Why the Broncos Are Primed to Win the AFC West in 2025

By: Carson Childs

The Denver Broncos are poised to be a significant threat to the 17 teams they play against during the 2025 NFL season. With a combination of strategic game-planning, key offseason additions, and a favorable schedule, the Broncos have the potential to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs to claim their first division title since the 2015 season.


Head coach Sean Payton, now in his third year with the Broncos, has been a transformative leader for the franchise. Payton's extensive playoff experience and offensive expertise have been pivotal in reshaping the Broncos' strategy and performance. Payton has instilled a culture of resilience and mental toughness since becoming the head coach. In his first year, despite starting the season with a 1-5 record, finished the season resiliently with an 8-9 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. Once Payton found his quarterback in Bo Nix, the team flourished, and last year the Broncos made their first playoff appearance since the 2015 season. 

When Payton initially drafted Bo Nix, he received tons of criticism for selecting the wrong player at pick number 12. Payton and Nix proved all of the haters wrong when Nix threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns, as well as making playoffs when no one believed they would. Payton's ability to develop young talent has been a cornerstone of the team's success and will be critical for the team in order to make the jump to contender level. The Broncos may not have the most eye-popping talent on their roster, but with Sean Payton at the helm, anything is possible for them in the 2025 season.

The Broncos have also made significant moves so far in the offseason to bolster their roster. The addition of linebacker Dre Greenlaw brings much-needed strength and leadership to the defense. Greenlaw's ability to read different offensive schemes and make crucial tackles will be vital in containing the high-powered offenses within the division. The addition of Greenlaw will only better their chances when trying to slow down Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Denver's defense, led by standout cornerback Pat Surtain, is already one of the most formidable units in the league. Surtain's ability to shut down top receivers and create turnovers will be crucial in matchups they must win against the elite quarterbacks they face next year. 

On the offensive side, the signing of tight end Evan Engram adds a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and create mismatches. Engram's presence will complement the existing receiving corps and provide Nix with a reliable target. 


Lastly, the Broncos' 2025 schedule is favorable for several reasons. As the third-place finisher in the AFC West, they face a relatively easier slate of opponents compared to their division rivals. Outside of their division, the Broncos are slated to face the Jaguars, Titans, Cowboys, Giants, Bengals, and Packers. In these matchups, the Broncos should be favored in at least four out of the six. On the road, they face the Texans, Colts, Eagles, Commanders, and Jets. The Broncos should be favored to win three out of the five away games. 

After looking at the non-division opponents, Denver would need to win the season series against the Raiders and the Chargers and could make a push to seal the title with a split series against the Chiefs. 
Totaling that information, the Broncos would finish the year at 12-5, and have a chance to win their division, depending on how the Chiefs do next season.

With a combination of experienced coaching, player acquisitions, a strong defense, a favorable schedule, and a successful draft, the Denver Broncos have all the ingredients necessary to win the AFC West in 2025. If they can stay healthy and execute their game plan, the Broncos could very well be the team to beat in the AFC.

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