Broncos rookie QB delivers in route of Raiders

Stat line: 19 for 27, 206 passing yards, two touchdowns; five carries, 13 yards and a TD

Highlight: Nix hit a different gear in the fourth quarter, leading two touchdown drives. Nix punctuated an 8-play, 58-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. With under nine minutes to go in regulation, Nix completed a 24-yard pass near the sideline to wideout Courtland Sutton, then found Josh Reynolds in the back of the end zone for a 9-yard score.

Lowlight: The play of the game fell apart in the third quarter. With 1:46 left, Nix launched the ball into the end zone to a wide-open Franklin — who dropped the touchdown catch. The ball was slightly overthrown but it was a catchable pass that should’ve resulted in six points.

Analysis: Nix was efficient, completing 70% of his passes. At the same time, the play calling Sunday was conservative until late in the game. The majority of Nix’s passes were behind the line of scrimmage. He hit wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey with a short pass that resulted in a 27-yard gain in the third quarter. A few plays later, his short completion to running back Jaleel McLaughlin resulted in a touchdown. After Nix’s sideline exchange with head coach Sean Payton, he played with fire — a pleasant sign from the rookie.

Unsung Hero

WR Marvin Mims Jr.: Denver’s second-year wideout made his presence felt on Sunday. He had a 17-yard carry in the first quarter. In the third, Mims returned a punt 38 yards into Raiders’ territory. Denver has been waiting for Mims to make an impact. The victory against the Raiders is a start.