Broncos QB Bo Nix on the verge of tying Russell Wilson record in Week 18

The Denver Broncos replaced quarterback Russell Wilson with Bo Nix in 2024, which has worked out. 

In his second season in Denver, Nix is 13-3 in 16 starts and has the team in position to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC. If the Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) on Sunday, they'll do just that. The quarterback will also tie one of Wilson's records. 

Bo Nix can tie this Russell Wilson record in Week 18

Nix has a 23-10 record in 33 starts for Denver. He would tie Wilson's record for most regular-season wins by a QB through his first two seasons if the Broncos win Sunday at home. (The Super Bowl champion went 24-8 in his first two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.) Don't be surprised if they do. 

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has confirmed he's sitting starting QB Justin Herbert (fractured left hand) to help him get healthy before the playoffs. Backup QB Trey Lance is set to start against Denver on Sunday, only increasing its chances of winning. As of Thursday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Broncos as a 12.5-point favorite. 

Nix didn't address tying Wilson's mark or Herbert's absence during his Wednesday news conference. He's just focused on taking care of business against the Chargers so the Broncos can play in an electric atmosphere during the postseason. 

"I'm excited, I haven't played a playoff game yet in our stadium," the QB said. "The [fans] have just been getting better and better as the season's finished. The last three home games we've had have been special atmospheres."

The Broncos, who have a 7-1 home record this season, last hosted a playoff game during the 2015 season. That season, they won their third Super Bowl. 

Going on another deep postseason run would help Broncos fans forget about Wilson's disastrous tenure in Denver. After the Seahawks traded him to the Broncos in March 2022, the 10-time Pro Bowler went 11-19 as a starter for the AFC West club and was released in March 2024. 

He has since struggled in stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, going 6-8 in his past 14 starts. After Week 3 of this season, New York benched him in favor of rookie QB Jaxson Dart, and he has since been demoted to QB3 behind Jameis Winston. 

Denver made the right call when it took Nix with pick No. 12 in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's already proving to be a successful Wilson replacement, whether he ties his record on Sunday or not.