In the Spotlight: Denver Broncos Aim to Build on 14-Win Season

The Denver Broncos enter 2026 facing significantly higher expectations after emerging as one of the AFC’s best teams last season. Denver finished 14-3 in 2025, won the AFC West and defeated Buffalo 33-30 in the Divisional Round before falling 10-7 to New England in the AFC Championship game. Sean Payton now has a roster capable of another deep playoff run. The Broncos return quarterback Bo Nix and an offensive line that remains intact, while a defense that surrendered only 18.3 points per game last season again projects as one of Denver’s biggest strengths.

What to Watch

Nix’s development remains the biggest offensive storyline. The third-year quarterback threw for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2025 while adding 356 rushing yards and five scores. He has now won 24 regular-season games through his first two NFL seasons. Denver made a major move to help him by acquiring Jaylen Waddle from Miami. Waddle joins Courtland Sutton and gives Payton another explosive receiving option. The Broncos also re-signed J.K. Dobbins and used a fourth-round selection on running back Jonah Coleman. Defensively, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen and Patrick Surtain II remain the players to watch. Denver recorded a league-leading 68 sacks last season, while Talanoa Hufanga strengthens an already talented secondary.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks aren’t treating last season’s 14 victories as the baseline for 2026. DraftKings set Denver’s win total at 9.5, with Over 9.5 at -115 and Under at -105 as of Sept. 1. The Broncos were also -140 to reach the playoffs. Denver entered the season at +210 to win the AFC West, behind Kansas City (+170) and the Los Angeles Chargers (+190). The Broncos were +970 to win the AFC and +2000 to win Super Bowl LXI.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 14-3; AFC West champions; lost AFC Championship Game.
• Key players to watch: Bo Nix, Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen and Patrick Surtain II.
• Expected starting QB: Bo Nix.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Jaylen Waddle, Talanoa Hufanga and rookie RB Jonah Coleman, along with the return of several important free agents including J.K. Dobbins.
• Betting odds to win AFC West: +210.
• Betting odds to win AFC: +970.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +2000.
• Win totals over/under: 9.5 — Over -115 / Under -105.

2026-27 Denver Broncos Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	TV
1	Sept. 14	at Kansas City Chiefs	8:15 p.m.	ESPN/ABC
2	Sept. 20	vs. Jacksonville Jaguars	4:05 p.m.	CBS
3	Sept. 27	vs. Los Angeles Rams	8:20 p.m.	NBC
4	Oct. 4	at San Francisco 49ers	4:25 p.m.	CBS
5	Oct. 11	at Los Angeles Chargers	4:05 p.m.	CBS
6	Oct. 15	vs. Seattle Seahawks	8:15 p.m.	Prime Video
7	Oct. 25	at Arizona Cardinals	4:05 p.m.	CBS
8	Nov. 1	vs. Kansas City Chiefs	4:25 p.m.	CBS
9	Nov. 8	at Carolina Panthers	1:00 p.m.	CBS
10	—	BYE	—	—
11	Nov. 22	vs. Las Vegas Raiders	4:25 p.m.	CBS
12	Nov. 27	at Pittsburgh Steelers	3:00 p.m.	Prime Video
13	Dec. 6	vs. Miami Dolphins	4:05 p.m.	FOX
14	Dec. 13	at New York Jets	1:00 p.m.	CBS
15	Dec. 20	at Las Vegas Raiders	4:25 p.m.	CBS
16	Dec. 25	vs. Buffalo Bills	4:30 p.m.	Netflix
17	TBD	at New England Patriots	TBD	TBD
18	TBD	vs. Los Angeles Chargers	TBD	TBD

Denver faces a challenging slate that includes 10 games against teams that reached the 2025 playoffs. Five of the Broncos’ first six opponents made the postseason, while the final three games feature Buffalo, New England and the Chargers.