Denver Broncos tipped to be AFC contenders

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Denver Broncos tipped to be AFC contenders

Originally posted on DenverBroncosCommunity | Last updated Sep 3, 2026 2:12 PM ET

The Denver Broncos had a great year in 2026, making it all the way to the AFC Championship game. Unfortunately, after Bo Nix was injured in the playoff win against the Bills, the Broncos lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship with backup QB Jarrett Stidham leading the team.

With Bo Nix back and healty and a big offseason trade for WR Jaylen Waddle, things are looking good for Broncos nation. Greg Jennings felt the same way on FS1’s First Things First where he praised the Broncos and QB Bo Nix. Jennings says he sees Nix improving even more in year 3 and sees the Broncos as a contender in the AFC:

“I think this is a team that’s gonna be able to build on what they were last year… I think this is a fantastic team. I really do. Bo Nix, I think he’ll take a jump. When you add a guy like Waddle, Ingram at the TE position, Courtland Sutton, you have pieces.” [via First Things First]

“I think this is a team that’s gonna be able to build on what they were last year… I think this is a fantastic team. I really do. Bo Nix, I think he’ll take a jump.”@GregJennings thinks the Broncos will pick up where they left off: pic.twitter.com/nwu4fdGCyB
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 1, 2026

Is the Denver Broncos run game underrated?

Greg Jennings also went on the praise the Broncos underrated run game and especially JK Dobbins, who missed the last half of the 2025 season with injury:

“The one piece that we overlook, that was fantastic for this team – JK Dobbins in the running game. Weeks 1 through 10, when he was healthy enough, they were a top 10 rushing attack. When he got injured, they dropped down to 21st.” [via First Things First]

With the Broncos fit and improved from last year, as well as a stellar defense, they are definitely one of the teams to watch in the AFC.

This article first appeared on DenverBroncosCommunity and was syndicated with permission.

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