How Broncos QB Bo Nix vaulted himself into Offensive Rookie of the Year race

Editor’s note: This is the 11th installment of a season-long series on a breakout star from the past week of NFL action. The Week 11 winner: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix . 

Bo Nix woke up Sunday knowing that it would be a great day. 

It’s how Denver's rookie quarterback views each day — as a new opportunity to play for a franchise he feels has tremendous belief in him. 

But on this great Sunday, one in which he put together a historic performance in a dominant victory over the Atlanta Falcons, the former Oregon star may have vaulted himself into the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation. 

"It is a blessing to be in my spot and my shoes," Nix said. 

The No. 12 overall pick had the best game of his career to this point in Denver's 38-6 rout of Atlanta, completing 84.8% of his passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns with a 145.0 passer rating — along with no interceptions or turnovers. Nix became the first rookie in NFL history to complete 80% of his passes while throwing for at least four touchdowns and 300 yards, according to FOX Sports Research. He had season-highs in completion rate, passing yards, passing touchdowns, passer rating and yards per attempt against the Falcons. 

The 24-year-old Nix is the only rookie since at least 2000 with at least 18 total touchdowns and two or fewer turnovers in a nine-game span.

"The dude should be in conversations for Rookie of the Year. There should be no hesitation," wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. "You can tell he’s like a kid. He’s just enjoying himself. … There’s not one ounce of panic [in] him, no matter what part of the game we’re in." 

After struggling early in the season, Nix has improved significantly over the last month and a half. 

In the past seven