After a stunning 2024 season, Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos are on Super Bowl watch. Find out why the Chiefs should be worried about this rising AFC West power.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Forget cautious optimism, Broncos Country. The whisper of a playoff contender has grown into a full-throated roar for a Super Bowl run. After a stunning 2024 campaign that saw rookie Bo Nix lead the team to an unexpected playoff berth, the Mile High City is buzzing with legitimate championship aspirations. It's not just local hype, either; national pundits like Stephen A. Smith are sounding the alarm, warning the rest of the league that a new power is rising in the AFC West.
On ESPN's First Take, Stephen A. Smith warned the Kansas City Chiefs that the Denver Broncos have 'put the NFL on notice.'
The entire trajectory of the franchise shifted last season, and the reason can be summed up in two words: Bo Nix. His poise and production shattered rookie expectations, energizing a fanbase starved for competent quarterback play. Nix didn't just manage games; he won them, securing a playoff spot that few saw coming. Unsurprisingly, he's been tabbed as a major 'offseason winner,' impressing coaches and solidifying his role as the undisputed leader of the offense. With Nix under center, the Broncos finally have the offensive firepower to complement their other elite unit.
While Nix grabs the headlines, the backbone of this team remains its historically dominant defense. After leading the NFL with a franchise-record 63 sacks and ranking first in defensive EPA, this unit isn't resting on its laurels. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II anchors a secondary that now includes hard-hitting safety Talanoa Hufanga, who has already praised the unit's depth. The pass rush is a nightmare for opponents, with Nik Bonitto (13.5 sacks), Jonathon Cooper (10.5 sacks), and Zach Allen (8.5 sacks) all returning. As Coach Sean Payton knows, a defense this ferocious is the ultimate security blanket for a young quarterback.
General Manager George Paton and Coach Payton have masterfully retained 86% of last year's roster while making targeted, impactful upgrades. Pro Football Focus projects five new starters, including rookie running back RJ Harvey, safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, corner Jahdae Barron, and tight end Evan Engram. Harvey, another 'offseason winner,' looks poised to take a significant role. This intense competition means some familiar faces like Ja’Quan McMillian and Jaleel McLaughlin face uncertain roles, but it's a clear sign that Payton is building a deep, competitive roster ready for a deep playoff run.
The road to the Super Bowl is never without its bumps, and the first potential challenge is emerging on the injury front. As the team looks toward Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, several key players are listed as questionable. The list includes safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee), new linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quadriceps), offensive tackle Frank Crum (illness), and rookie linebacker Jonah Elliss (shoulder). The team's depth will be tested early, and their progress through training camp will be a critical storyline to watch.
The pieces are in place. A confident young quarterback, a defense that terrorizes opponents, and a deep, talented roster built to win now. The narrative in Denver has shifted from hope to expectation. With the AFC West on notice and Super Bowl aspirations feeling more real than ever, the only question left is just how far this Broncos team can go. The journey to find out begins now.
