Run, Bo Nix, run: How Broncos can fix their struggling offense heading into crucial AFC West matchup against Chiefs

The Denver Broncos are tied with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts for the best record (8-2) in the NFL, but you wouldn't guess that after watching their erratic offense.

After 10 weeks, Denver ranks 13th in the league in yards gained (334.6) and 17th in points scored (23.5). In a 10-7 Week 10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the unit had one of its worst performances, averaging 3.9 yards per play (220 yards on 57 plays), well below the league average.

Some blame falls on quarterback Bo Nix, who seems to be experiencing a second-year slide after finishing third in 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. He's completing a subpar 60.9 percent of his passes after completing 66.3 percent last season. How do the Broncos help the 25-year-old passer snap out of his funk?

Broncos HC Sean Payton explains how he can better position Bo Nix

During his Wednesday news conference, Payton hinted that his play-calling must improve to kick-start the offense. 

"To go where we want to go, there has to be [offensive] improvement, and certainly we understand that," the coach said. "It's not Bo. I think it's part of the whole process. We are always looking to find easy completions."

Letting Nix use his legs more could help Payton find those completions. Per Pro Football Focus, the QB is averaging 4.7 designed runs per game (47 in 10 games) after logging 5.4 designed runs (92 in 17 games) last season. While that may seem counterintuitive, using him in the ground game can help him relax and, in turn, improve his accuracy. 

"Early in games, I think it could help by moving him around. Get him outside of the pocket," CBS Sports' Matt Ryan, a former Atlanta Falcons QB, said per The Denver Post's Troy Renck. "He's a guy, from my outside perspective, who has a lot of fast-twitch to him. I played with a lot of running backs and receivers who were that way. And I think a physical play early on or something designed could help him slow the game down."

It could also prove useful against the Kansas City Chiefs defense in a Week 11 game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver at 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS). The unit struggles to stop mobile QBs.  

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen shredded the Chiefs on the ground and through the air in a 28-21 Week 9 win. He rushed for two TDs and completed a season-high 88.5 percent of his passes. 

That's not saying Nix would produce similar stats, but it could help the Broncos craft the offensive game plan they need to win the pivotal AFC West matchup. Per The Athletic, Denver's chances of winning the division increase from 48 percent to 69 percent if it beats K.C. (5-4). With that in mind, now seems like the perfect time to make use of Nix's wheels.