Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Watch: Broncos' rookies connect on 43-yard TD pass vs. Bills

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jan 12, 2025 1:42 PM ET

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix and rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin appear to be clicking at the right time.

On their first drive in Sunday's road wild-card matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Nix threw a 43-yard touchdown to Franklin, giving Denver a 7-0 lead.

BO TO FRANKLIN FOR SIX!

: #DENvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/NlPLNlHQI8
— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025

Nix and Franklin were teammates at Oregon. In two seasons with the Ducks, the quarterback threw 74 touchdown passes and posted an above-average 177.8 passer rating, while the wide receiver recorded 25 touchdown catches in three seasons.

However, the former Oregon stars have struggled to develop chemistry in Denver. In 16 regular-season games, Franklin finished with 28 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdown catches. Nix, meanwhile, had 29 TD passes in 17 regular-season starts.

Denver's passing attack could be much more explosive if Nix and Franklin continue to strengthen their connection. In the regular season, the Broncos ranked 20th in the league in passing yards (212.4). Per Pro Football Reference, Nix finished 30th among 39 eligible QBs in yards per pass attempt (6.7).

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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