Denver Broncos
AFC West | Bye Week: 12
Season Preview
The Denver Broncos are coming into the 2025 NFL season with a lot of momentum after breaking their eight-year playoff drought by going 10-7 in 2024. Head coach Sean Payton, who has a respectable 18-16 record with Denver and a Super Bowl title from his career, has steadily improved the team on both sides of the ball. The Broncos ranked 10th in points scored last year and had a stingy defense that allowed the third-fewest points in the league. This balanced approach gives Denver a solid foundation to build on for the upcoming season.
On offense, quarterback Bo Nix showed promise as a rookie, and with the passing game centered around veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton, the Broncos will look to get even better. Sutton, approaching his 30s, is still Denver's top target and had an impressive season in 2024 with double-digit touchdowns. However, the team added tight end Evan Engram and drafted Marvin Mims, which might slightly reduce Sutton's target share, but overall it should help diversify the offense’s weapons and keep defenses guessing. The offensive line remains a strength and will be crucial in giving Nix time to make plays.
Defensively, Denver’s unit under coordinator Vance Joseph continues to be a formidable force. Last season, the Broncos defense ranked seventh in yards allowed and excelled in limiting scoring, which was a big reason for their successful run to the playoffs. With players like Pat Certan, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and additions such as Tre’ Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, the defense is expected to maintain or even improve its high level of play in 2025. Rookie Jade Baron will also be a player to watch.
Overall, the Broncos appear ready to make a significant push in the highly competitive AFC West. The combination of a balanced offense, a tough defense, and a coaching staff with strong NFL experience puts them in a good position to not only make the playoffs again but potentially go deeper this year. Fantasy football owners should keep an eye on Courtland Sutton as a dependable receiver, Bo Nix’s development at quarterback, and the potential breakout of running back R.J. Harvey, who was a second-round pick, as they all have key roles in Denver’s success in 2025.
