This could be the best predictor of Patrick Surtain II bringing home the A.P. Defensive Player of the Year award.

The team went 10-7 and secured the No. 7 seed in the AFC, riding Nix's command of the offense and an elite defense. Anchored by two-time All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, the Broncos’ defense was one of the league’s best, ranking third in points allowed per game (18.3).

Surtain, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was also honored as a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the second time in his career. On Monday, he was one of four Bronco players, including outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, punt returner Marvin Mims Jr. and right guard Quinn Meinerz, to be named to the PFWA’s All-NFL team.