Nix Named Broncos' Week 1 Starter

Bo Nix has been one of the most talked-about prospects from this year’s draft, with many questioning whether the Denver Broncos overreached by selecting him 12th overall. Despite the initial skepticism, Nix has impressed throughout training camp and the preseason, earning the attention of observers across the league. While the competition between Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson was intense, it was Nix who emerged as the frontrunner. Head Coach Sean Payton confirmed this past week that the rookie will be the Broncos' starting quarterback for Week 1.

Nix has undoubtedly earned this opportunity. His performance this offseason has made it clear why Coach Payton has chosen to move in this direction. With the team’s struggles last season and nearly a decade of instability at the quarterback position, Payton and the Broncos are counting on their first-round pick to deliver. The 24-year-old quarterback has demonstrated a solid grasp of the offense through three preseason games, with his most recent performance standing out. Nix led two scoring drives and showcased his ability to make accurate, anticipatory throws—traits that captivated Coach Payton during the pre-draft evaluation process. Nix’s accuracy, in particular, was widely regarded as his standout skill, and Payton was vocal about his admiration for the young quarterback after a team workout leading up to the draft. Payton recalled being so impressed that he had to ask fellow evaluators if they could believe what they were seeing; the consensus was that Nix is indeed a special talent.

With the starting quarterback now set, Denver’s focus shifts to preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos will travel to Seattle to face the formidable "12th Man" in what is arguably one of the most hostile environments in sports. Sending a rookie quarterback into such a challenging situation comes with high expectations and significant pressure. The track record for rookie quarterbacks making their first start isn’t favorable, and the difficulty is only magnified by having to do so in Seattle. However, Coach Payton is confident that Nix has what it takes to rise to the occasion and give Denver the best chance to win. In what will be one of the most eagerly anticipated debuts for a Broncos quarterback in recent memory, Nix and his teammates face a daunting task and even greater expectations.