Denver's Defense Rescues 17-14 Overtime Win

Wil Lutz kicked a 53-yard field goal in overtime Thursday night, giving the Denver Broncos a 17-14 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 15, 2026. Denver’s defense created the opening when Ja'Quan McMillian intercepted Sam Darnold in sudden death, setting the Broncos up at Seattle’s 43-yard line.

Denver’s offense gained only 36 yards on eight second-half possessions. Bo Nix threw for 107 yards and offered no downfield threat; several Broncos drives ended in three-and-outs. Denver led by 11 at halftime, but its defense and Lutz’s kick secured the win.

The Overtime Turnover

Seattle got the ball first in overtime. The Seahawks faced third-and-7 at their own 28 when Darnold threw toward double coverage along the sideline. McMillian intercepted the pass, giving the Broncos possession at Seattle’s 43. Sean Payton called three straight running plays, using time while positioning the ball for Lutz.

Lutz made the 53-yard field goal. That kick ended a night in which Denver’s offense had produced little after halftime. McMillian’s interception gave Denver its field position, and Payton’s three runs set up the winning kick.

Denver took a 14-3 halftime lead on two touchdown drives, each capped by a short run. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey scored. The Broncos controlled possession in the first half, but their offense faded after the break. Their defense had to protect the lead as Seattle battled back.

Seattle Forces the Comeback

George Holani scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Darnold completed a two-point conversion pass to Rashid Shaheed, cutting Denver’s lead to 14-11. Seattle moved within a field goal after Denver’s offense struggled to keep drives alive.

Denver stalled with barely a minute left. Jason Myers made a 34-yard field goal with three seconds remaining, tying the score at 14-14 and forcing overtime. Seattle erased Denver’s halftime advantage, but couldn’t score on its first overtime possession.

Seattle gained 353 yards. Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 12 passes for 134 yards, but the Seahawks’ three turnovers proved costly. Denver’s defense sacked Darnold five times and forced all three turnovers, even without Patrick Surtain II.

Denver’s Defense Delivers

Nik Bonitto stripped Shaheed in scoring territory, and Kris Abrams-Draine intercepted Darnold in the fourth quarter. McMillian added the third turnover with his overtime interception. Those plays offset Denver’s limited second-half production and gave the Broncos the possession that ended the game.

The win moved Denver to 4-2, behind undefeated Kansas City. Payton had a mini-bye before Denver was scheduled to host the Arizona Cardinals. The report called it an “ugly offensive night” and described the offense as having “zero downfield threat.” Denver won anyway. Its defense made the decisive plays, and Lutz finished the final possession with a 53-yard field goal.