The Denver Broncos are one of the hottest teams this NFL offseason, adding big-time pieces to an already vaunted defense while also seemingly improving on offense. With a mix of youth and veteran leadership, the Broncos are positioning themselves well for a big season.
According to Jeffrey Chadiha of NFL.com, the Broncos have improved so much that Chadiha believes they are ready to topple the Kansas City Chiefs for an AFC West division win this season.
"The Broncos have an elite defense, and it looks like they landed a franchise quarterback in Bo Nix in last year's draft," Chadiha said. "We know [Sean] Payton can coach up the offense, especially as the Broncos add more playmakers."
The Chiefs have won the division every season since 2016, but the Broncos proved themselves as a team capable of giving Kansas City fits. In November of 2024, the Chiefs squeaked out a 16-14 win over Denver at Arrowhead Stadium. Then, in Week 18, the Broncos beat a Chiefs squad that was resting its starters.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton greet each other after the game at Empower Field at Mile High.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton greet each other after the game at Empower Field at Mile High.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Chadiha also noted that the AFC West is stronger across the board, with all four teams having head coaches who have reached or won a Super Bowl. He thinks that levels the playing field. Especially for Denver, who he believes is the best team outside of Kansas City in the division.
"With the other teams also creating more resistance to the Chiefs... Denver will earn its first [AFC West] crown since Peyton Manning was their quarterback," Chadiha said.
That was 10 years ago.