In June 2025, Broncos coach Sean Payton declares Denver is 'better than the Chiefs' after Bo Nix's stellar rookie season. Is a new king rising in the AFC West?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Mile High City is buzzing, and it's not just the altitude. Head Coach Sean Payton dropped a bombshell this week, making a claim that has reverberated through the entire NFL: the Denver Broncos are now 'better than the Chiefs.' After a transformative season that saw rookie Bo Nix end an eight-year playoff drought, Payton is done talking about just competing. He's talking about dominating.
We're better than the Chiefs.
Sean Payton's declaration isn't just offseason bravado; it's a statement of intent. For years, the road to the AFC West title has gone through Kansas City, but Payton believes that path now runs through Denver. This newfound confidence has electrified the fanbase, turning quiet optimism into fervent belief. The NFL is taking note, too. The 2025 schedule is dotted with high-stakes, prime time matchups, including a Week 4 Monday Night Football clash against the Bengals, a Week 10 Thursday nighter versus the Raiders, and a Week 13 Sunday Night Football showdown in Washington. The spotlight is officially on the Broncos.
Payton's confidence is built squarely on the shoulders of his young quarterback. Bo Nix didn't just have a good rookie season; he had a franchise-altering one. He erased an eight-year playoff curse, leading a dynamic and improved offense that showcased remarkable synergy with its offensive line. Nix's resilience and leadership transformed the Broncos from perennial hopefuls into legitimate AFC contenders. The narrative has shifted from 'Can Nix be the guy?' to 'How far can Nix take them?' as expectations soar for his sophomore campaign.
While Nix is the engine, the front office has been busy retooling the machinery around him. The backfield has a fresh look following the departure of Javonte Williams. The team has brought in a promising rookie in RJ Harvey and a proven veteran in J.K. Dobbins to carry the load. The question is whether this new-look offense can maintain or exceed the efficiency of 2024, when they averaged 25 points per game, good for 10th in the league. Fortunately, they're backed by a defense that was statistically elite last season, allowing the lowest EPA per play in the entire NFL. That defensive prowess provides a crucial safety net as the new offensive pieces gel.
This isn't a one-year 'all-in' push. The Broncos' management is building a sustainable winner. Even as they gear up for a 2025 title run, they are well-positioned for the future. The team is currently projected to have eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, with more potentially on the way. They are set to receive seventh-round compensatory picks for the departures of Javonte Williams and Tremon Smith. This strategic accumulation of draft capital ensures that the Broncos can continue to build depth and add talent, keeping their championship window open for years to come.
Sean Payton has thrown down the gauntlet. The challenge to the Chiefs is real, the belief in Bo Nix is unwavering, and the roster is built to win now and in the future. The days of hoping for a playoff spot are over. The 2025 season is about proving the coach right and reclaiming the AFC West. All eyes will now turn to training camp and that Week 4 Monday night showdown, the first major test in Denver's quest for supremacy.
