Broncos' Bo Nix's peers just added to the growing debate between him and Lamar Jackson following his place in the NFL Top-100

Bo Nix has been a hot topic this offseason between his injury recovery and recent comments from Colin Cowherd when it comes to the debate between Lamar Jackson and the Broncos starter. The NFL has now weighed in.

The NFL Top 100 list is out, and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has been voted the 59th best player in the league by his peers following the 2025 season. That ranking carries significant weight for the second-year signal caller, and it places him 10 spots above 2-time MVP Lamar Jackson on the same list.

That gap between Nix and Jackson adds fuel to a debate that was already burning. Colin Cowherd stirred the pot last week when he said he would take Nix over Jackson. Now, the players themselves have given Cowherd some ammunition. The rest of the NFL apparently agrees with his assessment, at least based on this vote.

Bo Nix’s fourth-quarter heroics earned him this spot

The ranking makes sense when you consider Nix’s production in the clutch. He posted some of the most fourth-quarter comebacks in the entire NFL during the 2025 season. And if you watch his full segment on NFL Network, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II basically reveals that a different version of Nix takes the field when Denver falls behind. It’s like a switch flips. When the Broncos need him to come up clutch and win the game, he transforms into a different player.

That ability to elevate in high-leverage moments is rare. It’s one of the traits that separates franchise quarterbacks from the rest of the pack. Nix showed it over and over again last season, and his teammates clearly took notice.

The challenge for Nix and the Broncos in 2026

But here’s the thing. While fourth-quarter Nix is a great weapon to have, Denver needs him to bring that same energy from the opening snap. He needs to start games better. He needs to put the Broncos ahead early instead of constantly digging out of holes.

The good news? Everyone in the building knows it. Sean Payton has been open about it. The players have acknowledged it. Nix himself has been vocal about the need to play a complete four quarters. That kind of self-awareness, paired with a coaching staff that refuses to sugarcoat the issue, is a promising combination heading into 2026.

The truth is, if Nix can bring his comeback mentality to the first three quarters of games, the Broncos are going to be a problem for the rest of the league. Their defense is already one of the best in the NFL. An offense operating at Nix’s fourth-quarter level for a full 60 minutes would make Denver one of the most complete teams in football.

The ranking at No. 59 feels like a floor for Nix. If he takes the next step in year three under Payton and eliminates those slow starts, this time next year, he could be climbing well into the top 30.

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