RISE OF THE DENVER BRONCOS

From Rock Bottom to Playoff Ready: The Denver Broncos Are Back

The Denver Broncos have gone from perennial AFC power to punchline—and back again. After nearly a decade of disappointment following their Super Bowl 50 win, Denver has re-emerged as a legitimate contender heading into the 2025 NFL season.

The Collapse After Glory

The Broncos’ post-Peyton Manning era was defined by instability. From 2016 to 2022, Denver cycled through 14 starting quarterbacks and four head coaches. The team posted seven straight losing seasons and failed to find a long-term answer under center.

Attempts to fix the situation—including the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade—fell flat. The 2022 season, under head coach Nathaniel Hackett, was especially disastrous. Denver finished 5–12, and Hackett was fired before season’s end.

The Sean Payton Effect

In 2023, Denver reset its trajectory by hiring Sean Payton. The former Saints head coach brought a championship résumé and immediate credibility. While the team started 1–5, they turned things around midseason with a five-game win streak and finished 8–9.

Most importantly, the culture changed. Players bought in. The defense stabilized. And leadership finally returned to the sideline.

Cutting Wilson, Drafting Nix

In one of the boldest moves in NFL history, Denver cut Russell Wilson in 2024—absorbing an $85 million dead cap hit. That paved the way for a new franchise quarterback, and with the 12th overall pick, they selected Oregon’s Bo Nix.

Nix brought elite production and poise, finishing his college career with an NCAA-record 77% completion rate, 45 touchdowns, and over 4,500 yards in 2023. Under Payton’s mentorship, Nix improved steadily as a rookie and won over the locker room.

Defense Sets the Tone

The Broncos’ defense powered the team’s resurgence in 2024. They led the NFL in sacks (63) and allowed just 18 points per game in the second half of the season.

Cornerback Patrick Surtain II continued to play at an All-Pro level. Baron Browning and Caden Sterns emerged as key contributors. The unit’s speed, aggression, and swagger gave Denver a consistent edge.

A 10–7 Season and Playoff Return

Denver finished the 2024 season 10–7, clinching their first winning record and playoff berth since 2015. Though they didn’t make a deep postseason run, the foundation was clearly in place.

Analysts across the league have taken notice—citing Denver’s coaching, defensive identity, and quarterback development as reasons to believe in their future.

Aggressive Offseason Moves

The Broncos entered the 2025 offseason with one goal: build the best defense in the NFL.

They signed former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw—two physical, smart defenders with playoff experience. They also used the No. 20 overall pick to draft Texas corner Jahdae Barron and added LSU edge rusher Sai’vion Jones for more pass-rush depth.

On offense, Denver added tight end Evan Engram to provide Bo Nix with a dependable target and signed UCF running back RJ Harvey to replace Javonte Williams. They also reinforced the offensive line—an investment in protecting their young quarterback.

The Outlook for 2025

With a top-five defense, a rising young QB, and one of the most respected coaches in football, Denver isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore.

They’re not chasing the ghosts of Elway or Manning. They’re writing their own chapter. And if 2024 was the reset, 2025 might just be the breakout.