When the Denver Broncos beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5, it was the biggest win in years. When they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11, that was the next biggest game in years, but Sunday’s win over the Green Bay Packers is right up there as one of the most significant performances of this season, and for the past few years.

Today’s Hottest Take: Sunday’s win over the Packers is arguably the most significant of the year

The Broncos have had plenty of tests this season, but Sunday’s game against the Packers was the latest, and Denver was the underdog going into the game. Denver is used to being an underdog and thrives. This time it resulted in arguably the biggest win of the year.

Philadelphia was the reigning Super Bowl champion, but they have had clear flaws this season. Kansas City has been a dynasty and is in the division, but they aren’t even a playoff team (thankfully).

Green Bay had been trending up, though. Quarterback Jordan Love has been on a tear and is, in some people’s eyes, an MVP candidate. In the first half of Sunday’s game, he looked the part. Through two quarters, Love completed 17 of his 22 pass attempts for 215 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. Frankly, Love was torching a normally stout Broncos defense.

Love got the ball out quickly, so the Denver pass rush was a non-factor, and when he had more time in the pocket, he hurt Denver deep down the field.

The second half was an entirely different story, though. Denver ended the day with just three sacks, two of which came in the closing minutes of the game, but the secondary more than did its job in the second half.

Cornerback Patrick Surtain II came up with a crucial pick with the team down nine points at the beginning of the third quarter. Denver went on a run, regained the lead and the cornerback Riley Moss came up with another.

In the second half, Love was seven of 18 for 61 passing yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Denver defense hasn’t been immune to strong offensive play, but it has rarely found a way to recover.

At this rate, the Broncos might be the most battle-tested team in the league. Denver has won 10 one-score games against a range of teams from bad to great. The Broncos have kept finding ways to win, and beating a team like Green Bay this way proves their status as a clear contender. After hardly beating struggling opponents or getting “lucky” wins over good teams, this is just how Denver plays, and it has the team sitting atop the AFC.

What You Need To Know: Broncos may need to lean on Nix once again

A win Sunday afternoon against the Jacksonville Jaguars would secure the No. 1 seed for Denver going into the playoffs, but to get the job done, they may need another great performance from quarterback Bo Nix.

The second-year passer had potentially the best game of his career Sunday against Green Bay. Against a good rush defense in the Jaguars, though, he will need to bring his A-game again this weekend.

Jacksonville’s defense runs through its run defense, and Denver isn’t getting much from its rushers. Rookie RJ Harvey had a great game two weeks ago against the Las Vegas Raiders, but the most recent game was a return to form.

Harvey has been a great rookie, but he was best when utilized as the change-of-pace back. Now that he’s the starter, he hasn’t been overly efficient. Green Bay is a great defense, but his 3.4 yards per carry on 19 attempts was just decent. While it may not be of much importance, Denver did recently sign former Los Angeles Rams running back Cody Schrader off waivers. He likely isn’t a part of the offense, but he could earn a few attempts if Denver is desperate for answers. If Nix is playing how he did Sunday, there’s no doubt he gives the team its best chance to win.

Before You Go: Brandon Jones is out for the remainder of the regular season

Unfortunately for the Broncos, they will be without safety Brandon Jones for the rest of the regular season. Jones had appeared in every game this season, but after suffering an injury on Sunday, he was placed on IR. Now, he’ll be required to miss the rest of the regular season, but he could return in the postseason.

P.J. Locke earned more reps Sunday because of the injury to Jones. While Locke was replaced by safety Talanoa Hufanga this offseason, Denver has a player available who used to get starter reps. Locke isn’t the player Jones is, but his experience will be crucial for a team looking to lock down a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the playoffs.