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In his first two seasons in the league, quarterback Bo Nix led the Denver Broncos on an improbable run to the playoffs in 2024 before leading them to the AFC Championship game in 2025. He's put together tremendous counting stats, completing 64.8% of his passes for 7,706 yards and 54 touchdowns versus 23 interceptions. He's also amassed nearly 800 rushing yards and nine touchdowns with his legs, adding value to the Broncos' running game.
The former Oregon Duck, despite suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him for the AFC Championship game and forced him to have surgery, appears to be on an ascending path with greatness in his future.
Not so fast, CBS Sports' Garrett Podell says.
Podell listed Nix as one of the most overrated quarterbacks heading into the 2026 season alongside Baker Mayfield and Caleb Williams, citing his lack of downfield passing ability and strong roster Denver has compiled around him.
"Bo Nix is an incredibly unique quarterback," Podell wrote. "He led the NFL with 612 passing attempts in 2025, but he failed to crack 4,000 yards passing, thanks to an average of 6.4 yards per attempt that ranked 28th among 33 qualified quarterbacks. That average was sandwiched in between washed versions of Aaron Rodgers (6.7 yards per pass attempt) and Kirk Cousins (also 6.4 yards per pass attempt)."
Podell then referenced the Broncos' inability to put away subpar opponents, such as their 19-3 home win over the Los Angeles Chargers and one-score victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun on Christmas. Denver also finished with the fourth-most punts in the league in 2025.
"He benefits from a strong offensive line and a strong defense," Podell continued. "Add in the ankle injury, and it will be interesting to see what happens next in his career."
It's undoubtedly true that the Broncos have an extremely strong roster, especially in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball. Has Nix been aided by both? Yes, absolutely. But the former Oregon standout has also been operating with a below-average skill position group, with wide receiver Courtland Sutton as the headliner. The Broncos have cycled through running backs and tight ends during his two seasons.
But entering 2026, Denver traded for speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, finally giving Nix a game-breaker on the outside. Whether he capitalizes on that remains to be seen, but to call Nix overrated may be a step too far — especially this early in his career.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: 'Overrated;' CBS Sports' description of Bo Nix heading into Year 3
