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.