Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Getty
Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos warms up before facing the New Orleans Saints.
The Denver Broncos talked up Bo Nix soon after his arrival as the No. 12 overall pick of the 2024 draft, and that has only continued after several key additions to the roster this offseason. But it is the group’s two staples that serve as the most encouraging backdrop for Nix.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon listed the “prospect of a sophomore slump” as the “biggest problem” the Broncos may face in 2025, citing Houston Texans star C.J. Stroud as an example.
There is “good news” in Gagnon’s forecast for Nix, though.
Broncos QB Bo Nix Gets ‘Good News’ Outlook
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos walks on the field after a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Nix threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions during the 2024 regular season, leading the Broncos to a 10-win season and a playoff berth.
Repeating that would-be Pro Bowl performance could prove quite challenging after that.
“The 25-year-old came into the league mature and was fantastic down the stretch as a rookie, but defensive coordinators throughout the league will be more prepared for him in Year 2.
“That starts with the Titans, who might not pose a massive challenge overall in Week 1 but do possess a talented defensive front led by Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat,” Gagnon wrote on September 5. “The good news is the Broncos have a strong offensive line and defense. The receiving corps isn’t stacked for Nix, but there’s enough talent to get by. He stands a better chance at avoiding that slump than Stroud did in Houston.”
Denver signed two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram in free agency, adding the hybrid tight end to a wide receiver corps led by 2019 Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton.
The Broncos have a slew of talented, but young and unproven options, too.
However, the key for Nix and the Broncos could very well be head coach Sean Payton’s commitment to the running game. It will also hinge upon J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey’s ability to deliver when called upon.
Bo Nix Emulating C.J. Stroud High Praise
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on before facing the Minnesota Vikings.
Nix even drawing the comparison to Stroud, who was a Pro Bowler and won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, speaks to how impressive the Broncos’ QB was in his first season and the expectations that it led to.
Stroud’s second season was notably worse in several significant ways, including a decreased touchdown rate, increased interception rate, and a career-high 52 sacks taken.
The sacks were the second-most in the NFL behind Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams.
Stroud’s final line of 3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions is eerily similar to Nix’s rookie stats, so a dip could be even more detrimental to the Broncos than what the Texans endured in 2024, and Nix is as dialed in as anyone.
Bo Nix HATES to lose… more than he loves winning. And most of all, he wants to win for his team.
"Hatred of losing. I hate letting the team down. I hate letting the building down… Maybe its a fear of failure but it's more of just a fear of letting people down around you. pic.twitter.com/8kH30lex7l
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) September 3, 2025
However, the Texans also won one more game last season than they did with Stoud as a rookie, showing that while stats provide some insight, they are only useful in the proper context.
Encouragingly for the Broncos, Nix completed a higher percentage of his passes as a rookie than Stroud has in either of his two seasons in the NFL. Nix is also older than Stroud was coming out of college, notably holding the title of the passer with the most starts.