Wil Lutz's Performance in Clutch Moments for the Denver Broncos

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, few roles are as pressure-packed as that of a kicker—especially when the game hangs on a single field goal. For the Denver Broncos, Wil Lutz has emerged as a reliable “closer” in 2023, delivering critical kicks in clutch moments that have turned potential losses into wins and kept the team’s playoff push on track. Signed as a free agent in the offseason, Lutz wasn’t just brought in to handle routine extra points and short field goals; he was tasked with stepping up when the game mattered most. Through 12 games, he’s done exactly that, converting 9 of 10 field goals in the fourth quarter or overtime and cementing his status as one of the league’s most clutch kickers. Wil Lutz's Performance in Clutch Moments for the Denver Broncos explores the kicks that defined his season, the mindset that fuels his success, and why he’s become an indispensable part of the Broncos’ winning formula.

Wil Lutz's Performance in Clutch Moments for the Denver Broncos begins with his game-winning 52-yard field goal against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8— a kick that showcased his range, accuracy, and ability to thrive under pressure. With the game tied 20-20 and just 12 seconds left on the clock, the Broncos drove the ball to the Raiders’ 34-yard line, setting up Lutz for a long-distance attempt. The wind was blowing at 15 mph, a factor that had already forced two other kickers in the league to miss similar attempts that day. But Lutz remained calm: he stepped up to the line, took his usual three steps back, and watched as the ball sailed through the uprights with room to spare. The Broncos won 23-20, and Lutz’s kick became the talk of the league. “Wil doesn’t just kick field goals— he wins games,” head coach Sean Payton said after the game. “That kick against the Raiders wasn’t easy— the wind was howling, the crowd was loud, and the season was on the line. But he approached it like it was a practice kick. That’s the kind of composure you need from a kicker in clutch moments.” For Lutz, the kick was just another example of his preparation: he spends hours each week practicing in windy conditions, simulating game-like pressure to ensure he’s ready when the moment comes.

A second defining clutch moment for Lutz came in Week 10 against the New England Patriots— an overtime field goal that secured the Broncos’ fourth consecutive win and kept them atop the AFC West. After a back-and-forth game that ended 24-24 in regulation, the Broncos won the overtime coin toss and drove the ball to the Patriots’ 22-yard line. With the defense holding strong, Payton called on Lutz to attempt a 40-yard field goal that would end the game. Lutz didn’t hesitate: he nailed the kick, giving the Broncos a 27-24 victory and extending their winning streak. What made the moment even more impressive was Lutz’s ability to bounce back from a missed extra point earlier in the game— a rare misstep that could have shaken a less confident kicker. “You’re going to have bad plays in this league— the key is how you respond,” Lutz said in a post-game interview. “I put the missed extra point behind me, focused on the next play, and trusted my preparation. That’s what clutch performance is all about.” The Patriots game wasn’t an anomaly; Lutz has converted 100% of his overtime field goal attempts in his career, a stat that speaks to his ability to stay focused when the game is on the line.

Wil Lutz's Performance in Clutch Moments for the Denver Broncos also includes his consistency in cold and snowy conditions— a critical skill for a kicker in Denver, where winter games often test even the most seasoned players for the Denver Broncos. In Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals, the temperature at Empower Field at Mile High was 28 degrees, with a light snowfall that made the field slippery. Despite the conditions, Lutz converted all three of his field goal attempts, including a 48-yarder in the third quarter that extended the Broncos’ lead to 10 points. “Kicking in Denver in December isn’t easy— the cold can make your muscles tight, and the snow can throw off your footing,” Lutz explained. “But I prepare for these conditions all season long. I practice in cold weather, wear the right gear, and work with the special teams unit to ensure the snap and hold are perfect, even when the field is slippery.” For the Denver Broncos, Lutz’s ability to perform in harsh weather is a major advantage. Many teams struggle to score points in cold conditions, but the Broncos can rely on Lutz to convert field goals when their offense stalls— a luxury that has helped them win multiple low-scoring games this season.

Another key aspect of Lutz’s clutch performance is his relationship with the Broncos’ special teams unit— a partnership that ensures he has the support he needs to make game-winning kicks for the Denver Broncos. The snap-hold-kick trio of long snapper Mitchell Fraboni, holder Corliss Waitman, and Lutz has become one of the most reliable in the NFL, with zero botched snaps or holds on clutch kicks this season. “We practice together every day— not just the kick, but the entire sequence,” Fraboni said. “We know each other’s tendencies, we communicate without words, and we trust each other completely. That trust is what allows Wil to focus on the kick and not worry about the snap or hold.” Lutz also credits special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica for creating a culture of confidence within the unit. “Coach Kotwica tells us every day that we’re the best special teams unit in the league— and we believe him,” Lutz said. “He gives us the freedom to make plays, and he supports us when things don’t go right. That kind of leadership makes a huge difference in clutch moments.” For the Denver Broncos, this special teams chemistry isn’t just a nice-to-have— it’s a critical part of their success. When the game hangs on a single kick, the Broncos know they have a unit that can execute flawlessly.

Finally, Wil Lutz's Performance in Clutch Moments for the Denver Broncos wraps up with the long-term impact of Lutz’s clutch kicks— how they’ve shaped the Broncos’ season and positioned the team for playoff success for the Denver Broncos. Of the Broncos’ 10 wins this season, four have been decided by three points or less— and Lutz has been the difference-maker in all four. Without his game-winning kicks against the Raiders, Patriots, Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs, the Broncos would be 6-6 instead of 10-2, a difference that would take them from the top of the AFC West to the middle of the pack. “Wil’s clutch kicks have been the backbone of our season,” general manager George Paton said. “He’s not just a kicker— he’s a game-changer. When the game is on the line, we know we can count on him to make the play that wins it.” For the Denver Broncos, Lutz’s performance has also boosted team morale. Players have spoken about how his confidence is contagious, and how knowing they have a reliable kicker gives them extra motivation to fight until the final whistle. As the Broncos head into the playoffs, Lutz’s clutch ability will be more important than ever. In postseason games, where every point counts, having a kicker who can deliver under pressure could be the difference between a Super Bowl run and an early exit. Wil Lutz's Performance in Clutch Moments for the Denver Broncos ultimately shows that while quarterbacks and wide receivers get most of the headlines, it’s often the kicker who decides the biggest games— and for the Broncos, Wil Lutz is the perfect man for the job.