# 1980 Denver Broncos season

The 1980 Denver Broncos season was the team's 21st year in professional football and its 11th with the National Football League (NFL). Led by fourth-year head coach Red Miller the Broncos were 8–8, tied for third in the AFC West (fourth via tiebreaker), and missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
It was Miller's final season; ownership changed in February 1981 and front office changes were made in March.

## Offseason
### NFL draft

1980 Denver Broncos draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 2 | 42 | Rulon Jones * | Defensive end | Utah State |
| 3 | 74 | Larry Carter | Defensive back | Kentucky |
| 4 | 107 | Rick Parros | Running back | Utah State |
| 5 | 131 | Mike Harden | Defensive back | Michigan |
| 5 | 136 | Laval Short | Defensive tackle | Colorado |
| 6 | 157 | Keith Bishop * | Guard | Baylor |
| 7 | 184 | John Havekost | Guard | Nebraska |
| 8 | 197 | Don Coleman | Wide receiver | Oregon |
| 9 | 243 | Greg Bracelin | Linebacker | California |
| 10 | 270 | Virgil Seay | Wide receiver | Troy State |
| 11 | 297 | Phil Farris | Wide receiver | North Carolina |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | August 9 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 17–6 | 1–0 | Mile High Stadium | 67,532 |
| 2 | August 16 | at New York Giants | L 6–9 | 1–1 | Giants Stadium | 30,904 |
| 3 | August 23 | Los Angeles Rams | L 13–26 | 1–2 | Mile High Stadium | 73,946 |
| 4 | August 30 | at Green Bay Packers | W 38–0 | 2–2 | Lambeau Field | 53,060 |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | September 7 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 6–27 | 0–1 | Veterans Stadium | 70,307 |
| 2 | September 14 | Dallas Cowboys | W 41–20 | 1–1 | Mile High Stadium | 74,919 |
| 3 | September 21 | San Diego Chargers | L 13–30 | 1–2 | Mile High Stadium | 74,970 |
| 4 | September 29 | at New England Patriots | L 14–23 | 1–3 | Schaefer Stadium | 60,153 |
| 5 | October 5 | at Cleveland Browns | W 19–16 | 2–3 | Municipal Stadium | 81,065 |
| 6 | October 13 | Washington Redskins | W 20–17 | 3–3 | Mile High Stadium | 74,657 |
| 7 | October 19 | Kansas City Chiefs | L 17–23 | 3–4 | Mile High Stadium | 74,459 |
| 8 | October 26 | at New York Giants | W 14–9 | 4–4 | Giants Stadium | 67,598 |
| 9 | November 2 | Houston Oilers | L 16–20 | 4–5 | Mile High Stadium | 74,717 |
| 10 | November 9 | at San Diego Chargers | W 20–13 | 5–5 | San Diego Stadium | 51,435 |
| 11 | November 16 | New York Jets | W 31–24 | 6–5 | Mile High Stadium | 72,114 |
| 12 | November 23 | Seattle Seahawks | W 36–20 | 7–5 | Mile High Stadium | 73,274 |
| 13 | December 1 | at Oakland Raiders | L 3–9 | 7–6 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 51,593 |
| 14 | December 7 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 14–31 | 7–7 | Arrowhead Stadium | 40,237 |
| 15 | December 14 | Oakland Raiders | L 21–24 | 7–8 | Mile High Stadium | 73,974 |
| 16 | December 21 | at Seattle Seahawks | W 25–17 | 8–8 | Kingdome | 51,853 |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |||||||

### Game summaries
#### Week 1 (Sunday, September 7, 1980): at Philadelphia Eagles

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Eagles | 7 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 27 |
at Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Date: September 7
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 70,307
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| PHI | Passing |
| PHI | Rushing |
| PHI | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | PHI |
| 1 | 5:43 | 5 | 87 | | Eagles | Carmichael 56-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | 8:40 | 10 | 73 | | Eagles | 17-yard field goal by Franklin | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | 1:45 | 7 | 80 | | Eagles | Fitzkee 16-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good | 0 | 17 |
| 2 | 0:31 | 5 | 15 | | Eagles | 32-yard field goal by Franklin | 0 | 20 |
| 3 | 4:06 | 7 | 15 | | Broncos | 44-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 20 |
| 3 | 2:21 | 4 | 3 | | Broncos | 43-yard field goal by Steinfort | 6 | 20 |
| 4 | 14:55 | 5 | 80 | | Eagles | Spagnola 11-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good | 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: 3 hours, 13 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 2 (Sunday, September 14, 1980): vs. Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cowboys | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
| Broncos | 7 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 41 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 14
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,919
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (CBS): Lindsey Nelson (play–by–play) and Sonny Jurgensen (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DAL | Passing |
| DAL | Rushing |
| DAL | 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 | DAL | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Robinson 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 46-yard field goal by Steinfort | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Robinson 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 17 |
| 2 | | | | | Cowboys | Hill 31-yard touchdown reception from White, Septién kick good | 7 | 17 |
| 2 | | — | — | — | Broncos | Fumble recovery returned 32 yards for touchdown by Thompson, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 24 |
| 2 | | | | | Cowboys | 30-yard field goal by Septién | 10 | 24 |
| 3 | | | | | Cowboys | 36-yard field goal by Septién | 13 | 24 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Armstrong 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 13 | 31 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Jensen 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 13 | 38 |
| 4 | | | | | Cowboys | Hill 22-yard touchdown reception from White, Septién kick good | 20 | 38 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | 55-yard field goal by Steinfort | 20 | 41 |
| "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 | 41 |
* 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 21, 1980): vs. San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 3 | 24 | 3 | 0 | 30 |
| Broncos | 3 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 21
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,970
* Referee: Fred Silva
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play–by–play) and Merlin Olsen (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 | | | | | Chargers | 53-yard field goal by Benirschke | 3 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 51-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | Cappelletti 1-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 10 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 46-yard field goal by Steinfort | 10 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | Joiner 22-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 17 | 6 |
| 2 | | — | — | — | Chargers | Interception returned 68 yards for touchdown by Edwards, Benirschke kick good | 24 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | 32-yard field goal by Benirschke | 27 | 6 |
| 3 | | | | | Chargers | 42-yard field goal by Benirschke | 30 | 6 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Moses 15-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 30 | 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. | 30 | 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 4 (Monday, September 29, 1980): at New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Patriots | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 23 |
at Schaefer Stadium • Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: September 29
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 60,153
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Don Meredith (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| NE | Passing |
| NE | Rushing |
| NE | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | NE |
| 1 | 7:39 | 5 | 55 | | Broncos | Moses 17-yard touchdown reception from Robinson, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 1 | 1:27 | 10 | 57 | | Patriots | 26-yard field goal by Smith | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | 10:25 | 7 | 66 | | Patriots | Ferguson 2-yard touchdown run, Smith kick good | 7 | 10 |
| 3 | 11:24 | 5 | 37 | | Broncos | Armstrong 8-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 14 | 10 |
| 3 | 8:06 | 7 | 78 | | Patriots | Morgan 45-yard touchdown reception from Grogan, Smith kick good | 14 | 17 |
| 4 | 9:38 | 16 | 78 | | Patriots | 19-yard field goal by Smith | 14 | 20 |
| 4 | 2:12 | 9 | 45 | | Patriots | 36-yard field goal by Smith | 14 | 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. | 14 | 23 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 2 hours, 54 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 5 (Sunday, October 5, 1980): at Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 3 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 19 |
| Browns | 3 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
at Municipal Stadium • Cleveland, Ohio
* Date: October 5
* Game time: 11:00 a.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 81,065
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Sam Nover (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| CLE | Passing |
| CLE | Rushing |
| CLE | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | CLE |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 18-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Browns | 24-yard field goal by Cockroft | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 47-yard field goal by Steinfort | 6 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | Rucker 40-yard touchdown reception from Sipe, Cockroft kick good | 6 | 10 |
| 2 | | — | — | — | Broncos | Interception returned 93 yards for touchdown by Gradishar, Steinfort kick good | 13 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | 45-yard field goal by Cockroft | 13 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 41-yard field goal by Steinfort | 16 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Browns | 40-yard field goal by Cockroft | 16 | 16 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | 19-yard field goal by Steinfort | 19 | 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. | 19 | 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 6 (Monday, October 13, 1980): vs. Washington Redskins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Redskins | 3 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Broncos | 7 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: October 13
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,657
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Don Meredith (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| WAS | Passing |
| WAS | Rushing |
| WAS | 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 | WAS | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Armstrong 8-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Redskins | 23-yard field goal by Moseley | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 57-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Redskins | Jackson 55-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 23-yard field goal by Steinfort | 10 | 13 |
| 4 | | | | | Redskins | Monk 1-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good | 17 | 13 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 32-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 17 | 20 |
| "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 | 20 |
* 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 19, 1980): vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs | 3 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 23 |
| Broncos | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 17 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: October 19
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 74,459
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
| 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 | | | | | Chiefs | 37-yard field goal by Lowery | 3 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 14-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 6-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 3 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | 39-yard field goal by Lowery | 6 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | Dixon 26-yard touchdown reception from Fuller, Lowery kick good | 13 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 41-yard field goal by Steinfort | 13 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Chiefs | Marshall 46-yard touchdown reception from Fuller, Lowery kick good | 20 | 17 |
| 4 | | | | | Chiefs | 34-yard field goal by Lowery | 23 | 17 |
| "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. | 23 | 17 |
* 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 26, 1980): at New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Giants | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: October 26
* Game time: 11:00 a.m. MST
* Game attendance: 67,598
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| NYG | Passing |
| NYG | Rushing |
| NYG | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | NYG |
| 1 | | | | | Giants | 28-yard field goal by Danelo | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Jensen 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Giants | 28-yard field goal by Danelo | 7 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Giants | 45-yard field goal by Danelo | 7 | 9 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Armstrong 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 14 | 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. | 14 | 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 (Sunday, November 2, 1980): vs. Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Oilers | 0 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 20 |
| Broncos | 6 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 16 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: November 2
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,717
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play–by–play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| HOU | Passing |
| HOU | Rushing |
| HOU | 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 | HOU | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 45-yard field goal by Steinfort | 0 | 3 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 20-yard field goal by Steinfort | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Oilers | Campbell 1-yard touchdown run, Fritsch kick good | 7 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 28-yard field goal by Steinfort | 7 | 9 |
| 3 | | | | | Oilers | Campbell 9-yard touchdown run, Fritsch kick no good | 13 | 9 |
| 4 | | | | | Oilers | Carpenter 2-yard touchdown run, Fritsch kick good | 20 | 9 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Jensen 8-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 20 | 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. | 20 | 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 10 (Sunday, November 9, 1980): at San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 20 |
| Chargers | 0 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 13 |
at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California
* Date: November 9
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), wind 6 mph (10 km/h)
* Game attendance: 51,435
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (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 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | 30-yard field goal by Benirschke | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | 34-yard field goal by Benirschke | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Lytle 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 6 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 28-yard field goal by Steinfort | 10 | 6 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 42-yard field goal by Steinfort | 13 | 6 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Preston 4-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 20 | 6 |
| 4 | | | | | Chargers | Jefferson 3-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 20 | 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. | 20 | 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 11 (Sunday, November 16, 1980): vs. New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Broncos | 3 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 31 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: November 16
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 72,114
* Referee: Cal Lepore
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| NYJ | Passing |
| NYJ | Rushing |
| NYJ | 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 | NYJ | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | -yard field goal by Steinfort | 0 | 3 |
| 1 | | | | | Jets | Walker 36-yard touchdown reception from Todd, Leahy kick good | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Jets | 22-yard field goal by Leahy | 10 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Jets | Jones 31-yard touchdown reception from Todd, Leahy kick good | 17 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 22-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 17 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Preston 3-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 17 | 17 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Keyworth 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 17 | 24 |
| 4 | | | | | Jets | Dierking 1-yard touchdown run, Leahy kick good | 24 | 24 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 13-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 24 | 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. | 24 | 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 12 (Sunday, November 23, 1980): vs. Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 20 |
| Broncos | 7 | 10 | 3 | 16 | 36 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: November 23
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 73,274
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (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 2-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Seahawks | 21-yard field goal by Herrera | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | — | — | — | Seahawks | Lewis 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, Herrera kick good | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 24-yard field goal by Steinfort | 10 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Morton 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 10 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 33-yard field goal by Steinfort | 10 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | 20-yard field goal by Herrera | 13 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Moses 27-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 13 | 27 |
| 4 | | — | — | — | Broncos | Interception returned 15 yards for touchdown by Latimer, Steinfort kick good | 13 | 34 |
| 4 | | — | — | — | Broncos | Zorn tackled in end zone for a safety by Jones | 13 | 36 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | McCutcheon 5-yard touchdown reception from Adkins, Herrera kick good | 20 | 36 |
| "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 | 36 |
* 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 (Monday, December 1, 1980): at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Raiders | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 9 |
at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California
* Date: December 1
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 51,593
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play–by–play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Don Meredith (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 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 41-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | | | | | Raiders | Plunkett 8-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick no good | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | | | | | Raiders | 44-yard field goal by Bahr | 3 | 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. | 3 | 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 14 (Sunday, December 7, 1980): at Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Chiefs | 0 | 28 | 0 | 3 | 31 |
at Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri
* Date: December 7
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 40,237
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Mike Haffner (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 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | Smith 33-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | Morgado 1-yard touchdown run, Lowery kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 2 | | — | — | — | Chiefs | Fumble recovery returned 3 yards for touchdown by Howard, Lowery kick good | 0 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | Garcia 8-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good | 0 | 28 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 22-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 28 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Moses 4-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 14 | 28 |
| 4 | | | | | Chiefs | 20-yard field goal by Lowery | 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 15 (Sunday, December 14, 1980): vs. Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Raiders | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: December 14
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 73,974
* Referee: Dick Jorgensen
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (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 | Interception returned 58 yards for touchdown by Owens, Bahr kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Preston 2-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Raiders | 44-yard field goal by Bahr | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Raiders | Chandler 11-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good | 17 | 7 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 12-yard touchdown reception from Morton, Steinfort kick good | 17 | 14 |
| 4 | | | | | Raiders | Chandler 38-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good | 24 | 14 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Preston 9-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick good | 24 | 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. | 24 | 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 21, 1980): at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 10 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 25 |
| Seahawks | 0 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 17 |
at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington
* Date: December 21
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game weather: indoors (dome)
* Game attendance: 51,853
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (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 | 53-yard field goal by Steinfort | 3 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Odoms 18-yard touchdown reception from Robinson, Steinfort kick good | 10 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Robinson 1-yard touchdown run, Steinfort kick no good | 16 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 55-yard field goal by Steinfort | 19 | 0 |
| 3 | | | | | Seahawks | 47-yard field goal by Herrera | 19 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 34-yard field goal by Steinfort | 22 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 38-yard field goal by Steinfort | 25 | 3 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | McCutcheon 2-yard touchdown run, Herrera kick good | 25 | 10 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | Jodat 9-yard touchdown reception from Zorn, Herrera kick good | 25 | 17 |
| "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. | 25 | 17 |
* 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$^{(1)}$ | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 6–2 | 9–3 | 418 | 327 | W2 |
| Oakland Raiders$^{(4)}$ | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 6–2 | 9–3 | 364 | 306 | W2 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 4–4 | 6–8 | 319 | 336 | W1 |
| Denver Broncos | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–5 | 5–7 | 310 | 323 | W1 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 1–7 | 3–9 | 291 | 408 | L9 |