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The NFL season is within reach after the Hall of Fame Game delivered an outstanding thriller to kick off the preseason. The quest for Super Bowl LXI is now just a month away from beginning in Seattle, as the Seahawks prepare to hang their championship banner.
The team they defeated in Super Bowl LX was, of course, the New England Patriots. New England reached the Super Bowl after defeating the Denver Broncos, who were without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix. Despite the disappointing ending, Denver took a massive step forward in 2025 and established itself as one of the AFC’s better teams.
MORE: Ranking first-year NFL head coaches with the toughest jobs
Now, with Nix returning, the question is how far the Broncos can go in 2026. The NFL’s official site recently evaluated all 16 AFC teams and offered differing opinions on how Denver will fare this season.
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
“Is Jaylen Waddle the missing piece in Denver’s championship puzzle? Based on the Broncos’ otherwise quiet offseason, they sure seem to think so. One of the league’s most complete teams, Denver’s season will be a tale of two halves: Can the Broncos hold up against an early-season onslaught that includes bouts with the Jaguars, Rams, 49ers, Chargers and Seahawks, as well as both head-to-heads with the Chiefs? If they’re still standing by their Week 10 bye (one-score wins are still wins!), their schedule sets up nicely for a second-half run.”
One expert believes the Broncos will return to the playoffs in 2026, while the other believes they will miss the postseason. That split is somewhat surprising considering what Denver accomplished last season.
MORE: Matt LaFleur makes ‘healthy’ demand for Jordan Love, starters ahead of preseason
The Broncos have now made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and their 2025 campaign showed they are capable of competing with some of the AFC’s top teams. More importantly, they will have Nix back under center after his absence contributed to their playoff loss to New England.
Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Denver also added Waddle this offseason, giving Nix another explosive weapon to work with in the passing game. If Waddle can complement the Broncos’ existing offensive talent while the defense remains among the league’s best, there is little reason to believe Denver cannot remain in the AFC playoff picture.
Still, the Broncos face a difficult early-season schedule, and that is outlined in their hesitation. The AFC remains loaded with contenders, and Denver cannot afford to stumble early if it wants to secure another postseason berth.
Ultimately, the Broncos have earned the benefit of the doubt. They have reached the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, Nix is healthy, and the roster appears capable of taking another step forward. Missing the postseason would be a significant disappointment after the progress Denver made dating back to 2024.
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The team they defeated in Super Bowl LX was, of course, the New England Patriots. New England reached the Super Bowl after defeating the Denver Broncos, who were without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix. Despite the disappointing ending, Denver took a massive step forward in 2025 and established itself as one of the AFC’s better teams.
MORE: Ranking first-year NFL head coaches with the toughest jobs
Now, with Nix returning, the question is how far the Broncos can go in 2026. The NFL’s official site recently evaluated all 16 AFC teams and offered differing opinions on how Denver will fare this season.
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Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
“Is Jaylen Waddle the missing piece in Denver’s championship puzzle? Based on the Broncos’ otherwise quiet offseason, they sure seem to think so. One of the league’s most complete teams, Denver’s season will be a tale of two halves: Can the Broncos hold up against an early-season onslaught that includes bouts with the Jaguars, Rams, 49ers, Chargers and Seahawks, as well as both head-to-heads with the Chiefs? If they’re still standing by their Week 10 bye (one-score wins are still wins!), their schedule sets up nicely for a second-half run.”
Coming down from Mile High season?
One expert believes the Broncos will return to the playoffs in 2026, while the other believes they will miss the postseason. That split is somewhat surprising considering what Denver accomplished last season.
MORE: Matt LaFleur makes ‘healthy’ demand for Jordan Love, starters ahead of preseason
The Broncos have now made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and their 2025 campaign showed they are capable of competing with some of the AFC’s top teams. More importantly, they will have Nix back under center after his absence contributed to their playoff loss to New England.
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Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Denver also added Waddle this offseason, giving Nix another explosive weapon to work with in the passing game. If Waddle can complement the Broncos’ existing offensive talent while the defense remains among the league’s best, there is little reason to believe Denver cannot remain in the AFC playoff picture.
Still, the Broncos face a difficult early-season schedule, and that is outlined in their hesitation. The AFC remains loaded with contenders, and Denver cannot afford to stumble early if it wants to secure another postseason berth.
Ultimately, the Broncos have earned the benefit of the doubt. They have reached the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, Nix is healthy, and the roster appears capable of taking another step forward. Missing the postseason would be a significant disappointment after the progress Denver made dating back to 2024.
Continue reading...
