# 1983 Denver Broncos season

The 1983 Denver Broncos season was its 24th in professional football and 14th in the National Football League (NFL). Led by third-year head coach Dan Reeves, the Broncos were 9–7, third in the AFC West, and made their first playoff appearance in four seasons.
Before the season, the Broncos traded with the Baltimore Colts for the rights to first overall pick in the 1983 draft, quarterback John Elway. He started ten games for the Broncos as a rookie, and the team won four of them. In his first two starts, both road wins, Elway left the game trailing, relieved by veteran Steve DeBerg.
After three straight losses, Elway was benched by Reeves in early October; and DeBerg led the team to four consecutive victories and a 6–3 record. A shoulder injury in a loss in Seattle sidelined him and Elway again became the starter. In the rematch with Seattle two weeks later in Denver, Elway was out with the flu and third-string rookie Gary Kubiak led the Broncos to a win.
Elway's finest game as a rookie came in week 15, the Broncos' second game against Baltimore, the team that drafted him. Denver trailed 19–0 at the start of the fourth quarter, until Elway threw for three touchdowns in the final period to win 21–19 and kept their playoff hopes alive. The following week was a lopsided road loss at Kansas City in −30 °F (−34 °C) wind chill, but the Broncos made the playoffs, gaining the final AFC berth over Cleveland, also at 9–7, whom they defeated in week 14.
DeBerg started the wild card playoff loss in Seattle, and was relieved by Elway in the fourth quarter.
The Broncos' wild-card playoff loss to the Seahawks marked their only playoff appearance during the three-year ownership of Edgar Kaiser Jr.; Pat Bowlen bought the team the following spring.

## NFL Draft

1983 Denver Broncos draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
| 1 | 4 | Chris Hinton | Guard | Northwestern | traded to the Baltimore Colts along with Quarterback Mark Herrmann and the Broncos' first round pick in the 1984 NFL Draft for John Elway |
| 2 | 31 | Mark Cooper | Tackle | Miami (FL) | 1983-1987 (5 seasons) then Tampa Bay from 1987-1989 |
| 3 | 60 | Clint Sampson | Wide Receiver | San Diego State | 1983-1986 (4 seasons) |
| 5 | 116 | George "Weedy" Harris | Linebacker | Houston | |
| 5 | 125 | Bruce Baldwin | Defensive Back | Harding | |
| 6 | 143 | Victor Heflin | Defensive Back | Delaware State | not signed by the Broncos, but went on to play for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1983-1984 |
| 7 | 172 | Myron Dupree | Defensive Back | North Carolina Central | 1983 |
| 8 | 197 | Gary Kubiak | Quarterback | Texas A&M | 1983-1991 (9 seasons) |
| 9 | 228 | Brian Hawkins | Defensive Back | San Jose State | |
| 10 | 254 | Walt Bowyer | Defensive End | Arizona State | 1983-1984, 1987-1988 (4 seasons) |
| 11 | 283 | Don Bailey | Center | Miami (FL) | not signed by the Broncos, but went on to play for the Indianapolis Colts from 1984-1985 |
| 12 | 310 | Karl Mecklenburg * | Linebacker | Minnesota | 1983-1994 (12 seasons), 6x Pro Bowl, 4x First Team All-Pro, Denver Broncos Ring of Fame |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

## Personnel
### Staff

Source:

### Roster
## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | August 5 | Seattle Seahawks | W 10–7 | 1–0 | Mile High Stadium | 53,887 |
| 2 | August 13 | Atlanta Falcons | W 21–10 | 2–0 | Mile High Stadium | 73,199 |
| 3 | August 20 | Cleveland Browns | W 19–10 | 3–0 | Mile High Stadium | 73,244 |
| 4 | August 26 | at Minnesota Vikings | L 3–34 | 3–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 59,435 |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | September 4 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | W 14–10 | 1–0 | Three Rivers Stadium | 58,233 |
| 2 | September 11 | at Baltimore Colts | W 17–10 | 2–0 | Memorial Stadium | 52,613 |
| 3 | September 18 | Philadelphia Eagles | L 10–13 | 2–1 | Mile High Stadium | 74,202 |
| 4 | September 25 | Los Angeles Raiders | L 7–22 | 2–2 | Mile High Stadium | 74,289 |
| 5 | October 2 | at Chicago Bears | L 14–31 | 2–3 | Soldier Field | 58,210 |
| 6 | October 9 | at Houston Oilers | W 26–14 | 3–3 | Astrodome | 44,209 |
| 7 | October 16 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 24–17 | 4–3 | Mile High Stadium | 74,305 |
| 8 | October 23 | San Diego Chargers | W 14–6 | 5–3 | Mile High Stadium | 74,581 |
| 9 | October 30 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 27–24 | 6–3 | Mile High Stadium | 74,640 |
| 10 | November 6 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 19–27 | 6–4 | Kingdome | 61,189 |
| 11 | November 13 | at Los Angeles Raiders | L 20–22 | 6–5 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | 51,945 |
| 12 | November 20 | Seattle Seahawks | W 38–27 | 7–5 | Mile High Stadium | 74,710 |
| 13 | November 27 | at San Diego Chargers | L 7–31 | 7–6 | Jack Murphy Stadium | 43,650 |
| 14 | December 4 | Cleveland Browns | W 27–6 | 8–6 | Mile High Stadium | 70,912 |
| 15 | December 11 | Baltimore Colts | W 21–19 | 9–6 | Mile High Stadium | 74,864 |
| 16 | December 18 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 17–48 | 9–7 | Arrowhead Stadium | 11,377 |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |||||||

### Game summaries
#### Week 1 (Sunday, September 4, 1983): at Pittsburgh Steelers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (1–0) | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Steelers (0–1) | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
at Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: September 4
* Game time: 11:00 a.m. MDT
* Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), wind 5 mph (8 km/h)
* Game attendance: 58,233
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| PIT | Passing |
| PIT | Rushing |
| PIT | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | PIT |
| 2 | 12:38 | | | | Broncos | Winder 1-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | 1:08 | | | | Steelers | Harris 4-yard touchdown run, Anderson kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 3 | 8:41 | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Anderson | 7 | 10 |
| 4 | 2:54 | | | | Broncos | Egloff 2-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 14 | 10 |
| "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 | 10 |
* 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 11, 1983): at Baltimore Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (2–0) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
| Colts (1–1) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
at Memorial Stadium • Baltimore, Maryland
* Date: September 11
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), wind 10 mph (16 km/h)
* Game attendance: 52,613
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| BAL | Passing |
| BAL | Rushing |
| BAL | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | BAL |
| 1 | 8:06 | | | | Colts | 32-yard field goal by Allegre | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | 1:51 | | | | Broncos | 42-yard field goal by Karlis | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 11:45 | — | — | — | Colts | Fumble recovery returned 41 yards for touchdown by Anderson, Allegre kick good | 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 5:55 | | | | Broncos | Watson 24-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 10 | 10 |
| 4 | 0:29 | | | | Broncos | Watson 2-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 17 | 10 |
| "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 | 10 |
* 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 18, 1983): vs. Philadelphia Eagles

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Eagles (2–1) | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 |
| Broncos (2–1) | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 18
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,202
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (CBS): Tom Brookshier (play–by–play) and Charlie Waters (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| PHI | Passing |
| PHI | Rushing |
| PHI | 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 | PHI | DEN |
| 1 | 4:18 | | | | Eagles | Quick 38-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 3 | 11:01 | | | | Broncos | 34-yard field goal by Karlis | 7 | 3 |
| 4 | 13:08 | | | | Eagles | 20-yard field goal by Franklin | 10 | 3 |
| 4 | 1:54 | | | | Broncos | Parros 33-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good | 10 | 10 |
| 4 | 0:57 | | | | Eagles | 43-yard field goal by Franklin | 13 | 10 |
| "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 | 10 |
* 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 25, 1983): vs. Los Angeles Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Raiders (4–0) | 0 | 7 | 13 | 2 | 22 |
| Broncos (2–2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 25
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,289
* Referee: Dick Jorgensen
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| RAI | Passing | Jim Plunkett | 13/24, 154 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| RAI | Rushing | Marcus Allen | 15 CAR, 45 YDS |
| RAI | Receiving | Marcus Allen | 4 CAR, 20 YDS |
| DEN | Passing | Steve DeBerg | 8/21, 117 YDS, 1 INT |
| DEN | Rushing | Sammy Winder | 20 CAR, 119 YDS |
| DEN | Receiving | Steve Watson | 5 REC, 72 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | RAI | DEN |
| 2 | 7:11 | 2 | 36 | | Raiders | Branch 35-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 3 | 9:41 | | | | Raiders | 27-yard field goal by Bahr | 10 | 0 |
| 3 | 2:23 | | | | Raiders | 29-yard field goal by Bahr | 13 | 0 |
| 3 | 0:44 | | | | Raiders | Branch 17-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good | 20 | 0 |
| 4 | 1:42 | — | — | — | Broncos | Thomas 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, Karlis kick good | 20 | 7 |
| 4 | 0:54 | — | — | — | Raiders | DeBerg tackled in end zone for a safety by Townsend | 22 | 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. | 22 | 7 |
* Point spread: Broncos +3½
* Over/Under: 34.0 (under)
* Time of Game:
| Raiders | Game Statistics | Broncos |
| 11 | First downs | 16 |
| 37–82 | Rushes–yards | 30–130 |
| 154 | Passing yards | 188 |
| 13–24–1 | Passes | 14–33–2 |
| 3–22 | Sacked–yards | 5–50 |
| 132 | Net passing yards | 138 |
| 214 | Total yards | 268 |
| 113 | Return yards | 122 |
| 9–46.1 | Punts | 8–42.6 |
| 3–0 | Fumbles–lost | 4–2 |
| 4–22 | Penalties–yards | 9–78 |
| 29:29 | Time of possession | 30:31 |
Individual stats

#### Week 5 (Sunday, October 2, 1983): at Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (2–3) | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Bears (2–3) | 14 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 31 |
at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois
* Date: October 2
* Game time: 11:00 a.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 58,210
* Referee: Fred Silva
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Bob Griese (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 | 13:49 | | | | Bears | Suhey 13-yard touchdown run, Thomas kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 0:07 | | | | Bears | Gault 15-yard touchdown reception from McMahon, Thomas kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 2 | 10:00 | — | — | — | Bears | Interception returned 11 yards for touchdown by Frazier, Thomas kick good | 0 | 21 |
| 2 | 1:07 | | | | Bears | 19-yard field goal by Thomas | 0 | 24 |
| 3 | 2:15 | | | | Broncos | Poole 15-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 7 | 24 |
| 4 | 14:32 | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 15-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 14 | 24 |
| 4 | 14:08 | | | | Bears | Gault 72-yard touchdown reception from Evans, Thomas kick good | 14 | 31 |
| "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 | 31 |
* 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 9, 1983): at Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (3–3) | 7 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 26 |
| Oilers (0–6) | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
* Date: October 9
* Game time: 11:00 p.m. MDT
* Game weather: indoors (dome)
* Game attendance: 44,209
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and Ahmad Rashad (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| HOU | Passing |
| HOU | Rushing |
| HOU | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | HOU |
| 1 | 3:33 | | | | Broncos | Egloff 7-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | 14:51 | | | | Oilers | Smith 40-yard touchdown reception from Nielsen, Kempf kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | 11:27 | | | | Broncos | 45-yard field goal by Karlis | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | 4:34 | | | | Broncos | Watson 24-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 17 | 7 |
| 2 | 2:16 | | | | Broncos | 39-yard field goal by Karlis | 20 | 7 |
| 2 | 1:05 | | | | Oilers | Campbell 1-yard touchdown run, Kempf kick good | 20 | 14 |
| 3 | 0:32 | | | | Broncos | 49-yard field goal by Karlis | 23 | 14 |
| 4 | 1:57 | | | | Broncos | 35-yard field goal by Karlis | 26 | 14 |
| "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. | 26 | 14 |
* 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 16, 1983): vs. Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bengals (1–6) | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Broncos (4–3) | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: October 16
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,305
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| CIN | Passing |
| CIN | Rushing |
| CIN | 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 | CIN | DEN |
| 1 | 5:05 | | | | Broncos | Preston 3-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 0:20 | | | | Bengals | Alexander 3-yard touchdown run, Breech kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | 6:31 | | | | Bengals | 35-yard field goal by Breech | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | 1:07 | | | | Broncos | 31-yard field goal by Karlis | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | 7:11 | | | | Broncos | Parros 3-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 10 | 17 |
| 3 | 2:35 | — | — | — | Bengals | Interception returned 55 yards for touchdown by Horton, Breech kick good | 17 | 17 |
| 4 | 6:57 | | | | Broncos | Parros 7-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 17 | 24 |
| "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 | 24 |
* 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 23, 1983): vs. San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers (3–5) | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Broncos (5–3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: October 23
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,581
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (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 |
| 2 | 0:23 | | | | Chargers | 29-yard field goal by Benirschke | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | 1:49 | | | | Chargers | 30-yard field goal by Benirschke | 6 | 0 |
| 4 | 12:32 | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 30-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 6 | 7 |
| 4 | 1:42 | | | | Broncos | Preston 2-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 6 | 14 |
| "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. | 6 | 14 |
* 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 (Sunday, October 30, 1983): vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs (4–5) | 7 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 24 |
| Broncos (6–3) | 0 | 17 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: October 30
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 70,912
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
* TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (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 | 5:07 | | | | Chiefs | Brown 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | 6:11 | | | | Broncos | Poole 15-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | 3:34 | | | | Broncos | 31-yard field goal by Karlis | 7 | 10 |
| 2 | 1:40 | | | | Broncos | Watson 46-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 7 | 17 |
| 3 | 11:21 | | | | Chiefs | 21-yard field goal by Lowery | 10 | 17 |
| 3 | 5:51 | | | | Broncos | 27-yard field goal by Karlis | 10 | 20 |
| 4 | 8:55 | | | | Broncos | Poole 15-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 10 | 27 |
| 4 | 6:11 | | | | Chiefs | Jackson 9-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good | 17 | 27 |
| 4 | 1:31 | | | | Chiefs | Sampson 8-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good | 24 | 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. | 24 | 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 10 (Sunday, November 6, 1983): at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (6–4) | 0 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 19 |
| Seahawks (6–4) | 6 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 27 |
at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington
* Date: November 6
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game weather: indoors (dome)
* Game attendance: 61,189
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (NBC): Merle Harmon (play–by–play) and Dave Rowe (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 | 10:19 | | | | Seahawks | 42-yard field goal by Johnson | 0 | 3 |
| 1 | 0:52 | | | | Seahawks | 18-yard field goal by Johnson | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | 10:07 | | | | Broncos | 38-yard field goal by Karlis | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | 12:57 | | | | Seahawks | Largent 14-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 3 | 13 |
| 3 | 11:14 | | | | Seahawks | Johns 30-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 3 | 20 |
| 3 | 3:15 | | | | Broncos | Winder 1-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick no good | 9 | 20 |
| 4 | 14:00 | | | | Broncos | 43-yard field goal by Karlis | 12 | 20 |
| 4 | 9:36 | | | | Seahawks | Krieg 10-yard touchdown run, Johnson kick good | 12 | 27 |
| 4 | 6:01 | | | | Broncos | Watson 25-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good | 19 | 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. | 19 | 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 11 (Sunday, November 13, 1983): at Los Angeles Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (6–5) | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 20 |
| Raiders (8–3) | 0 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 22 |
at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, California
* Date: November 13
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 51,945
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| DEN | Passing | John Elway | 11/31, 190 YDS, 1 INT |
| DEN | Rushing | John Elway | 3 CAR, 32 YDS, 1 TD |
| DEN | Receiving | Rick Upchurch | 3 REC, 63 YDS |
| RAI | Passing | Jim Plunkett | 26/42, 252 YDS |
| RAI | Rushing | Marcus Allen | 18 CAR, 84 YDS, 1 TD |
| RAI | Receiving | Todd Christensen | 8 REC, 114 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | RAI |
| 1 | 9:24 | | | | Broncos | 23-yard field goal by Karlis | 3 | 0 |
| 1 | 8:26 | — | — | — | Broncos | Fumble recovery returned 0 yards for touchdown by Chavous, Karlis kick good | 10 | 0 |
| 2 | 12:39 | | | | Raiders | 28-yard field goal by Bahr | 10 | 3 |
| 2 | 0:02 | | | | Raiders | 42-yard field goal by Bahr | 10 | 6 |
| 3 | 5:52 | | | | Raiders | Allen 7-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good | 10 | 13 |
| 4 | 11:44 | | | | Raiders | Hawkins 17-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick no good (aborted) | 10 | 19 |
| 4 | 6:35 | | | | Broncos | 22-yard field goal by Karlis | 13 | 19 |
| 4 | 0:58 | | | | Broncos | Elway 4-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 20 | 19 |
| 4 | 0:04 | | | | Raiders | 39-yard field goal by Bahr | 20 | 22 |
| "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 | 22 |
* Point spread: Broncos +7
* Over/Under: 42.0 (push)
* Time of Game:
| Broncos | Game Statistics | Raiders |
| 14 | First downs | 23 |
| 25–63 | Rushes–yards | 29–140 |
| 190 | Passing yards | 252 |
| 11–31–1 | Passes | 26–43–0 |
| 2–21 | Sacked–yards | 5–52 |
| 169 | Net passing yards | 200 |
| 232 | Total yards | 340 |
| 91 | Return yards | 147 |
| 7–36.4 | Punts | 5–44.8 |
| 2–1 | Fumbles–lost | 3–3 |
| 5–29 | Penalties–yards | 7–57 |
| 26:30 | Time of possession | 33:30 |
Individual stats

#### Week 12 (Sunday, November 20, 1983): vs. Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks (6–6) | 0 | 7 | 13 | 7 | 27 |
| Broncos (7–5) | 10 | 10 | 7 | 11 | 38 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: November 20
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,581
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and John Brodie (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 | 12:34 | | | | Broncos | 42-yard field goal by Karlis | 0 | 3 |
| 1 | 3:00 | | | | Broncos | Watson 78-yard touchdown reception from Kubiak, Karlis kick good | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | 7:04 | | | | Broncos | 25-yard field goal by Karlis | 0 | 13 |
| 2 | 1:52 | | | | Broncos | Willhite 24-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 0 | 20 |
| 2 | 11:14 | | | | Seahawks | Walker 50-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 7 | 20 |
| 3 | 10:57 | | | | Broncos | Kubiak 7-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 7 | 27 |
| 3 | 5:39 | | | | Seahawks | Hughes 1-yard touchdown run, Johnson kick good | 14 | 27 |
| 3 | 1:12 | | | | Seahawks | Metzelaars 17-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick no good | 20 | 27 |
| 4 | 10:28 | | | | Broncos | 21-yard field goal by Karlis | 20 | 30 |
| 4 | 7:40 | | | | Broncos | 38-yard field goal by Karlis | 20 | 33 |
| 4 | 4:35 | | | | Seahawks | Young 11-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 27 | 33 |
| 4 | 1:39 | — | — | — | Broncos | Krieg tackled in end zone for a safety by Jones | 27 | 35 |
| 4 | 1:08 | | | | Broncos | 40-yard field goal by Karlis | 27 | 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. | 27 | 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 27, 1983): at San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (7–6) | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Chargers (5–8) | 14 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 31 |
at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California
* Date: November 27
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 43,650
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (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 | 10:59 | | | | Broncos | Poole 1-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 1 | 4:54 | | | | Chargers | Winslow 9-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | 1:29 | | | | Chargers | Winslow 2-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | 8:51 | | | | Chargers | Brooks 3-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 7 | 21 |
| 4 | 14:43 | | | | Chargers | Muncie 1-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 7 | 28 |
| 4 | 6:29 | | | | Chargers | 20-yard field goal by Benirschke | 7 | 31 |
| "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 | 31 |
* 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 4, 1983): vs. Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Browns (8–6) | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Broncos (8–6) | 0 | 21 | 3 | 3 | 27 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: December 4
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 70,912
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (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 | 9:57 | | | | Browns | 47-yard field goal by Bahr | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | 14:29 | | | | Broncos | Winder 3-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | 5:27 | | | | Broncos | Sampson 39-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good | 3 | 14 |
| 2 | 1:03 | | | | Broncos | Sampson 49-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good | 3 | 21 |
| 2 | 0:02 | | | | Browns | 58-yard field goal by Cox | 6 | 21 |
| 3 | 7:01 | | | | Broncos | 20-yard field goal by Karlis | 6 | 24 |
| 4 | 8:02 | | | | Broncos | 50-yard field goal by Karlis | 6 | 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. | 6 | 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 15 (Sunday, December 11, 1983): vs. Baltimore Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts (6–9) | 3 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 19 |
| Broncos (9–6) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 21 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: December 11
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C)
* Game attendance: 74,864
* Referee: Fred Silva
* TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Bob Chandler (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| BAL | Passing | Mike Pagel | 13/27, 217 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| BAL | Rushing | Curtis Dickey | 19 CAR, 92 YDS |
| BAL | Receiving | Bernard Henry | 8 REC, 169 YDS, 1 TD |
| DEN | Passing | John Elway | 23/44, 345 yards, 3 TDs |
| DEN | Rushing | John Elway | 3 CAR, 23 YDS |
| DEN | Receiving | Steve Watson | 4 REC, 98 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | BAL | DEN |
| 1 | 1:20 | | | | Colts | 42-yard field goal by Allegre | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | 10:55 | | | | Colts | 55-yard field goal by Allegre | 6 | 0 |
| 2 | 7:23 | | | | Colts | 41-yard field goal by Allegre | 9 | 0 |
| 2 | 5:55 | | | | Broncos | Henry 40-yard touchdown reception from Pagel, Allegre kick good | 16 | 0 |
| 3 | 7:50 | | | | Colts | 26-yard field goal by Allegre | 19 | 0 |
| 4 | 10:52 | | | | Broncos | Sampson 21-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good | 19 | 7 |
| 4 | 4:54 | | | | Broncos | Myles 26-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good | 19 | 14 |
| 4 | 0:44 | | | | Broncos | Willhite 26-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good | 19 | 21 |
| "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. | 19 | 21 |
* 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 18, 1983): at Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (9–7) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
| Chiefs (6–10) | 21 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 48 |
at Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri
* Date: December 18
* Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
* Game attendance: 11,377
* Referee: Tom Dooley
* TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (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 | 13:53 | — | — | — | Chiefs | Interception returned 58 yards for touchdown by Smith, Lowery kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 7:47 | | | | Chiefs | Sampson 48-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 1 | 5:00 | | | | Chiefs | Scott 17-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good | 0 | 21 |
| 2 | 12:21 | | | | Broncos | 24-yard field goal by Karlis | 3 | 21 |
| 2 | 4:27 | | | | Chiefs | Brown 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good | 3 | 28 |
| 3 | 7:00 | | | | Chiefs | 38-yard field goal by Lowery | 3 | 31 |
| 3 | 2:10 | | | | Chiefs | Brown 6-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good | 3 | 38 |
| 4 | 11:56 | | | | Chiefs | 43-yard field goal by Lowery | 3 | 41 |
| 4 | 8:57 | | | | Broncos | Willhite 1-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 10 | 41 |
| 4 | 8:35 | | | | Broncos | Willhite 2-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 17 | 41 |
| 4 | 1:53 | | | | Chiefs | Paige 23-yard touchdown reception from Blackledge, Lowery kick good | 17 | 48 |
| "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 | 48 |
* 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 |
| Los Angeles Raiders$^{(1)}$ | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 6–2 | 10–2 | 442 | 338 | W1 |
| Seattle Seahawks$^{(4)}$ | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 5–3 | 8–4 | 403 | 397 | W2 |
| Denver Broncos$^{(5)}$ | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–5 | 9–5 | 302 | 327 | L1 |
| San Diego Chargers | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 4–4 | 4–8 | 358 | 462 | L1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–6 | 4–8 | 386 | 367 | W1 |

## Playoffs

| Round | Date | Opponent (seed) | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| AFC Wild Card Playoffs | December 24 | at Seattle Seahawks (4) | L 7–31 | 0–1 | Kingdome | 60,752 |
    Source:

### Playoff game summaries
#### 1983 AFC Wild Card Playoffs (Saturday, December 24, 1983): at (4) Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (0–1) | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Seahawks (1–0) | 7 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 31 |
at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington
* Date: December 24
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game weather: indoors (dome)
* Game attendance: 60,752
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play), Bob Griese (color commentator) and Ahmad Rashad (sideline reporter)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| DEN | Passing | Steve DeBerg | 14/19, 131 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| DEN | Rushing | Sammy Winder | 16 CAR, 59 YDS |
| DEN | Receiving | Jesse Myles | 7 REC, 73 YDS, 1 TD |
| SEA | Passing | Dave Krieg | 12/13, 200 YDS, 3 TDs |
| SEA | Rushing | Curt Warner | 23 CAR, 99 YDS |
| SEA | Receiving | Steve Largent | 4 REC, 76 YDS, 1 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | SEA |
| 1 | 10:18 | 8 | 62 | 4:33 | Seahawks | Largent 17-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 3:38 | 9 | 76 | 4:08 | Broncos | Myles 13-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | 9:25 | 9 | 32 | 4:33 | Seahawks | 37-yard field goal by Johnson | 7 | 10 |
| 3 | 6:58 | 5 | 73 | 3:19 | Seahawks | Metzelaars 5-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 7 | 17 |
| 4 | 14:56 | 9 | 61 | 4:17 | Seahawks | Johns 18-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 7 | 24 |
| 4 | 9:34 | 9 | 64 | 4:43 | Seahawks | Hughes 2-yard touchdown run, Johnson kick good | 7 | 31 |
| "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 | 31 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 2 hours, 53 minutes
| Broncos | Game Statistics | Seahawks |
| 21 | First downs | 17 |
| 33–125 | Rushes–yards | 38–145 |
| 254 | Passing yards | 200 |
| 24–34–2 | Passes | 12–13–0 |
| 2–19 | Sacked–yards | 2–21 |
| 233 | Net passing yards | 179 |
| 360 | Total yards | 324 |
| 128 | Return yards | 146 |
| 4–47.8 | Punts | 3–41.7 |
| 1–1 | Fumbles–lost | 1–0 |
| 5–35 | Penalties–yards | 3–34 |
| 30:57 | Time of possession | 29:03 |
Individual stats
Playoff Game Officials
Playoff :
| Round | Opponent | Referee | Umpire | Head Linesman | Line Judge | Back Judge | Side Judge | Field Judge | Alternate |
| Wild Card | at Seattle | (43) Red Cashion | (67) John Keck | (109) Sid Semon | (41) Dick McKenzie | (28) Don Wedge | (90) Gil Mace | (84) Bob Wortman | |