Bo Nix has become a fan favorite among Denver Broncos supporters thanks to his impressive performances during the NFL season, yet national media outlets continue to undervalue his contributions. Despite leading the Broncos to a 14-3 record and securing the top AFC seed, Nix’s standing remains surprisingly low in key NFL rankings as the offseason progresses.
Strong Playoffs Marred by Injury but Overlooked in Rankings
During the divisional playoff round, Nix played a vital role in Denver’s narrow 33-30 victory over Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, showcasing his capabilities at the highest level. Unfortunately, a broken ankle prevented him from competing in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots, a game the Broncos lost 10-7. Even with this significant resume, recent quarterback rankings have not reflected his success adequately.
Ranking Discrepancies Spark Debate Over Nix’s NFL Status
NFL.com’s Nick Shook placed Nix 18th among the 63 quarterbacks who started at least one game in 2025, a position many view as unjustified. Nix ranked eighth in passing yards with nearly 4,000 and tied for ninth in touchdown passes with 25, while also contributing to Denver’s league-tied most wins. Yet, Shook’s list ranked several quarterbacks above him, including Dak Prescott (3rd), Justin Herbert (5th), Joe Burrow (10th), Daniel Jones (12th), and Aaron Rodgers (16th).
The placement of Joe Burrow is particularly questioned since he appeared in only eight games during the season. This ranking discrepancy suggests that, despite Nix’s on-field achievements, his perception is still heavily influenced by his status as the sixth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
2024 Draft Class Rankings Keep Nix in the Shadows
Further reinforcing this undervaluation, ESPN analyst Mina Kimes sorted the 2024 quarterback draft class and positioned Nix fourth behind Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels. Kimes acknowledged Nix’s early career achievements but maintained the ranking.
After that, I’m gonna go Bo Nix, he’s obviously had a lot of success in the league already,
Mina Kimes, ESPN analyst
Bo Nix holds a record shared with Russell Wilson for the most wins by an NFL quarterback through their first two seasons, tallying 24 victories with the Broncos—10-7 in his rookie year and a remarkable 14-3 last season. However, Nix remains behind quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels, whose Washington Commanders struggled last year due to injuries and finished 5-12, raising questions about the fairness of these rankings.
The Challenge Ahead for Bo Nix to Gain Full Recognition
Though leading the Broncos deep into the postseason has not yet translated into widespread respect, future opportunities await. Nix’s ability to carry Denver to the AFC Championship confirmed his talent, but to alter perceptions on a national level, bringing home the Lombardi Trophy in the next season could be the defining moment necessary to solidify his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
.@minakimes re-ranks the 2024 QB class, a group already shaping up to be one of the league’s most impressive 👀 pic.twitter.com/w6x44HEFlg
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 12, 2026
