Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos can never be ruled out.

Over the last two seasons under Sean Payton, the Broncos have regularly come alive in the fourth quarter of games to pull off stunning comebacks, from 2025 stunners against the Eagles and Giants, to Sunday’s Week 3 win over the Rams.

Read more Octoplay granted Interim Authorization in Pennsylvania, its third U.S. state

After Denver’s latest comeback, though, Payton indicated he’s ready for his team to simply start games better, rather than needing to stage late pushes.

Here’s what Payton said about the Broncos’ starts to games.

MORE NFL WEEK 3:

• Inside Drake Maye’s turnover troubles
• Chargers, Texans and more teams to fall in 0-3 hole
• Mike Vrabel explains why concern is ‘high’ for Pats
• How Bills survived 5-turnover day to stay undefeated

Sean Payton explains why he’s ‘uncomfortable’ with Broncos play to start games

In 2025, the Broncos went 11-2 in one-score games, highlighted by their 33-point fourth quarter in a stunning win over the Giants in Week 7. It appears the 2026 version of Denver is capable of the same kind of turnaround.

Denver scored 30 points in the second half to take down Los Angeles in Week 3, marking Bo Nix’s 10th career come-from-behind win since 2024, per ESPN, the most in the league.

Payton, though, is ready to end the need for comebacks.

«I’m pleased with how we responded,» Payton said, per ESPN. «But we can’t, like — that’ll cost us in bigger games. … It will be something we’re frustrated about later if we can’t clean it up.

Read more Amelco and Boing Gaming Partner to Bring Class II Mobile Gaming to Tribal Nations

«I’m comfortable with the grit of a team that can play well in the fourth quarter,» Payton continued. «I’m uncomfortable with how we play at the start of games. … You’re going to be in tight games, but as the head coach, you can’t possibly be comfortable with the way the first half unfolded.»

In the first half on Sunday, Denver managed just 67 total yards of offense. They finished with 257, with two turnovers in the second half aiding the comeback.

«We have to find a way to play better earlier,» Payton said. «That area needs to get better.»

Read more NRL

MORE: How controversial DPI call dictated Broncos vs. Rams