What happened: Denver extended its winning streak to five games with a 26-21 road victory over Carolina, securing the longest active win streak in the NFL. The run moved the Broncos to 7-2 after navigating one of the league's toughest opening schedules through the first two months of the season.
Why it matters: The surge places Denver in the AFC's No. 2 playoff seed entering its Week 10 bye. Surviving the opening gauntlet positions the Broncos with tiebreaker leverage and an advantageous path through the second half of the regular season.
By the numbers: Denver stands 7-2 through nine games with a league-best five-game winning streak and the AFC's No. 2 playoff seed.
What to watch: The Broncos enter their Week 10 bye before returning to action for the second half of the regular season.