The Denver Broncos are hoping they can finish the season on a strong note on Sunday when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders. After a disastrous start to the year, the Broncos have put themselves in a position to secure their first winning season in years.

Denver Broncos eager for strong finish before wild offseason begins

The discourse surrounding this Broncos football team at 1-5 held very little hope in the eyes of the fanbase. Then they rattled off a five-game winning streak and put themselves back into the conversation of being in the hunt for the playoffs.

That five-game stretch and several of the games afterward was a high for Broncos Country. Even though Denver is officially out of the playoff race, they have the chance to secure their first winning record since 2016 if they win on Sunday.

All circumstances considered Denver’s turnaround this season is worthy of praise and recognition.

A win on Sunday would be a nice way to enter the offseason, even with a lot of anticipated changes that paint uncertainty on the direction and future of the team.

“I think getting nine wins is important, and I think it’s important for our players to understand that,” Sean Payton said this week. “I think they do, as well. Heading into next season—there are a ton of these peaks and valleys during any NFL season. When you look at a team like Philadelphia—it just comes with everyone. Certainly, we had our fair share, but I think finishing strong is important.”

The Broncos have lost seven straight games to the Raiders and are looking to snap that streak. They were able to snap their losing streak to the Chiefs earlier in the year, and a win on Sunday would serve as a step in the right direction.

Two Broncos selected for prestigious media awards

Each year, local media compiles a list of votes through the PFWA Writers Denver Chapter to select players for the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP Award and Darrent Williams Good Guy Award.

For the second consecutive season, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain has taken home the honor of being selected as the 2023 recipient of the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP Award. The award was created to honor the late great Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

Surtain’s on-field play has exemplified what it means to be the most valuable player on the team. This is the second honor he’s received this week on top of being selected for the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games.

Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey was the recipient of the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award as voted on by local media. One thing that stood out to us about McGlinchey has always been his willingness to talk to the media after wins, losses, good moments, or tough moments. He’s exemplified accountability and hasn’t shied away from answering difficult questions.

Last year’s recipient was former offensive guard Dalton Risner.

Broncos place Delarrin Turner-Yell on injured reserve

The Broncos placed second-year safety and special teams ace Delarrin Turner-Yell on injured reserve on Thursday after he suffered a torn ACL in the team’s 16-6 win against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Denver’s current roster sits at 52 players, and it’s likely that the team will elevate a player to their 53-man roster on Friday or Saturday ahead of their game against the Raiders.

Turner-Yell has emerged as one of Denver’s top special teams players this season alongside Tremon Smith, Riley Moss, and Justin Strnad. He’ll undergo surgery at some point and will likely not be ready for the start of training camp.

His injury could lead to JL Skinner seeing his first game action of the year on Sunday against the Raiders.