NFL analyst suggests Bo Nix’s Rookie of the Year candidacy could hinge on TNF showdown
Bo Nix is on the doorstep of getting the Denver Broncos to a level they have not seen since they reached Super Bowl 50. By this time of year in every season from 2016-2023, the team has been eliminated. However, with one more win, Denver will clinch a playoff spot, extending their season by at least one game.
The playoffs are not the only thing at stake. Speaking on "Good Morning Football," NFL analyst Peter Schrager claimed Thursday's game could be the last chance for Nix to make a memorable impression in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
"Go off tonight, go have a big game," Schrager said. "Go have one of those four touchdown, zero interception games, throw for 300 yards, go into L.A. with the only game in town being Chargers versus Broncos and all eyeballs on there because a lot of these voters right now, they're just sportswriters who are covering games on Sundays." (01:07)
"They're not watching Bo Nix. They're looking at box scores and this might be Bo Nix's last time to do it in primetime in front of the entire country. Go out there, win these games, solidify a playoff spot for the first time since Peyton Manning was the quarterback in Denver and go have a big statistical outing on a prime-time game," he added. (01:45)
Nix has thrown for 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season, already clinching the team's first winning season since 2016.
Bo Nix trails biggest ROTY competition in many major categories
Bo Nix's biggest Rookie of the Year competition is Jayden Daniels. The Washington Commanders quarterback has the lead in multiple statistical categories, including completion percentage, passing yards, interceptions and passer rating.
Nix has more passing touchdowns, but the overall ratio of 17 touchdowns to six interceptions beats out 20 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in most circles.
As such, delivering as many passing touchdowns as possible in the next three games will be paramount. Improving the completion percentage and passer rating would help as well, but at this point in the season, the sample size might be too big to alter.
If Bo Nix can tower his passing touchdown total over Daniels while improving the other categories, he arguably has a shot.
However, as the Denver Broncos look at the ability to skip the need to win out in the regular season, Nix might need to win out in the statistics category.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk" and H/T Sportskeeda.