What happened: The Denver Broncos extended their NFL record to 16 consecutive one-score victories following a 26-21 win against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Sean Payton noted after the game that several matchups during the stretch should not have remained one-score finishes.
Why it matters: The run of close finishes has propelled the Denver Broncos to a 7-2 record and the AFC's No. 2 seed. Denver's late-game execution has stabilized results while navigating slow offensive starts during its five-game winning streak.
By the numbers: Denver has won 16 consecutive one-score games, the longest streak in NFL history. Through nine games in 2026, the team stands 7-2 with five consecutive wins.
What to watch: Denver enters its Week 10 bye before resuming regular-season play for the second-half playoff push.