in 2025. Waddle and Sutton give Nix two high-level options, making an already talented offense even more dangerous in 2026.
START PREPARING:PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
PFN analyst Kyle Soppe immediately highlighted the potential of the new connection. He wrote, “So much to like with this connection. Alpha WR1 season loading. Series ends with Harvey TD catch … only 2 RBs had more a season ago. Defense gets the hype, but this offense will be a PROBLEM.”
PFN Director of Media Partnerships Jacob Infante pointed to the overall support around Nix as a reason this season could be important for the quarterback.
Infante wrote, “Bo Nix has all the pieces around him to take another jump in 2026. Great coaching staff, great OL, talented WR duo in Sutton and Waddle. This year is gonna be huge towards determining what his ceiling really is.”
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM:PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
With Nix already looking comfortable in his return, PFN’s fantasy football expert Jason Katz sees little value in giving him more preseason work. Katz wrote, “We’ve seen enough, coach. Put Bo on ice until Week 1. He’s ready.”
PFN Deputy Editor Alex Kennedy went further in assessing how much Nix’s health could mean for Denver’s postseason hopes. Kennedy wrote, “If Bo Nix didn’t get hurt last postseason, the Broncos would’ve advanced to the Super Bowl.”
NFL Draft analyst Ian Cummings also focused on Nix’s movement and accuracy after the injury. Cummings wrote, “In his first action (albeit preseason) back from the ankle injury, I thought Bo Nix looked about as good as you’d want a starting-caliber QB to look. Looked effortless going on the move, timed route breaks perfectly & got this TD with feathery touch.”
Nix has already answered the biggest question surrounding his return. After two efficient drives and no obvious limitations, Denver has little reason to expose its starting quarterback to additional preseason hits.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
Leave a Comment