Denver Broncos 2025 Season Preview: Elite Defense, Bo Nix, Roster Upgrades, and Why This Team is a Legit Contender in the AFC
Last season, the Broncos transformed their defense from the laughingstock of the league into a nightmare for opposing offenses, while also finding their franchise quarterback. Rookie Bo Nix shocked the NFL, leading all rookie passers (including Offensive Rookie of the Year Jaden Daniels) in both yards and touchdowns (StatMuse). His arrival, along with a drastically improved defense, propelled Denver to a 10-7 record and snapped a decade-long playoff drought.
Now, the Broncos enter 2025 as a dark-horse Super Bowl contender in the eyes of the national media. The hype is at an all-time high, and while it’s uneasy to see everyone jumping on the bandwagon, the truth is, Denver’s roster is stacked from top to bottom. The time to end the Kansas City Chiefs’ reign over the AFC West is now.
Denver’s Elite Defense: More Dangerous Than Ever
In 2024, Denver’s defense led the league in sacks with 63 (StatMuse). Edge rushers Nik Bonitto (13.5) and Jonathan Cooper (10.5) both hit double digits, while defensive tackle Zach Allen added 8.5. John Franklin-Myers and rookie Jonah Elliss add depth to the pass rush rotations as they also combined for 12 more sacks last season.
Possibly Denver’s biggest weakness last season was its inside linebacker play. In 2025, it should be vastly improved as Alex Singleton, Denver’s leading tackler in 2023, returns from injury. Free agent addition Dre Greenlaw also brings coverage ability and proven production. Greenlaw tallied consecutive 100-tackle seasons before tearing his Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII. If both remain healthy, they should anchor the middle of the defense.
The secondary looks just as formidable. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II (the first Bronco to earn the honor since Randy Gradishar in 1978) is still expected to lock down teams’ top receivers as Denver’s second outside cornerback, Riley Moss, enters his second year as a starter, hoping to improve on his up-and-down 2024 season. Not to mention Denver’s 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron, 2024 Jim Thorpe award winner, should also see plenty of action in nickel and dime packages. In addition, the signing of 2022 first-team All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga provides an instant boost at safety. Paired with fellow ballhawk Brandon Jones, Denver’s defensive backfield is loaded with first-class talent.
Bo Nix Year Two: Building on a Breakout Rookie Season
As electrifying as his rookie year was, Nix is positioned for an even stronger sophomore campaign. For the first time since high school, Nix will play in the same system for the second year in a row. Continuity with Sean Payton and nearly the entire starting offense gives the Broncos confidence as they enter their Super Bowl window.
The offensive line is ranked among the league’s best, according to Pro Football Focus. To support Nix, Denver added veteran running back J.K. Dobbins and drafted rookie RJ Harvey, who has already drawn Alvin Kamara comparisons. Perhaps the most significant addition, though, is tight end Evan Engram. A vertical threat with playmaking ability, Engram is expected to be one of Nix’s top targets.
At receiver, Courtland Sutton is the clear number one option, and Marvin Mims, the All-Pro return man, continues to develop in a gadget role, but rookie Troy Franklin may be the one to emerge as the breakout star. In limited preseason snaps, he recorded nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns (per ESPN), showcasing speed, hands, and growing confidence. Plus, he just exudes swagger playing in that number 11 jersey, a number he also wore at Oregon. If Denver’s playmakers step up, there’s no reason Nix can’t surpass 4,000 yards and cement himself as one of the NFL’s rising stars.
Season Outlook
The 2025 Denver Broncos have the talent and coaching to contend for a Super Bowl. With a defensive unit overflowing with talent on all three levels and an offense centered around a young yet rapidly developing franchise quarterback, Denver finally has a complete team.
I do not doubt that Denver’s defense will deliver. The success of this team hinges on the consistency of the receiving corps and an improved running game. The performance of Bo Nix’s supporting cast is key to avoiding a sophomore slump. If they can step up, the Broncos will make a run deep into January.
Projection: The hype is real. My projection is a 12-win season, an AFC West title, and a legitimate shot to win it all. It may not be pretty from start to finish, as this is still a growing team, but for the first time in years, they have the talent and, more importantly, the leadership to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Mile High City.