3 Greatest Playoff Performances in Denver Broncos History

The Denver Broncos are a team many are excited about for the 2020 NFL season, with a young, explosive offense that could bring some firepower back to Denver. They also have a shot to make the postseason, where there have been many terrific performances by the Broncos in the past.

With that in mind, here are three best playoff performances in Broncos history.

3. Peyton Manning, 2013 AFC Championship

Manning passes for 400 yards in the AFC Championship. / Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Peyton Manning wasn't a Bronco for long, but he quickly established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Broncos history. He led the Broncos to victory over long-time rival Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the 2013 AFC Championship Game, completing 32-of-43 passes for 400 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game. He completed a pass to eight different receivers, but it was Demaryius Thomas who was his favorite target, finishing with 134 yards and a touchdown. While it ended in a Super Bowl loss, Manning passed for over 900 yards in this playoff run.

2. John Elway, 1986 AFC Championship

John Elway becomes a legend with "The Drive." / Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Of course, "The Drive" makes it onto the list. While quarterback John Elway's final stats 244 passing yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception, to go along with 56 rushing yards, may not seem overly impressive, but he punctuated the game with one of the NFL's most iconic drives. Elway would take his team 98 yards for a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter, and the Broncos would win by 3 points in overtime to advance to the Super Bowl. While Denver came up short, this playoff run was a big part in creating the legend that we think of Elway as today.

1. Terrell Davis, Super Bowl XXXII

Terrell Davis wins Super Bowl MVP. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Broncos had the daunting task of facing Brett Favre and the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII — a task that was so difficult that it gave running back Terrell Davis a migraine. Well, maybe that wasn't the reason, but Davis did overcome a migraine headache to lead the Broncos to victory. He finished with 30 carries for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a goal line carry late in the fourth quarter to put them over the top. He would be named the MVP of the game. This historic four-game run in the playoffs featured Davis carrying the rock 112 times for 581 yards and 9 touchdowns.

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