2025 AFC West Preview: Denver Broncos Football

DENVER, Colorado — As the Denver Broncos gear up for the 2025 season, they do so with confidence in their young quarterback and the steady hand of an experienced coaching staff. Now entering his third year as head coach, Sean Payton has orchestrated a careful roster makeover, laying a strong foundation for both immediate success and sustained growth.

Offense: Bo Nix Builds On Promising Rookie Year

Bo Nix returns for his second NFL season after a rookie campaign that yielded 3,775 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while adding 92 rushes for 430 yards and four touchdowns. Payton, aiming to avoid complacency, retooled the offense in the offseason and focused on enhancing Nix’s mechanics—bringing in Drew Brees and renowned specialist Tom House for offseason work.

Training camp reports have been encouraging. Payton described Nix’s command of the offense as “light years further along,” while camp highlights included explosive plays from rookie running back R.J. Harvey, whose 15- to 20-yard burst off a handoff from Nix drew onlookers’ approval.

Adding veteran tight end Evan Engram gives Nix a versatile security blanket, particularly in tight spaces. On the ground, the Broncos bolstered their backfield with rookie R.J. Harvey and free-agent pickup J.K. Dobbins, a proven playmaker when healthy. If Harvey’s burst and Dobbins’ experience mesh behind Denver’s retooled offensive line, the running game could evolve into one of the offense’s strongest assets.

The wide receiver room remains anchored by Courtland Sutton, though Denver hopes for more production from Marvin Mims Jr. and second-year pro Troy Franklin. Rookie Pat Bryant also enters the mix, giving Nix a deeper arsenal than he had as a rookie.

Defense: Dominant and Deep

Denver doubled down on a defense that already ranked among the league’s most disruptive. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II remains the anchor after winning AP Defensive Player of the Year for 2024 and signing a new four-year, $96 million extension. Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw arrived via free agency with All-Pro potential, boosting the back end and linebacker depth.

Safety Brandon Jones, coming off a 115-tackle season, has emerged as a leading voice in the secondary alongside newcomer Hufanga, with communication and cohesion being key emphases. And with rookies Jahdae Barron, Sai’Vion Jones and Pat Bryant—along with undrafted prospects like Courtney Jackson—the depth chart offers promising competition.

Realistic Expectations & Win Projections

The Broncos are viewed as solid AFC West challengers—projections peg them at about nine wins with a little better than a coin-flip chance to make the playoffs. Betting analysts have taken notice, upbeat on Nix’s stride, the offensive line, and manageable schedule; some believe Denver can hit double digits and make a push for the division crown.

A realistic expectation is a 10-win season, playoff qualification, and at minimum a serious shot at the AFC West title.

Path to Winning the AFC West

To clinch the division, Denver must hold off the likes of Kansas City and Los Angeles. Critical to that will be defensive consistency and Bo Nix’s development. A balanced offense—with a credible RB duo of Harvey and Dobbins, and improved passing options—could tip close games in their favor. Strong performances in key division matchups, especially at Arrowhead in Week 17, will be vital.

Critical Games on the 2025 Slate

Several contests stand out:

• Week 1 vs. Tennessee Titans: Season opener at Mile High—sets early tone.
• Week 3 at L.A. Chargers: A benchmark divisional test on the road.
• Week 11 vs. Kansas City: The first meeting with the Chiefs at home—division implications.
• Week 17 at Chiefs on Christmas Day: Late-season showdown with playoff seeding and division title potentially on the line.

Other intriguing games include Week 5 at Philadelphia and Week 6 in London against the Jets, measuring Denver against a range of schemes and stars.

Team Ceiling Hinges on Nix

Bo Nix’s development is the key variable. If he builds on his rookie efficiency, makes better decisions, and broadens his target base beyond Sutton—who accounted for nearly half of Denver’s air yards and a disproportionate share of red-zone targets—then this offense could really hum. Leadership and consistency from the quarterback spot will define how high Denver can climb.

Summary Snapshot