A heavily depleted Denver Broncos recorded their first win of the season 37-28 over the New York Jets as two of the NFL's basement sides did battle.

The Jets, looking to avoid a 0-4 start for the second season running, were first on the board when quarterback Sam Darnold bobbed and weaved into the end-zone on a 46-yard run early in the first quarter.

But Brett Rypien – the Broncos' third-choice quarterback – struck back and had a touchdown on his first NFL start when he hit Jerry Jeudy for a 48-yard score.

Pierre Desir, who arguably could have broken up the pass which allowed Jeudy to score, redeemed himself when he intercepted Rypien for a 35-yard touchdown as the Jets trailed by two with 10 minutes on the clock.

But a late penalty call allowed the Broncos to continue a drive which culminated in a Denver field goal and a 30-28 lead, and the game was sealed when Melvin Gordon III scored a 43-yard rushing touchdown with 1:48 left to play.