# 1981 Denver Broncos season

The 1981 Denver Broncos season was the team's 22nd year in professional football and its 12th with the National Football League (NFL). Led by first-year head coach Dan Reeves, the Broncos were 10–6, tied for first in the AFC West, but failed to make the postseason again due to their loss to the Buffalo Bills, who gained the final berth.
The Broncos were undefeated at home in 1981, but had six road losses. After a promising 8–3 start, Denver lost three of their final five games, including a critical loss against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 12. Entering the season finale against the Chicago Bears, they had a one-game lead over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West, but the loss at Soldier Field ended their season, losing the tiebreakers for the division and wild card berths.
Prior to this season, ownership changed in February; coaching and front office changes were made in March.

## NFL Draft

1981 Denver Broncos draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 15 | Dennis Smith * | S | USC |
| 2 | 42 | Clay Brown | TE | BYU |
| 4 | 106 | Mark Herrmann | QB | Purdue |
| 5 | 125 | Ken Lanier | T | Florida State |
| 6 | 151 | Alvin Lewis | RB | Colorado State |
| 7 | 181 | Steve Busick | LB | USC |
| 9 | 234 | Rusty Olsen | DE | Washington |
| 11 | 290 | Pat Walker | WR | Miami (FL) |
| 12 | 317 | John Hankerd | LB | Notre Dame |
| 12 | 321 | Mandel Robinson | RB | Wyoming |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

## Personnel
### Staff

    Source:

### Roster

    Source:

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | August 7 | New York Jets | L 7–33 | 0–1 | Mile High Stadium | 63,644 |
| 2 | August 15 | at Miami Dolphins | L 14–24 | 0–2 | Miami Orange Bowl | 41,502 |
| 3 | August 22 | Green Bay Packers | W 17–7 | 1–2 | Mile High Stadium | 72,450 |
| 4 | August 29 | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 24–20 | 2–2 | Riverfront Stadium | 41,713 |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | September 6 | Oakland Raiders | W 9–7 | 1–0 | Mile High Stadium | 74,796 |
| 2 | September 13 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 10–13 | 1–1 | Kingdome | 58,513 |
| 3 | September 20 | Baltimore Colts | W 28–10 | 2–1 | Mile High Stadium | 74,804 |
| 4 | September 27 | San Diego Chargers | W 42–24 | 3–1 | Mile High Stadium | 74,822 |
| 5 | October 4 | at Oakland Raiders | W 17–0 | 4–1 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 51,035 |
| 6 | October 11 | Detroit Lions | W 27–21 | 5–1 | Mile High Stadium | 74,816 |
| 7 | October 18 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 14–28 | 5–2 | Arrowhead Stadium | 74,672 |
| 8 | October 25 | at Buffalo Bills | L 7–9 | 5–3 | Rich Stadium | 77,757 |
| 9 | November 2 | Minnesota Vikings | W 19–17 | 6–3 | Mile High Stadium | 74,834 |
| 10 | November 8 | Cleveland Browns | W 23–20$^{OT}$ | 7–3 | Mile High Stadium | 74,859 |
| 11 | November 15 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 24–7 | 8–3 | Tampa Stadium | 64,518 |
| 12 | November 22 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 21–38 | 8–4 | Riverfront Stadium | 57,207 |
| 13 | November 29 | at San Diego Chargers | L 17–34 | 8–5 | Jack Murphy Stadium | 51,533 |
| 14 | December 6 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 16–13 | 9–5 | Mile High Stadium | 74,744 |
| 15 | December 13 | Seattle Seahawks | W 23–13 | 10–5 | Mile High Stadium | 74,527 |
| 16 | December 20 | at Chicago Bears | L 24–35 | 10–6 | Soldier Field | 40,125 |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |||||||

### Game summaries
#### Week 1 (Sunday, September 6, 1981): vs. Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Raiders | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Broncos | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 6
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,796
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| OAK | Passing |
| OAK | Rushing |
| OAK | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | OAK | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Raiders | Chester 9-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 44-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Morton kick no good (pass failed) | 7 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 29-yard field goal by Steinfort | 7 | 9 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7 | 9 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 2 (Sunday, September 13, 1981): at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Seahawks | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington
* Date: September 13
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game weather: indoors (dome)
* Game attendance: 58,513
* Referee: Fred Silva
* TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| SEA | Passing |
| SEA | Rushing |
| SEA | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | SEA |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 30-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | Boyd 3-yard touchdown reception from Zorn, Herrera kick good | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Seahawks | 43-yard field goal by Herrera | 3 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 11-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Seahawks | 22-yard field goal by Herrera | 10 | 13 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 10 | 13 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 3 (Sunday, September 20, 1981): vs. Baltimore Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| Broncos | 0 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 20
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,804
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| BAL | Passing |
| BAL | Rushing |
| BAL | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | BAL | DEN |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Egloff 7-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 29-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Colts | 21-yard field goal by Wood | 3 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Colts | Dickey 63-yard touchdown run, Wood kick good | 10 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 18-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 10 | 21 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 48-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 10 | 28 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 10 | 28 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 4 (Sunday, September 27, 1981): vs. San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 0 | 0 | 10 | 14 | 24 |
| Broncos | 21 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 42 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 27
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,822
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| SD | Passing |
| SD | Rushing |
| SD | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | SD | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 19-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 93-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | J Wright 2-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 21-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 28 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Preston 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 35 |
| 3 | | | | | Chargers | Smith 39-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 7 | 35 |
| 3 | | | | | Chargers | 52-yard field goal by Benirschke | 10 | 35 |
| 4 | | | | | Chargers | Cappelletti 1-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 17 | 35 |
| 4 | | | | | Chargers | Winslow 1-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 24 | 35 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Lytle 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 24 | 42 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 24 | 42 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 5 (Sunday, October 4, 1981): at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 17 |
| Raiders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California
* Date: October 4
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 51,035
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| OAK | Passing |
| OAK | Rushing |
| OAK | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | OAK |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Preston 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 31-yard field goal by Steinfort | 10 | 0 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Parros 20-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 17 | 0 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17 | 0 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 6 (Sunday, October 11, 1981): vs. Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Broncos | 10 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
* Date: October 11
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,618
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber (play–by–play) and John Dockery (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DET | Passing |
| DET | Rushing |
| DET | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DET | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 95-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 24-yard field goal by Steinfort | 0 | 10 |
| 1 | | | | | Lions | Sims 48-yard touchdown run, Murray kick good | 7 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Lions | Sims 1-yard touchdown run, Murray kick good | 14 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 40-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 14 | 17 |
| 2 | | — | — | — | Lions | Interception returned 60 yards for touchdown by Hall, Murray kick good | 21 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 24-yard field goal by Steinfort | 21 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Parros 15-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 21 | 27 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 21 | 27 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 7 (Sunday, October 18, 1981): at Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Chiefs | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
at Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri
* Date: October 18
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,672
* Referee: Dick Jorgensen
* TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| KC | Passing |
| KC | Rushing |
| KC | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | KC |
| 1 | | | | | Chiefs | Jackson 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | — | — | — | Chiefs | Fumble recovery returned 47 yards for touchdown by Paul, Lowery kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 11-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 4 | | | | | Chiefs | Marshall 64-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good | 7 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 11-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 14 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Chiefs | Delaney 82-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good | 14 | 28 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 14 | 28 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 8 (Sunday, October 25, 1981): at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Bills | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
at Rich Stadium • Orchard Park, New York
* Date: October 25
* Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
* Game attendance: 77,757
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| BUF | Passing |
| BUF | Rushing |
| BUF | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | BUF |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 36-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Bills | 41-yard field goal by Mike-Mayer | 7 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Bills | 46-yard field goal by Mike-Mayer | 7 | 6 |
| 4 | | | | | Bills | 36-yard field goal by Mike-Mayer | 7 | 9 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7 | 9 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 9 (Monday, November 2, 1981): vs. Minnesota Vikings

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
| Broncos | 0 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 19 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: November 2
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,834
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Fran Tarkenton (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| MIN | Passing |
| MIN | Rushing |
| MIN | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | MIN | DEN |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 42-yard field goal by Steinfort | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Vikings | 32-yard field goal by Danmeier | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 49-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Lytle 5-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick no good | 3 | 12 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 15-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 3 | 19 |
| 4 | | | | | Vikings | Galbreath 1-yard touchdown run, Danmeier kick good | 10 | 19 |
| 4 | | | | | Vikings | Galbreath 1-yard touchdown run, Danmeier kick good | 17 | 19 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17 | 19 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 10 (Sunday, November 8, 1981): vs. Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Browns | 0 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 20 |
| Broncos | 3 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 23 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: November 8
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,859
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| CLE | Passing |
| CLE | Rushing |
| CLE | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | CLE | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 45-yard field goal by Steinfort | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | Miller 1-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 5-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 43-yard field goal by Steinfort | 7 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Browns | Logan 23-yard touchdown reception from Sipe, Bahr kick good | 14 | 13 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Preston 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 14 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Browns | 27-yard field goal by Bahr | 17 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Browns | 32-yard field goal by Bahr | 20 | 20 |
| OT | | | | | Broncos | 30-yard field goal by Steinfort | 20 | 23 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 20 | 23 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 11 (Sunday, November 15, 1981): at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 7 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 24 |
| Buccaneers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Tampa Stadium • Tampa, Florida
* Date: November 15
* Game time: 11:02 a.m. MST
* Game attendance: 64,518
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (NBC): Merle Harmon (play–by–play) and George Kunz (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| TB | Passing |
| TB | Rushing |
| TB | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | TB |
| 1 | 4:04 | 10 | 45 | | Broncos | Odoms 12-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 3 | 13:53 | — | — | — | Buccaneers | Interception returned 40 yards for touchdown by Brown, Capece kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 3 | 7:22 | 13 | 80 | | Broncos | Canada 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 14 | 7 |
| 4 | 13:33 | 13 | 60 | | Broncos | Canada 3-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good | 21 | 7 |
| 4 | 11:01 | 4 | 3 | | Broncos | 31-yard field goal by Steinfort | 24 | 7 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 24 | 7 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 2 hours, 45 minutes
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 12 (Sunday, November 22, 1981): at Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
| Bengals | 14 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 38 |
at Riverfront Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio
* Date: November 22
* Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
* Game attendance: 57,207
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| CIN | Passing |
| CIN | Rushing |
| CIN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | CIN |
| 1 | | | | | Bengals | Johnson 39-yard touchdown run, Breech kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Bengals | Johnson 2-yard touchdown reception from Anderson, Breech kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Lytle 5-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Bengals | Anderson 2-yard touchdown run, Breech kick good | 7 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Bengals | Collinsworth 7-yard touchdown reception from Anderson, Breech kick good | 7 | 28 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | 38-yard field goal by Breech | 7 | 31 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 14-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good | 14 | 31 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | Alexander 65-yard touchdown reception from Anderson, Breech kick good | 14 | 38 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Lytle 14-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good | 21 | 38 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 21 | 38 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 13 (Sunday, November 29, 1981): at San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| Chargers | 14 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 34 |
at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California
* Date: November 29
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 51,533
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| SD | Passing |
| SD | Rushing |
| SD | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | SD |
| 1 | | | | | Chargers | Muncie 14-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Chargers | Muncie 1-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Canada 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | Muncie 4-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 7 | 20 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 21-yard field goal by Steinfort | 10 | 20 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | Muncie 3-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 10 | 27 |
| 3 | | | | | Chargers | Sievers 1-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 10 | 34 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Moses 10-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good | 17 | 34 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17 | 34 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 14 (Sunday, December 6, 1981): vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
| Broncos | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: December 6
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,744
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| KC | Passing |
| KC | Rushing |
| KC | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | KC | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Lytle 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 21-yard field goal by Steinfort | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Canada 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick no good | 0 | 16 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | 43-yard field goal by Lowery | 3 | 16 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | 45-yard field goal by Lowery | 6 | 16 |
| 3 | | | | | Chiefs | Hadnot 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good | 13 | 16 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 13 | 16 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 15 (Sunday, December 13, 1981): vs. Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
| Broncos | 7 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 23 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: December 13
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,527
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| SEA | Passing |
| SEA | Rushing |
| SEA | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | SEA | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 22-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Seahawks | 28-yard field goal by Alvarez | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 33-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 43-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 24-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 16 |
| 3 | | | | | Seahawks | 20-yard field goal by Alvarez | 6 | 16 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Parros 8-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 6 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | Hughes 5-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Alvarez kick good | 13 | 23 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 13 | 23 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 16 (Sunday, December 20, 1981); at Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (10–6) | 3 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 24 |
| Bears (6–10) | 0 | 14 | 14 | 7 | 35 |
at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois
* Date: December 20
* Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
* Game attendance: 40,125
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| CHI | Passing |
| CHI | Rushing |
| CHI | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | CHI |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 46-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Bears | Payton 19-yard touchdown reception from Evans, Roveto kick good | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Bears | Harper 4-yard touchdown run, Roveto kick good | 3 | 14 |
| 3 | | — | — | — | Bears | Interception returned 69 yards for touchdown by Fencik, Roveto kick good | 3 | 21 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 6-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 10 | 21 |
| 3 | | — | — | — | Bears | Interception returned 44 yards for touchdown by Harris, Roveto kick good | 10 | 28 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 25-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good | 17 | 28 |
| 4 | | | | | Bears | Payton 25-yard touchdown reception from Evans, Roveto kick good | 17 | 35 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 39-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Steinfort kick good | 24 | 35 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 24 | 35 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

### Standings

AFC West :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| San Diego Chargers$^{(3)}$ | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 6–2 | 8–4 | 478 | 390 | W2 |
| Denver Broncos | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–3 | 7–5 | 321 | 289 | L1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 5–3 | 7–5 | 343 | 290 | W1 |
| Oakland Raiders | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–6 | 5–7 | 273 | 343 | L2 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–6 | 6–8 | 322 | 388 | W1 |