The NFL's True Darkhorse Super Bowl Contender

The NFL’s True Darkhorse Super Bowl Contender

Looking at the Denver Broncos, it is very clear that they are going to be one of the best teams in the entire NFL this upcoming season. While some power rankings have them in the top three heading into the 2026 NFL season, there are a lot of people expecting regression after their 13-win season, as they stood at the top of the AFC West in 2025. There were concerns about Bo Nix with his ankle surgery this offseason, as well as concerns about how the offense will perform under a new offensive coordinator, Davis Webb, but I am utterly sold that this Broncos team is going to be phenomenal once again in 2026, and they have a much better shot to actually make the Super Bowl rather than just the AFC Championship.

Looking at the offense, I truly believe that the offense will perform much better this year because not only is Davis Webb an elite offensive mind who has gotten head coaching candidate interviews and is a future NFL head coach, but the weapons on offense are much better. You have another year with Evan Engram, and the receiving room got 10 times better, still having Courtland Sutton on one side, but trading the first-round pick for elite wide receiver Jalen Waddle. Then you have Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims, who are two young deep threats. Couple that in with their running back core of J.K. Dobbins and Jonah Coleman, who had a phenomenal preseason, and couple that with a top-five offensive line. This offense is ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

Looking at their defense, the truth is that the only major loss they had was John Franklin-Myers, but besides that, they kept their defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, along with an elite secondary with Pat Surtain, Jahdae Barron, and more.

I understand the division is difficult with the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and the lowly Las Vegas Raiders, but this is a team that may not be better in the regular-season record-wise, but sure as hell has the foundation to become a Super Bowl winner this year.