2025 DENVER BRONCOS SEASON PREVIEW

It was a new-look Denver Broncos team as rookie Bo Nix stepped into the starting role to replace Russell Wilson. Right away, head coach Sean Payton looked comfortable leading his rookie and both led the team into the postseason. A 10-win Broncos team lost to the Buffalo Bills on Wild Card weekend but have set the stage for the future.

OFFENSE

If it were not for Jayden Daniels in Washington, Nix would have been the favorite all season long for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Nix finished his first season with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 66.3% of his passes. He was able to extend and make plays with his legs as well. While Nix raised the level of the offense, the Broncos made sure to add more weapons this offseason.

The main priority was extending Courtland Sutton. The No. 1 receiver inked a new deal with the team, keeping him with Nix in Denver for years to come. The Broncos also made a move to acquire Evan Engram at the tight end position. Along with Marvin Mims and rookie Pat Bryant, this all of a sudden looks like a legitimate group of pass catchers.

The run game struggled last season as Javonte Williams could not take the next step. Audric Estime showed flashes at times and will be in the mix once again. Denver used a second-round pick on RJ Harvey while signing JK Dobbins in free agency. There are a number of options and it seems as though Payton will ride the hot hand all season long.

The Broncos have the rare benefit of returning all five starters along the offensive line. Mike McGlinchey missed four games last season but is a standout tackle when on the field. The same can be said about Garett Bolles. Quinn Meinerz has a high ceiling at guard with Ben Powers while Luke Wattenberg will take his position at center.

The Wilson era was a mess for Payton and the Broncos. With Nix taking over, Denver now has its franchise quarterback to work with.

DEFENSE

The version of the 2024 Broncos’ defense was not that of old.

So, what’s the answer to improving? Add studs up the middle.

Denver signed Talanoa Hufanga to a three-year deal in free agency to sure up the safety position. He missed time over the lat two years with injuries but the 25-year-old is one of the top playmakers at the position when he is on the field. Hufanga and Brandon Jones are all of a sudden an elite duo.

Dre Greenlaw was another big-time addition in the middle of the year. He suffered a torn Achilles during the Super Bowl two years ago but is expected to return to full strength.

The Broncos selected Jahdae Barron in the draft this year to add to the secondary. He is expected to take on a starting role right away opposite Pat Surtain II, who continues to be among the best corners in the league. Riley Moss will also be in the mix on the outside.

Denver needs to get to the quarterback this season. The three-man front is strong with Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers leading the way. Allen recently signed a four-year, $102 million contract ahead of the season. This duo combined for 15.5 sacks last season.

A majority of the pass rush will come from the outside. Jonathan Cooper and Nik Bonitto make up an elite duo on the outside. They combined for 24 sacks last season while Dondrea Tillman was also productive at getting in the backfield. The depth is there for Denver across the board.

SCHEDULE

Week 1: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 3: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Monday Night)

Week 5: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 6: vs. New York Jets (London)

Week 7: vs. New York Giants

Week 8: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 9: at Houston Texans

Week 10: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Thursday Night)

Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 12: BYE WEEK

Week 13: at Washington Commanders (Sunday Night)

Week 14: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week 15: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 16: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 17: at Kansas City Chiefs (Christmas Day)

Week 18: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Record Prediction: 10-7