The Denver Broncos and the New York Jets do not play each other every year, but when they meet, the games are usually close and full of big plays. Fans of both teams like to look back at these matchups to see how their favorite players performed. In this article, we will look at real player stats from two recent Broncos vs Jets games. We will also explain what these numbers mean and why they matter for each team.
This guide is written in simple language so anyone can follow along, even if you are new to football. Let’s start with a quick look at the two teams before we get into the stats.
A Quick Look at the Rivalry
The Broncos and the Jets are not division rivals. Denver plays in the AFC West, while New York plays in the AFC East. Because of this, they only face each other once every few seasons, unless they meet in the playoffs. This makes every matchup feel special. Both teams have passionate fan bases, and both have had ups and downs over the years.
In the last few seasons, these two teams have played some memorable games. Two of the most talked about matchups happened in October 2023 and October 2025. Let’s break down what happened in each game, player by player.
Game 1: Jets 31, Broncos 21 (October 8, 2023)
This game took place at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. It turned into a big win for the Jets, who came out on top 31 to 21. The game had extra meaning because Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett used to be the Broncos head coach. He returned to Denver and got a win over his old team, which made the day even more special for New York.
Passing Stats
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson had a solid game through the air. He completed 20 of his 31 passes for 196 yards and threw 2 touchdowns. Even though Denver lost, Wilson moved the ball well and gave his team chances to score.
On the other side, the Jets did not need a huge passing day because their running game did most of the work. Still, their offense was efficient enough to control the tempo and keep the Broncos defense on its heels for most of the game.
Rushing Stats
The running game was the biggest story of this matchup. Jets running back Breece Hall had an outstanding day. He carried the ball 22 times for 177 yards and 1 touchdown, including a long 72 yard touchdown run that changed the momentum of the game. Hall’s speed and vision were too much for the Denver defense to handle for most of the afternoon.
Denver also had a nice rushing performance from running back Jaleel McLaughlin. He carried the ball 9 times for 68 yards and 1 touchdown. His runs gave the Broncos some hope, but it was not enough to match the Jets’ output on the ground.
Team totals tell the story clearly. New York finished with 234 rushing yards, while Denver had 139. That gap of nearly 100 yards was a big reason why the Jets controlled the game for long stretches.
Kicking and Other Stats
Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein had a perfect day, making all 5 of his field goal attempts. His steady kicking added valuable points and kept the pressure on Denver throughout the game.
New York also held a big edge in total yards, finishing with 407 compared to Denver’s 308. The Jets also controlled the ball for over 34 minutes of the game, which is more than 9 minutes longer than the Broncos had possession. That extra time with the ball let New York wear down Denver’s defense in the second half.
Denver also struggled with turnovers in this game, giving the ball away 3 times compared to just 2 turnovers for New York. Those extra mistakes made it even harder for the Broncos to keep pace.
Game 2: Broncos 13, Jets 11 (October 12, 2025)
Two years later, these teams met again, this time at a neutral site in London as part of the NFL’s international games. This game looked completely different from the first one. Instead of a high scoring shootout, this matchup turned into a defensive battle, and Denver’s defense was the star of the show.
Denver’s Defense Takes Over
The Broncos defense had one of the best performances in franchise history. They sacked Jets quarterback Justin Fields 9 times in this single game. To put that in perspective, Fields had only been sacked 10 times in total through the first five games of the season before this matchup. The Denver pass rush completely changed the outcome of the game.
Because of all that pressure, the Jets finished the game with negative net passing yards, a rare and difficult outcome for any NFL offense. This was reportedly the worst passing output in franchise history for the Jets and one of the lowest totals league wide in nearly three decades. Denver also became the first team since 1971 to allow negative passing yards in a game, based on historical NFL records.
Defensive end Jonathon Cooper was a big part of this pass rush success, recording 2 sacks on his own. His pressure on Fields, combined with strong play from his teammates across the defensive line, made life very difficult for New York’s offense all game long.
Denver’s Offense Does Just Enough
Denver’s offense did not need to do much on this day, but quarterback Bo Nix still made the most important plays. Nix led all quarterbacks in the game with 174 passing yards and 1 touchdown. His touchdown pass went to tight end Nate Adkins, who caught a 16 yard pass and essentially walked into the end zone. That score turned out to be the only offensive touchdown of the entire game and the difference maker in a tight contest.
Denver’s win improved their record to 4 wins and 2 losses, which was their best start to a season since 2016. It showed how a strong defense can carry a team, even when the passing and rushing numbers are not flashy.
Why This Game Stood Out
What makes this game so interesting for stat lovers is how different it was from the 2023 matchup. In 2023, the game was decided by big offensive plays and a heavy rushing attack from Breece Hall. In 2025, the game was decided almost entirely by pass rush pressure and one clutch touchdown catch. This shows how much a single game can change based on which side of the ball shows up ready to play.
Comparing the Two Games Side by Side
When you place these two games next to each other, a few patterns stand out.
In 2023, offense ruled the day. Both teams moved the ball well, and the Jets’ rushing attack, led by Breece Hall, was the deciding factor. Denver’s defense had a tough time slowing down New York’s ground game, and that made the difference in the final score.
In 2025, defense ruled the day. Denver’s front seven took over the game and made it nearly impossible for Justin Fields and the Jets offense to move the ball through the air. Even though Denver’s own offense did not put up huge numbers, it did not need to, because the defense gave up almost nothing.
This kind of contrast is common in the NFL. A team’s success often depends on which unit, offense or defense, is playing at its best on a given Sunday. These two games are a great example of how player stats can tell very different stories depending on the game plan and execution.
What These Stats Mean for Fans
If you are a fantasy football player, these games show why it pays to look closely at matchups and not just overall team records. Breece Hall’s huge rushing day in 2023 was a reminder that running backs can be game changers when they get enough carries and the offensive line opens lanes for them. Meanwhile, the 2025 game was a reminder that defensive players, especially pass rushers like Jonathon Cooper, can also have a major impact on a game, even if they do not show up on the score sheet in the same way skill position players do.
For general fans, these stats help explain why football is so exciting to watch. A game can be won by a dominant rushing attack, or it can be won by a defense that completely shuts down the passing game. Both of these Broncos vs Jets matchups show different paths to victory, and both are worth studying if you want to understand how NFL games are really won.
Final Thoughts
The Denver Broncos and New York Jets have given fans two very different, but equally memorable, games in recent years. The 2023 matchup was an offensive showcase led by Breece Hall and a strong Jets rushing attack. The 2025 matchup was a defensive clinic led by Denver’s relentless pass rush. Together, these games show just how unpredictable and exciting NFL football can be.
Whether you care more about passing yards, rushing touchdowns, or sack totals, there is something in these games for every kind of football fan. As these two teams continue to build their rosters and change their game plans, future matchups between the Broncos and Jets are sure to bring more exciting stats and stories to talk about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most recent Broncos vs Jets game?
The most recent meeting took place in London on October 12, 2025, and the Denver Broncos won 13 to 11. The game was decided by Denver’s defense, which sacked Jets quarterback Justin Fields 9 times and held New York to negative net passing yards.
Which player had the best performance in a Broncos vs Jets game?
In the 2023 matchup, Jets running back Breece Hall stood out with 177 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 22 carries, including a 72 yard touchdown run. In the 2025 game, Denver’s defense as a whole was the standout unit, with Jonathon Cooper recording 2 sacks as part of a 9 sack team effort.
Why was the 2025 Broncos vs Jets game so different from the 2023 game?
The 2023 game was mostly decided by offense, especially the Jets’ strong rushing attack. The 2025 game was decided by defense, as Denver’s pass rush overwhelmed the Jets offensive line and limited Justin Fields to almost no passing production. This shows how much a game plan can change the outcome, even between the same two teams.
