INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 11: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball in the first half during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos had a breakout season in 2024, going 10-7 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2015, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix and head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos’ defense was dominant from week one, led by Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II and breakout linebacker Nick Bonitto, who led the team with 13.5 sacks in 2024.
The playoffs were less magical for Denver, as they lost to the Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the wild-card round. Although the loss was disappointing, the Broncos boast one of the most up-and-coming rosters in the NFL, featuring a wealth of talent and hungry young players.
Heading into free agency, the Broncos knew they would need to capitalize on their success from last season and add win-now players to their roster. Denver added several weapons for Nix, signing tight end Evan Engram from the Jaguars, who was a Pro Bowler in 2023.
They also signed running back J.K. Dobbins, who had 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games last season with the Chargers. Denver also added to their already dominant defense, signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, both from the 49ers. Despite all the additions, the Broncos did lose some important players like running back Javonte Williams, linebacker Cody Barton and punter Riley Dixon.
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In the NFL Draft, the Broncos drafted cornerback Jahdae Barron out of Texas in the first round, pairing him up with Surtain in what should be one of the best cornerback duos in the NFL. They also drafted running back RJ Harvey in the second round to pair up with newly signed J.K. Dobbins, improving a rushing attack that was below average last season. Denver finished out their draft picking wide receiver Pat Bryant, defensive end Sai’vion Jones, outside linebacker Que Robinson, punter Jeremy Crawshaw and tight end Caleb Lohner.
With the momentum of the offseason as well as last year, the Broncos enter 2025 as playoff favorites and have a good chance of winning their division. Denver has the 15th most challenging schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports, with next season’s opener against the Tennessee Titans in Denver. The Broncos’ biggest game of the season will be against the Eagles in week five in Philadelphia, in what should be a massive test for them. The Broncos will face one of the most challenging paths to winning their division, as they must navigate the Chiefs, who have secured three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, an improved Los Angeles Chargers team, and the Raiders, led by new quarterback Geno Smith.
Denver enters the season with +2500 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +1300 odds of winning the AFC Championship. This gives them the 11th-best odds of winning the Super Bowl out of the entire NFL, and they open as +7.5 favorites in their week one matchup vs the Titans. Denver is also favored in 12 of their 18 games this season, giving them great odds to win their division for the first time since 2015.
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