If you’ve ever sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-25 while the sun dips behind the Rockies, you know the sound. It’s the crackle of KOA 850 AM. It’s Dave Logan’s voice rising an octave as a hole opens up for the run game. For a lot of us, Denver Broncos football play by play isn't just a way to track the score—it’s the actual heartbeat of a Sunday afternoon.
But honestly? Most people think "play by play" is just a guy reading what’s happening on a screen.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
The Art of Calling the Mile High Game
Broadcasting in Denver is a different beast. You’ve got the altitude, sure, but you also have one of the most obsessive fanbases in the NFL. When Dave Logan or a national voice like Jim Nantz sits in that booth at Empower Field, they aren't just narrating. They’re translating.
Take the recent AFC Divisional Round on January 17, 2026. The Broncos were locked in a slugfest with the Buffalo Bills. If you were watching the CBS broadcast, you heard Tony Romo basically play "Romostradamus" again.
That One Play Against Buffalo
It was late in the second quarter. Tied at 10. No timeouts. Most coaches would've played it safe to get to the locker room. Romo looks at the formation and says, "I always felt like you could take a shot to the end zone here."
Boom.
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Bo Nix drops back, ignores the sideline, and uncorks a 29-yard beauty to Lil'Jordan Humphrey. Jim Nantz's play-by-play call was pure adrenaline: "What a call! Big props to you, Tony!" That’s the magic of a high-level broadcast. It’s not just "Nix passes to Humphrey." It’s the anticipation.
It’s the why behind the what.
Why Local Play by Play Hits Different
National broadcasts are great for the glitz, but for the die-hards, the local radio call is king. Dave Logan has been doing this forever. He was a Bronco himself back in '84. When he’s describing a Denver Broncos football play by play sequence, he sees things a rookie announcer misses.
He’ll notice Quinn Meinerz—who, let's be real, is currently the best right guard in football—pancaking a defensive tackle three seconds before the ball even gets to the receiver.
Rick Lewis brings the color, and Susie Wargin is down on the sideline catching the stuff you can't see from the booth. Like when a player heads to the blue medical tent or when Sean Payton is losing his mind at an official. This trio is the gold standard for Denver sports.
Breaking Down the 2025-26 Season Momentum
This season has been a wild ride. Honestly, after the last decade, who expected the Broncos to clinch the #1 seed in the AFC?
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The play-by-play logs from this year tell a story of a team that finally stopped beating itself. Look at the Week 18 game against the Chargers on January 4, 2026. The Broncos won 19-3. On paper, it looks boring. But the play-by-play shows a masterclass in "Payton-ball."
- Efficient Drives: The Broncos averaged 18.5 yards per drive.
- Third Down Success: They stayed on schedule, which kept the defense fresh.
- Red Zone Control: Even without scoring a ton of touchdowns in that specific game, they controlled the clock for nearly 32 minutes.
That kind of discipline is why the play-by-play data matters. It shows you the "hidden" wins. Like how Bo Nix has evolved. In his rookie year (2024), he was a bit of a "check-down king." Fast forward to the 2025 season, and he’s throwing for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns.
He’s trusting his eyes.
The Stats That Actually Matter
If you’re looking at a Denver Broncos football play by play sheet, don't just look at the yards. Look at the "EPA" (Expected Points Added).
During that Bills playoff game, the Broncos had a massive swing thanks to a Nik Bonitto strip-sack. The play-by-play says: "N. Bonitto sacks J. Allen at BUF 17, FUMBLE recovered by M. Roach." That one line represents a 10-point swing in momentum.
How to Follow the Play by Play Live
If you can't be in front of a TV, you’ve got options.
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- KOA 850 AM / 94.1 FM: The classic. If you're in Denver, this is the only way to go.
- The Broncos Official App: They stream the radio call, though usually, you have to be within a certain radius of the stadium due to NFL blackout rules.
- NFL+: Great for live audio of every game, regardless of where you are.
- Game Centers (NFL.com/ESPN): These are the "digital" play-by-play trackers. They’re fast, but they lack the soul of a human voice.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think play-by-play is an easy job. It's not.
Try describing 22 giant men moving at 20 miles per hour in different directions, all while keeping track of the down, the distance, the clock, and the names of the guys who just subbed in. It’s a specialized skill.
When you hear a play-by-play announcer get excited, it's usually because they’ve spotted a nuance. Maybe the safety cheated up a yard too far. Maybe the left tackle is leaning, hinting at a pass play.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to truly appreciate the game, stop just watching the ball. Next time you're listening to a Denver Broncos football play by play, try this:
- Listen for the "O-Line" mentions. If the announcer starts talking about Garett Bolles or Quinn Meinerz early, it means the Broncos are winning the trenches.
- Track the "Success Rate." A 4-yard run on 1st and 10 is a "success." A 4-yard gain on 3rd and 8 is a failure. The play-by-play will tell you which one it was.
- Watch the "Personnel" calls. When the announcer says "Denver comes out in 12 personnel," it means two tight ends are on the field. That usually signals a run or a play-action deep shot.
The Broncos are in a new era. With a franchise QB in Bo Nix and a defense led by Pat Surtain II, the play-by-play isn't a chore to listen to anymore. It's an event.
Whether you're following on a digital tracker or listening to Dave Logan yell "Touchdown Broncos!", pay attention to the details. The real story is always hidden between the lines of the play-by-play log.
For those wanting to dig deeper into the 2026 postseason run, check the official NFL Game Centers for drive charts. They show exactly how Sean Payton is manipulating opposing defenses this year.
Make sure to sync your radio to the TV broadcast if you can—there's nothing quite like hearing the local call while watching the home team dominate. It takes a little effort to get the timing right, but once you do, you'll never go back to standard TV audio.