Last Updated on September 10, 2025 9:15 am by Allen
Team Overview
The Denver Broncos enter 2025 with significant momentum after rookie quarterback Bo Nix led them to a 10-7 record and their first playoff appearance since 2015. Under head coach Sean Payton’s guidance, Nix threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns while leading all rookie quarterbacks in passing statistics. The Broncos are positioned as the Chiefs’ primary challenger in the AFC West, with division odds of +280 to +350.
The team doubled down on their defensive strength by adding linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talenou Funga, while drafting cornerback Jaden Baron. Their offensive line, which ranked as the NFL’s best unit in 2024, returns intact for 2025. With Nix entering his second season and the supporting cast largely unchanged, Denver is poised for another competitive campaign.
Offensive Line Analysis
The Broncos boast the NFL’s top-ranked offensive line unit entering 2025, earning an A+ grade with a 99.5 PFF rating. All five starters return from their dominant 2024 performance: left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Ben Powers, center Luke Wattenberg, right guard Quinn Meinerz, and right tackle Mike McGlinchey. This continuity is unparalleled among NFL teams.
The unit excelled in both pass protection (28.3% pressure rate, 4.0% sack rate) and run blocking, ranking first in ESPN’s pass-block win rate and run-block win rate metrics. Individual players dominated their position groups – Powers led interior linemen in run-block win rate, while Bolles and McGlinchey both ranked in the top seven for tackle pass-block win rate. This elite protection allowed Nix to develop despite holding the ball for an average of 3.03 seconds (fifth-highest in NFL).
Defensive Line Analysis
Denver’s defensive front features a talented group led by edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Nik Bonitto, with rookie additions strengthening the unit. The team ranked fourth in defensive DVOA in 2024 and made significant investments to maintain that level. The addition of veteran pass rushers and the drafting of defensive linemen provide both immediate impact and future depth.
The Broncos’ defensive line benefits from having multiple players capable of generating pressure, creating favorable matchups across the front. Their run defense remains stout, allowing the linebacker corps and secondary to play aggressively. The defensive scheme under coordinator Vance Joseph maximizes the talent available while maintaining the aggressive approach that made them one of the league’s top units.
2025 NFL Season
First Kickoff Game – vs. Tennessee Titans
The Denver Broncos secured a 20–12 win over the Tennessee Titans in their season opener, highlighted by Bo Nix’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton and J.K. Dobbins’ decisive 19-yard rushing score. Denver’s defense dominated with six sacks and limited the Titans to just 133 total yards, while RJ Harvey added 70 yards on the ground.
Injury concerns include tight end Evan Engram, who left the game late with a calf issue, and multiple Titans players, including Jarvis Brownlee Jr., who was hurt amid a penalty-ridden performance from Tennessee. Denver’s defense also forced crucial turnovers, helping seal the win during key fourth-quarter stands.
Next week, the Broncos visit the Indianapolis Colts with momentum from their defensive showcase and young offensive talent. Early signs suggest the team will continue to rely on playmaking from Nix, Dobbins, and Harvey as they pursue another victory.
Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl
The Broncos sit second in AFC West odds at +280 to +350, closely trailing the Chiefs. Their Super Bowl LX odds are +2200, reflecting their status as an emerging contender. Some analysts favor Denver to upset Kansas City for the division title, citing their strength in the trenches and expected positive regression after going 1-6 in close games during 2024.
AFC Championship odds for Denver are longer than their division odds suggest, indicating that while they’re competitive within the AFC West, they’re viewed as less likely to reach the conference championship game. However, their strong defense and improved offensive line make them a team capable of surprising in the playoffs if they can secure a postseason berth.
Predictions
Multiple projection models favor the Broncos to win 9-12 games, with some simulations showing them capturing the AFC West title. ESPN’s simulation model actually projected Denver to edge out Kansas City for the division championship. The key factors supporting these optimistic projections include Nix’s continued development, the elite offensive line play, and a defense that should remain among the league’s best.
Bo Nix’s sophomore season development will be crucial for Denver’s success. Early reports from training camp suggest he’s building on his strong rookie campaign and developing better chemistry with receivers like Courtland Sutton. If the Broncos can improve their performance in close games (where they struggled in 2024), they have the talent to challenge Kansas City’s division dominance.