Broncos win third straight, beat miscue-laden Bills on Monday night - ESPN

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Denver Broncos entered Monday night's matchup with the Buffalo Bills as an underdog, albeit one with a major opportunity.

At 3-5 but carrying a two-game winning streak into Highmark Stadium, Sean Payton's squad had a chance to add its name to a crowded list of hopefuls in the AFC playoff picture, where a whopping 13 teams had between three and five losses heading into Monday night.

The Broncos delivered on that opportunity, winning 24-22 and raising hopes that the momentum can carry Denver through the second half of the season.

The Broncos snapped a seven-game losing streak on «Monday Night Football» and won their first MNF road game since Oct. 15, 2012, at the San Diego Chargers.

Here are the most important things to know from Monday night for both teams.

QB breakdown: Russell Wilson was far from spectacular, but he was efficient and gave the Broncos a chance to win. Wilson completed 24 of 29 passes for 192 yards and a pair of touchdowns without a turnover, also using his legs to the tune of nine carries for 30 yards. Wilson's numbers were recorded in the face of constant pressure — he was pressured on 53% of his dropbacks Monday, his highest rate in a game since 2018. Wilson was also sacked four times by the Bills, including what could have been a costly sack to take Denver out of field goal range on its final drive.

Promising trend: After recording seven takeaways in their first seven games, the Broncos have nine in their past two outings. They had four takeaways on Monday night, including a Justin Simmons first-quarter interception that was his NFL-leading 30th pick since 2016.

Troubling trend: The mishandled point-after attempt by Broncos holder Riley Dixon could have haunted Denver's