2025 Denver Broncos projected win total, prediction

After going 10-7 and making the playoffs in 2024, the Denver Broncos may do that again this upcoming season. Per BetMGM, Denver will win more than nine games for a second consecutive season.  

Regular-season win total: 9.5 

Outlook: Quarterback Bo Nix looks like the guy for the Broncos after finishing third in 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. Nix could vault to the next level with new weapons. 

TE Evan Engram signed a two-year, $23M deal with Denver in free agency. The TE could be a perfect "joker" (a versatile TE or running back) for head coach Sean Payton's offense. Engram played in just nine games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 because of a torn labrum in his left shoulder. When the TE is healthy, he's productive. The two-time Pro Bowler had the league's fourth-most receptions (114 in 17 games) in 2023. 

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Denver grabbed UCF RB RJ Harvey (pick No. 60) and Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant (pick No. 74). In 2024, Harvey rushed for 1,577 yards in 12 games, while Bryant had 10 touchdown catches in 12 games.

Payton seems high on Bryant. He has compared the rookie to former New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas, who earned two first-team All-Pro nods in six seasons under the coach. 

Denver's stingy defense, which allowed the league's third-fewest points (18.3) last season, could be even better in 2025. In free agency, they signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw (three years, $31.5M) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (three years, $39M), who helped the San Francisco 49ers make Super Bowl LVIII during the 2023 season.  

With pick No. 20 in the draft, the Broncos selected Texas' Jahdae Barron, the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner as college football's best DB. He and Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II — 2024 Defensive Player of the Year — could form a lockdown tandem. 

Denver's schedule looks manageable. Per Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, the Broncos have the 14th-toughest schedule based on projected win totals.