NFL
Season Outlook:
It's unfinished business for the Broncos. The AFC Championship loss to New England on a snowy home field without an injured Bo Nix left Sean Payton's team with visions of what could have been. Denver brings back the core of a defense that was one of the league's best in 2025, and the division will again test whether they can match last year's 14-3 run. A healthy Nix and a dynamic new offensive weapon give this season added urgency.
What's Changed:
Denver's biggest move sent its first-, third-, and fourth-round picks in this year's draft to Miami for Jaylen Waddle. Bo Nix got a new receiver and a new play-caller: Davis Webb takes over offensive coordinator duties from Payton. The Broncos re-signed linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to preserve key defensive pieces, but lost John Franklin-Myers and PJ Locke in free agency.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:
Waddle gives Nix a middle-of-the-field option Denver didn't have before. Dealing three draft picks signals how aggressively the Broncos believe they can win now. He and Courtland Sutton should form one of the league's best passing attacks, with the former Dolphin winding up as the top target. Cornerback Jahdae Barron is worth watching in his second season. The 2025 first-round pick spent his rookie year learning behind Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain, and that mentorship could pay off.
Key Question:
Do they have enough depth at linebacker? The pass rush remains a strength, but the depth behind Singleton and Strnad at inside linebacker is young and unproven. The situation surrounding outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper is far more serious than a football question. He’s facing serious charges, and the team needs a real contingency plan if the case takes him off the field.
Prediction:
There is a drop off, but not much. The Broncos go 11-6 and end up short of another AFC West title. They don’t go far in the playoffs however – losing to Baltimore in the Wild Card round on the road. The defense stays strong under Vance Joseph and remains among the best in sack totals and fewest points allowed. And as the No. 1 receiver, Waddle has a bigger receiving season in Denver than he ever managed in Miami.
X-Factor:
Watch how the running back hierarchy shakes out. J.K. Dobbins is the No. 1 guy, but his durability is a question after 153 carries for 772 yards last year ended in a season-ending injury. Behind him, RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman offer different skill sets. Harvey is more elusive, and Coleman more of a power back — but both threaten to catch passes out of the backfield.
Final Scorecard:
- Offense: 8
- Defense: 8
- Coaching: 8
- X-Factor Upside: 8
- Schedule Strength: 7