The second-year player has really come into his own over the last few weeks. His efforts against the Cincinnati Bengals earned him his second 1,000 all-purpose yard season.
The Denver Broncos have faltered late in the season with back-to-back losses against key AFC foes. But they still have one more shot to get things right. Their playoff hopes are on the line this Sunday when they host the Kansas City Chiefs.
A win allows their season to continue, where they’d face off against the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard Round. A loss would be the official curtain close on their 2024 endeavors and leave Broncos Country hoping for more in 2025.
It’s hard to find positives to talk about after two heartbreaking losses, but I think one player deserves some praise for his accomplishments over the last month. That’s second-year wideout Marvin Mims Jr. who has really come into his own in December.
Another angle of Bo Nix to Marvin Mims: pic.twitter.com/uGqYmHTy5f
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2024
Mims has given the Broncos an added dimension and much-needed speed boost on the offensive side of the ball. He was a major reason why the Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts. His explosive plays against the Cincinnati Bengals were some of the best highlights for the offense this season. Against the Bengals, he had eight receptions on eight targets for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. 100-percent efficiency is hard to come by, but he absolutely dominated and rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
To date, Mims has 34 catches for 452 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. That’s a 13.3 yard per catch average. Additionally, 12 of those 34 receptions have gone for first downs. He has also added 42 yards on 13 rushing attempts and leads the NFL with 408 punt return yards.
Overall, Mims has 1,096 all-purpose in ‘24. He should eclipse his 2023 totals this weekend. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Payton draws him up to be a focal point in their gameplan against the Chiefs on Sunday. He’s on a hot streak—keep getting him the ball.
“I think we’ve just seen his confidence grow as a receiver, as a runner and as a returner. It’s great to see. Obviously, it was an explosive play the other night and then the catch he makes at the end of the game was unbelievable,” stated Payton.
Marvin Mims Jr. has the highest EPA per Target among all WRs with more than 5 catches since Week 11
Feed that man https://t.co/cIFHrDHst3 pic.twitter.com/d5BE9cnDXQ
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 29, 2024
“He’s got that vertical speed. He works his tail off at it. I think he’s good with the ball in his hands as a runner as well.”
The Broncos will certainly use resources in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft to upgrade their offense. There is no doubt in my mind that surrounding Bo Nix with more talent will be the primary goal of the team this offseason. However, it’s clear Mims deserves a larger role heading into his third season in 2025.
Versatile weapons are good for any offense. Mims has proven himself worthy of more looks. In the modern NFL, you need someone who can be a wildcard playmaker and that’s what Mims is. He’s a special talent, and I believe he has the potential to be a 1,500 all-purpose yard player with more volume share in Sean Payton’s offense.