Eye-popping stat puts Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix in same company as four Super Bowl MVPs

Attribute Nix's recent tear to his experience at the college level. In five seasons at Auburn and Oregon, the 24-year-old started in an NCAA-record 61 games, shortening his NFL learning curve.  

"That's helped a lot," Nix told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer after Sunday's 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. "Any time you can see a safety movement or a defense or front, and run it against the play, you're going to carry it with you. That's what I've been able to see a lot of. It's translating and carrying over. It's just seeing things really well and efficiently moving the ball down the field, doing whatever the offense needs, whether it's a run check or a protection check or a man-zone pass."

Credit Broncos head coach Sean Payton as well. After Nix had a season-low 60 passing yards in a 10-9 Week 4 win over the Jets, Payton reiterated he still believed in the rookie QB. The vote of confidence has paid dividends.

Nix may surpass Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels as the Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite. As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives Nix the second-best odds (+150) to win the award behind Daniels (-180).

More importantly, the No. 12 overall pick could pilot the Broncos (7-5) to their first playoff appearance since 2015. Denver would have the No. 7 seed in the AFC if the season ended Monday. 

The Broncos should feel stoked about Nix's trajectory. His rapid rise suggests they may have found a staple at the most important position after searching for one for nearly a decade.