Since then, Nix's stock has steadily risen within NFL media circles, and after winning his third straight Rooke of the Week award, it's perhaps reaching a critical mass. Meaning, it'll either explode and slowly regress back to a modestly rookie mean, or he'll blast through this current ceiling and enter another stratosphere.

If any doubt lingered about Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s status for Monday night, he put it to rest Friday. “I’m good to go,” he said flatly. “Ready to roll.” Nix was estimated to be a limited participant in Denver’s Thursday walkthrough because of a back issue but then was a full participant Friday.

Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are scheduled to take on the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium on Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET this week in a game that could ultimately determine whether the Broncos stay in the driver's seat for a playoff spot or not.