ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Demaryius Thomas is the biggest wide receiver Peyton Manning has ever played with and he's coming up bigger and bigger by the week.

After injuries limited him to seven starts in his first two seasons in Denver, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound third-year pro has had a breakout season with Manning delivering pointers and passes alike.

Thomas has 74 catches for 1,197 yards and eight touchdowns and is a big reason the Broncos (10-3) haven't lost in more than two months and are making a charge down the stretch for one of the two AFC playoff byes.

Thomas is tied with Detroit's Calvin Johnson with 17 receptions of 25 or more yards and ranks second to Carolina's Steve Smith with 16.2 yards per catch among receivers with at least 60 receptions.