Denver Broncos: Primed for a Repeat Playoff Run in 2025?

The Denver Broncos are riding a wave of optimism as the 2025 NFL season approaches. After ending a painful nine-year playoff drought in 2024, the team appears poised for continued success, potentially even challenging for a Super Bowl berth. A resurgent defense and an improved offense are at the heart of this renewed hope. USA TODAY Sports predicts an 11-6 record for the Broncos in the upcoming season.

Defensive Dominance: The Foundation of Success

While rookie quarterback Bo Nix garnered attention for his impressive debut season, the Broncos’ 2024 resurgence was largely built on their dominant defensive performance. The team ranked first in defensive EPA (Expected Points Added), a testament to their ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II’s outstanding play earned him the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier defensive backs.

The Broncos’ defense featured a potent pass rush, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and generating sacks. This pressure, combined with an opportunistic and ball-hawking secondary, created a nightmare scenario for opposing offenses. The unit excelled at forcing turnovers, giving the Broncos’ offense valuable opportunities to score.

Investing in Defense: A Commitment to Excellence

Despite their stellar performance in 2024, the Broncos’ front office demonstrated a commitment to maintaining defensive excellence by investing significant resources in free agency and the draft. The team made a splash by signing safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, both formerly of the San Francisco 49ers.

Hufanga is a physical safety known for his exceptional ball skills and aggressive style of play. He adds another layer of playmaking ability to the Broncos’ secondary. Greenlaw is a downhill, playmaking linebacker who excels at stopping the run. His addition addresses a potential area of weakness and further strengthens the Broncos’ front seven.

In the draft, the Broncos selected cornerback Jahdae Barron with their first-round pick. Barron, a Jim Thorpe Award winner, led the SEC in interceptions during his final college season. He is expected to compete for a starting role and contribute immediately to the team’s secondary.

These acquisitions demonstrate the Broncos’ unwavering commitment to maintaining a top-tier defense. With minimal weaknesses on that side of the ball, the Broncos are well-positioned to be among the league’s best at forcing turnovers and generating sacks in 2025.

Offensive Improvements: Finding the Right Balance

While the Broncos’ defense is expected to be a strength, the team also needs its offense to perform at a high level to achieve sustained success. In 2024, the offense was solid but had room for improvement, particularly in the running game. No Broncos player exceeded Javonte Williams’ 513 rushing yards, indicating a need for a more consistent and productive ground attack.

To address this issue, the Broncos used a second-round pick to select running back RJ Harvey from UCF. Harvey, despite his smaller stature at 5-8 and 205 pounds, is known for his compact build and excellent contact balance. The team hopes that Harvey can provide a true top back for the offense, adding a dynamic element to the running game.

A stronger running game could also benefit quarterback Bo Nix by opening up more opportunities in the passing game. Nix displayed promise during his rookie season, and continued improvement could elevate the Broncos’ offense to new heights. If he avoids a sophomore slump and continues to develop his skills, the Broncos’ offense should be more efficient and productive in 2025.

Strength of Schedule: A Road to Contention

The Broncos face a challenging schedule in 2025, ranking 14th league-wide in terms of strength of schedule, according to Sharp Football Analysis. This is due in part to their eight games against teams that made the playoffs last season. Navigating this tough schedule will be crucial for the Broncos’ playoff hopes.

Despite the challenging schedule, the Broncos have the potential to improve upon their 10-7 record from 2024. Their great defense, strong home-field advantage, and favorable matchups against teams like the Giants and Titans give them a high floor.

The AFC West: Challenging the Chiefs’ Reign

The Broncos play in the AFC West, a division dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs for the past nine seasons. Overthrowing the Chiefs will be a significant challenge, but the Broncos have the potential to compete for the division title.

The Chiefs remain a formidable opponent, but the Broncos’ improved roster and coaching staff could make them a legitimate contender in the AFC West. Even if they don’t dethrone the Chiefs, the Broncos should still have a great chance to make the playoffs as a wild card team.

Keys to Success: A Recipe for a Deep Playoff Run

For the Broncos to reach their full potential in 2025, several factors will be critical:

• Continued Defensive Dominance: The Broncos’ defense must maintain its high level of play, generating turnovers and pressuring quarterbacks consistently.

• Improved Running Game: RJ Harvey needs to establish himself as a reliable and productive running back, taking pressure off Bo Nix.

• Bo Nix’s Development: Nix must continue to improve as a quarterback, making smart decisions and maximizing his opportunities in the passing game.

• Staying Healthy: Avoiding significant injuries to key players will be essential for the Broncos’ success.

Conclusion: A Bright Future in Denver

The Denver Broncos are entering the 2025 season with high expectations. After ending their playoff drought in 2024, the team has made significant improvements to its roster and coaching staff. With a dominant defense, an improved offense, and a strong home-field advantage, the Broncos are well-positioned to compete for a playoff spot and potentially even make a deep run in the postseason. While challenging the Chiefs’ reign in the AFC West remains a tough task, the Broncos have the pieces in place to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2025. The prediction of an 11-6 season seems realistic, setting the stage for an exciting year for Broncos fans.