Game story
In Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season on 2024-09-22, the Denver Broncos took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 26–7 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Nix (Denver Broncos) paced the passing game, with +6.62 total EPA, and +4.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, B. Nix (Denver Broncos) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.62 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-15.0% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (5:25) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 22-B.Jones at TB 46. 22-B.Jones to TB 9 for 37 yards (78-T.Wirfs; 1-R.White).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 14 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 B. Nix · Denver Broncos · Passing · +6.62 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 2 B. Irving · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +3.33 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 3 J. Reynolds · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.45 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.23 EPA/play
- 4 B. Nix · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +2.05 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 5 J. Williams · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.38 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 6 T. Badie · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +1.12 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 7 B. Irving · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +0.97 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 8 J. McLaughlin · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +0.94 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
B. Nix — DEN · Passing
B. Nix posted the highest total EPA (+6.62) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Denver Broncos's efficiency. Across 43 counted snaps, they averaged +0.15 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.89 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (5:25) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 22-B.Jones at TB 46. 22-B.Jones to TB 9 for 37 yards (78-T.Wirfs; 1-R.White).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — B. Nix
- Denver Broncos — J. McLaughlin
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Godwin (B. Mayfield pass)
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — W. Lutz
- Denver Broncos — W. Lutz
- Denver Broncos — W. Lutz
- Denver Broncos — W. Lutz
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the TB 3 (Q1 56:11) — (11:11) 10-B.Nix scrambles right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 56:05) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q1 48:02) — (3:02) 79-M.Peart reported in as eligible. 38-J.McLaughlin right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 47:56) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–6. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the TB 25 (Q2 39:29) — (9:29) 3-W.Lutz 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the DEN 5 (Q2 31:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short left to 14-C.Godwin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q2 31:50) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the TB 20 (Q2 30:06) — (:06) 3-W.Lutz 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 6–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the TB 15 (Q4 14:55) — (14:55) 3-W.Lutz 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the TB 25 (Q4 7:35) — (7:35) 3-W.Lutz 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 50:25) — (5:25) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 22-B.Jones at TB 46. 22-B.Jones to TB 9 for 37 yards (78-T.Wirfs; 1-R.White).
- Denver Broncos (Q1 58:47) — (13:47) (Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep right to 11-J.Reynolds to TB 11 for 31 yards (27-Z.McCollum).
- Denver Broncos (Q2 34:42) — (4:42) 79-M.Peart reported in as eligible. 33-J.Williams left tackle to TB 35 for 5 yards (3-J.Whitehead). Tampa Bay challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 79-M.P
- Denver Broncos (Q1 60:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep left to 14-C.Sutton to TB 48 for 22 yards (35-J.Dean).
- Denver Broncos (Q1 48:02) — (3:02) 79-M.Peart reported in as eligible. 38-J.McLaughlin right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 50:25) — (5:25) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 22-B.Jones at TB 46. 22-B.Jones to TB 9 for 37 yards (78-T.Wirfs; 1-R.White).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 3:49) — (3:49) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short right to 88-C.Otton to DEN 10 for 6 yards (21-R.Moss; 29-J.McMillian). FUMBLES (21-R.Moss), RECOVERED by DEN-22-B.Jones at DEN 13. 22-B.Jones to DEN
- Denver Broncos (Q2 34:42) — (4:42) 79-M.Peart reported in as eligible. 33-J.Williams left tackle to TB 35 for 5 yards (3-J.Whitehead). Tampa Bay challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 79-M.P
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 9:59) — (9:59) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield sacked at DEN 25 for 0 yards (15-N.Bonitto).
Quarterback report card
B.Nix led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Nix (Denver Broncos) · 43 dropbacks · 58.1% completion · +4.9% CPOE · +0.15 EPA/play · +6.62 total EPA
- B.Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 41 dropbacks · 61.0% completion · +3.9% CPOE · -0.53 EPA/play · -21.56 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.089 | -0.268 |
| Offensive success rate | 56.8% | 48.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.154 | -0.526 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.020 | +0.126 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.268 | -0.089 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.4% | 43.2% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Denver Broncos generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs -0.27), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Denver Broncos: 10 drives, +7.23 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, -18.76 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Denver Broncos leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- B. Nix (Denver Broncos) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- B. Nix (DEN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- B. Mayfield (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 56:11 · TB 3 · Score 6-0
(11:11) 10-B.Nix scrambles right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 56:05 · TB 15 · Score 7-0
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 48:02 · TB 1 · Score 13-0
(3:02) 79-M.Peart reported in as eligible. 38-J.McLaughlin right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 47:56 · TB 15 · Score 14-0
3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 39:29 · TB 25 · Score 17-0
(9:29) 3-W.Lutz 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 31:54 · DEN 5 · Score 17-6
(1:54) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short left to 14-C.Godwin for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 31:50 · DEN 15 · Score 17-7
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-86-E.Deckers, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 30:06 · TB 20 · Score 20-7
(:06) 3-W.Lutz 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 14:55 · TB 15 · Score 23-7
(14:55) 3-W.Lutz 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 7:35 · TB 25 · Score 26-7
(7:35) 3-W.Lutz 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Denver Broncos vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Denver Broncos beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-7 in Week 3, 2024 on 2024-09-22.
What was the final score of Denver Broncos vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Denver Broncos 26, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7 (DEN 26-7 TB) in Week 3, 2024 on 2024-09-22.
What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Denver Broncos 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q2: Denver Broncos 6, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: Denver Broncos 6, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Final: Denver Broncos 26, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Denver Broncos touchdown — B. Nix (Q1 56:11) Denver Broncos touchdown — J. McLaughlin (Q1 48:02) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Godwin (B. Mayfield pass) (Q2 31:54) Denver Broncos field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 39:29, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — W. Lutz (Q2 30:06, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — W. Lutz (Q4 14:55, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — W. Lutz (Q4 7:35, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
B. Nix (Denver Broncos), 58.1% completion, +4.9% CPOE, +0.15 EPA per dropback, +6.62 total passing EPA. B. Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 61.0% completion, +3.9% CPOE, -0.53 EPA per dropback, -21.56 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Denver Broncos vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
B. Nix (Denver Broncos) led the game in total EPA with +6.62 on passing plays. across 43 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.89 EPA): (5:25) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right intended for 13-M.Evans INTERCEPTED by 22-B.Jones at TB 46. 22-B.Jones to TB 9 for 37 yards (78-T.Wirfs; 1-R.White).. The biggest win-probability swing was -15.0%.
Season records after this game
Denver Broncos
Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 2-0 Now 2-1 L
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