🏈 Denver Broncos 2025 Season Preview: Defense-First Playoff Push

cashincountry
Sep 2, 2025
2 min read

The Denver Broncos enter the 2025 NFL season as serious AFC West contenders, built around one of the league’s most dominant defenses and an offense that’s steadily adding firepower. With expectations higher than they’ve been in a decade, Denver is poised to challenge for the division crown and make a deep playoff run.

🔥 Team Strengths & Key Players

Patrick Surtain II (CB): The reigning Defensive Player of the Year headlines a stacked secondary. Rookie Jahdae Barron adds depth, giving Denver one of the NFL’s best coverage units.
New Defensive Playmakers: LB Dre Greenlaw and S Talanoa Hufanga bring leadership and physicality, rounding out a defense that already ranked #2 in pressure rate last season.
QB Bo Nix’s Growth: After an impressive rookie campaign, Nix enters Year 2 with confidence and better offensive support.
Evan Engram (TE): The Pro Bowl tight end provides a dynamic, reliable target in critical third-down and red-zone situations.
Backfield Boost: Veteran J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey headline a revamped rushing attack, addressing one of the Broncos’ biggest offensive weaknesses.

📅 Schedule & Key Matchups

Denver faces the 15th toughest schedule in 2025, with several spotlight games:

Week 1 vs Titans: A strong home opener against an improving AFC foe.
Divisional Showdowns: Two crucial battles each against Kansas City and Los Angeles Chargers, who stand in Denver’s way to the AFC West crown.
Week 5 @ Eagles: A true early-season test against the defending Super Bowl champs.
Week 17 @ Chiefs: Potentially a division-deciding matchup late in the season.

The Broncos are favored in 12 of 18 games, giving them their best playoff positioning outlook in years.

✅ Strengths

Elite Pass Defense: Denver’s cornerback group, edge pressure, and defensive play-calling make them a nightmare for opposing QBs.
Defensive Depth: Offseason signings ensure a well-rounded, physical unit.
Offensive Additions: Engram’s presence and a deeper RB rotation provide balance to Bo Nix’s development.

⚠️ Weaknesses

Offensive Consistency: The passing attack has upside but remains unproven beyond Courtland Sutton.
Injury Concerns: Engram’s health and Dobbins’ durability will be crucial for sustained success.
Division Strength: The AFC West is stacked, and the Chiefs remain a championship-caliber rival.

🔮 Season Predictions

Projected Record: 11-6 or 12-5
Playoff Outlook: Strong Wild Card or Division Winner
Super Bowl Odds: +2500 (11th best)
AFC Title Odds: +1300
X-Factor: Bo Nix’s progression in Year 2 and offensive line performance will determine Denver’s postseason ceiling.

🏆 Final Take

The Denver Broncos enter 2025 looking like a complete football team for the first time in years. With a defense capable of shutting down any opponent and an offense finally catching up, Denver has a legitimate shot to topple the Chiefs in the AFC West. Fans should expect a gritty, playoff-caliber squad ready to bring championship energy back to Mile High.

📌 Bottom Line: If the offense stays healthy and productive, this could be Denver’s best season since their Super Bowl 50 victory.