Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix continues to solidify himself as the future of the franchise

On the road against K.C., Nix completed 22 of 30 passes for 215 yards and two TDs. Although the Broncos botched a game-winning field-goal attempt, he earned NFL Rookie of the Week Thursday.

Going toe-to-toe with the defending Super Bowl champions and a two-time MVP in Mahomes proves Nix is on the right trajectory.

The Oregon product has steadily improved after failing to throw a TD pass in his first three games. Through 10 starts, he has 10 TD passes and six interceptions and has posted an above-average 54.4 QBR. 

The Broncos (5-5) have a solid chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. If Denver beats the Atlanta Falcons (6-4) in a home game Sunday, its postseason odds will increase from 56 to 64 percent, per NFL.com.

Nix, 24, isn't benefiting from an elite supporting cast. Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Courtland Sutton is the only Broncos receiver with multiple TD catches (three in 10 games). Giving Nix more playmakers this offseason should take his game to the next level. 

When the Broncos took Nix with the 12th overall pick, longtime draft expert Todd McShay ripped Denver and claimed 10 talent evaluators had a second-round grade on the QB. 

"I do think he's going to wind up being better in Denver than he would've been just about anywhere else in the league as a second-round pick," McShay said on "The Ryen Russillo Podcast" in April. "But my goodness, this is an arrogant pick. This is an arrogant pick."

Nix is showing why Denver made the right choice. He could have more close battles with Mahomes throughout his career and steer the franchise out of irrelevancy.