Wil Lutz's Reliability Praised by the Denver Broncos

In the high-pressure world of NFL special teams, reliability is a currency few kickers possess—and Wil Lutz has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent performers since joining the Denver Broncos in 2024. For a team that has fought in 10 one-score games this season, Lutz’s ability to deliver accurate kicks in crunch time has turned potential losses into wins and kept the Broncos in the hunt for an AFC West title. From short-range game-winners to long-distance field goals in harsh weather, Lutz has become a cornerstone of Denver’s success, earning him widespread praise from teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Wil Lutz's Reliability Praised by the Denver Broncos explores the moments that define his dependability, the work ethic behind his consistency, and why the Broncos view him as an irreplaceable part of their roster. For Denver, Lutz isn’t just a kicker—he’s a guaranteed point-maker when the game is on the line.

Wil Lutz's Reliability Praised by the Denver Broncos begins with his standout performance in the Broncos’ Week 12 win over the Cleveland Browns, a game that perfectly encapsulated his value. Trailing 20-19 with 2:17 left in the fourth quarter, Denver’s offense stalled at the Browns’ 38-yard line, forcing a decision: go for it on fourth-and-7 or trust Lutz to make a 56-yard field goal—his longest attempt of the season. Head coach Sean Payton didn’t hesitate, sending Lutz onto the field. Despite a 15-mph crosswind that had derailed other kickers earlier in the game, Lutz stepped up, swung his leg, and drilled the kick straight through the uprights. The field goal gave the Broncos a 22-20 lead, and their defense held on to secure the win. “That kick wasn’t just about skill—it was about heart,” Payton said after the game. “Wil doesn’t flinch when the pressure’s on. He’s the kind of player you want in that moment because you know he’ll deliver.” Lutz, who finished the game 3-for-3 on field goals (including two from 40+ yards), downplayed the individual achievement but acknowledged the team’s trust: “The offensive line set a great hold, the snapper and holder were perfect, and the coaches believed in me. That’s what makes those kicks possible. I’m just doing my job.”

Wil Lutz's Reliability Praised by the Denver Broncos continues with a look at his statistical consistency, which ranks among the best in the NFL this season. Through 15 games, Lutz has made 32 of 34 field goal attempts (a 94.1% success rate)—the second-highest percentage in the league among kickers with 30+ attempts. He’s perfect on extra points (42-for-42) and has made 8 of 10 attempts from 50+ yards, including a season-long 58-yarder against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8. What makes his numbers even more impressive is his performance in adverse conditions: Lutz has a 92% success rate in games with wind speeds over 10 mph and a 90% rate in cold weather (temperatures below 40°F)—stats that far exceed the league average. “Stats don’t lie, but they only tell part of the story,” said Broncos special teams coordinator Mike Mallory. “Wil’s reliability is about more than making kicks—it’s about making the right kicks at the right time. He never misses a practice rep, he studies wind patterns for every stadium, and he’s always prepared. That’s why he’s so consistent.” For Lutz, the key to his success is simple: “Reliability is built in the off-season. You don’t just show up on game day and make kicks—you put in the work every single day to make sure you’re ready when your team needs you.”

Wil Lutz's Reliability Praised by the Denver Broncos shifts to the praise he receives from his teammates, who view him as a critical part of the Broncos’ offense. Quarterback Bo Nix, who has leaned on Lutz to convert field goals after stalled drives, often refers to him as “our secret weapon.” “When we can’t punch it into the end zone, we know Wil will get us points,” Nix said. “That takes so much pressure off the offense. We don’t have to force plays or take unnecessary risks because we have a kicker we can trust.” Center Lloyd Cushenberry III, who snaps for Lutz on every kick, emphasizes the kicker’s calm demeanor: “Wil is the same guy every single day—calm, focused, and ready to work. Before a big kick, he never gets nervous; he just goes through his routine like it’s a practice rep. That energy rubs off on the entire special teams unit. We know if we do our jobs, he’ll do his.” Even the Broncos’ defense, which has relied on Lutz to extend leads and swing momentum, sings his praises. Defensive end Randy Gregory said, “When Wil makes a long field goal, it’s like a touchdown for the defense. It demoralizes the other team and gives us a boost. He’s not just a special teams player—he’s a team player, and we all respect that.” For the Denver Broncos, Lutz’s reliability has become a competitive advantage: in one-score games this season, the Broncos are 8-2, with Lutz accounting for 45% of their points in those contests.

Wil Lutz's Reliability Praised by the Denver Broncos delves into a defining moment of his season: his game-winning kick against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15, a win that kept Denver’s AFC West title hopes alive. Trailing 27-26 with 13 seconds left, the Broncos drove 40 yards in 5 plays to set up a 47-yard field goal attempt. With Arrowhead Stadium’s crowd roaring and Chiefs fans waving “noise towels” to distract him, Lutz stepped up and made the kick—his third field goal of the game—to give the Broncos a 29-27 victory. After the game, Payton called it “one of the most important kicks in recent Broncos history.” “That kick wasn’t just about winning a game—it was about keeping our season alive,” Payton said. “Wil didn’t just make a kick; he made a statement. He showed the league that we’re a team that can beat anyone, anywhere, because we have players like him who deliver when it matters most.” Lutz, who was mobbed by teammates after the kick, said the moment was a testament to the team’s resilience: “That win wasn’t about me—it was about the entire team. The offense drove us into position, the defense held the Chiefs to a field goal earlier, and the special teams unit executed perfectly. I’m just glad I could contribute to the win.” For the Denver Broncos, the kick was another example of why Lutz is worth every penny of his contract: in high-stakes moments against division rivals, he’s proven time and time again that he can be trusted.

Wil Lutz's Reliability Praised by the Denver Broncos concludes with the bigger picture of his impact on the Broncos’ season and future. As Denver heads into the playoffs, Lutz’s consistency will be even more critical—playoff games are often decided by small margins, and a single missed kick can end a team’s championship hopes. But if the regular season is any indication, the Broncos have nothing to worry about. Lutz’s teammates and coaches have full confidence that he’ll continue to deliver, and fans have taken to calling him “Wil the Wall” for his ability to block out pressure and make tough kicks. “Wil’s reliability isn’t just a season-long trend—it’s a career-long trait,” said Mallory. “He’s been one of the most consistent kickers in the league for years, and he’s only getting better. We’re lucky to have him in Denver.” For Lutz, the praise is appreciated, but his focus remains on the team: “I don’t do this for the accolades—I do it to help the Broncos win. Every kick I make is for the guys in the locker room, the coaches who trust me, and the fans who support us. That’s what keeps me motivated.” In the end, Wil Lutz's Reliability Praised by the Denver Broncos isn’t just a story about a kicker—it’s a story about how dependability, work ethic, and poise can turn a role player into a game-changer. For the Broncos, Lutz isn’t just a kicker—he’s a winner, and his reliability will be key as they chase a Super Bowl title.